April 22 was celebrated as Earth Day 2003. The theme this year is “Water for Life”. Water is a precious natural resource that sustains all forms of life but it is also directly related to energy conservation. Energy pumps, purifies, and heats water for home, commercial, and industrial use. So saving energy will save water and saving water will save energy. Here is a list of facts and concerns about water, courtesy of the Earth Day Network that should make everyone concerned and interested in how to conserve water more effectively.
- Since 1950, the global use of water has more than tripled.
- By 2025, it is predicted that 3.5 billion people worldwide will experience water shortages.
- In developing nations, 80% of illnesses are related to the access to plentiful supplies of clean water.
- Groundwater levels have reached an all-time low on every continent.
- Global warming is likely to affect our supply of freshwater resources.
- Burning fossil fuels to produce energy causes acid rain that contaminates our waterways.
- Household water leaks account for over two billion gallons of lost water.
- Storm-water run-off from city streets contains metals, oils, and other pollutants that regularly contaminate groundwater supplies.
- More than one billion people in the world do not have access to safe water.
- Over three million people in the world die each year as a result of preventable water related disease.
Depressing information and statistics, no doubt, but indicative of the severity of the problem. Remember that leadership begins at home and if we all practice water conservation in our own households then we will take a big step towards making “Water for Life” a way of life.
FORD INTRODUCES THE FIRST HYBRID SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE
The Ford Motor Company is highlighting its commitment to hybrid technology at the New York International Auto Show by introducing the Escape Hybrid SUV. The new Ford Escape will combine the cargo capacity and four- wheel drive of other SUV vehicles but the fuel economy and emission benefits of a full hybrid system. The new Escape will feature an advanced thermal management system that will result in longer battery life, better acceleration performance when the vehicle is in pure electric mode, and more efficient power-train operation. The vehicle will get 35-40 miles per gallon and acceleration performance comparable to a 201 horsepower V-6 engine. Ford also announced that the Ford Futura, a compact hybrid vehicle would be available in 2005.
Hybrid vehicles are combination electric and gas vehicles. They recover energy while braking and this is used to charge the batteries. While cruising on the highway the gasoline engine is used. But for low-speed driving, such as bumper- to- bumper traffic, the electric motor becomes the sole source and can propel the vehicle without the help of the gas engine. This results in significantly better gas mileage and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 50%.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
- AECP Board Meeting Christiansburg, VA
May 8, 2003 - WX Interchange
Virginia Beach, VA
June 16, 2003 - AECP Annual Meeting
Virginia Beach, VA
June 19, 2003
AECP Energy Expo
Roanoke, VA
September 12, 13, 2003 - Virginia Energy Fair
Richmond, VA
October 10, 11, 2003
DOE TO FUND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS ON NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL LANDS
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is providing $1.3 million to eight different Native American tribes to advance the development of renewable energy technology. Spencer Abraham, Secretary of Energy, stated, “we are committed to helping Native American tribes develop clean, affordable, and reliable energy options. These projects encourage tribal self-sufficiency, help create jobs, improve our environmental quality and make our nation more secure.” The projects include feasibility studies on wind, solar and bio-fuel power projects.
ENERGY TIP
With warm weather approaching be sure to have your central air conditioning systems serviced by a professional. Make sure that both indoor and outdoor coils are cleaned and inspected, the refrigerant charge is checked, and that the airflow over the indoor coil is checked. Annual inspections are essential to having a safe and efficient cooling system.