The Kyoto global warming pact went into force on February 16, 2005, seven years after it was negotiated. The pact imposes limits on the emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that scientists blame for rising world temperatures, melting glaciers, and rising oceans. This landmark agreement negotiated in Japan in 1997 and ratified by 140 nations, targets carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases that can trap heat in the atmosphere, and are believed to be behind rising global temperatures that are disrupting weather patterns. According to the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the U.S. National Academy of Science – increased greenhouse gas emissions are causing global warming, which will result in increased flooding, drought, disease, species extinction, and extreme weather conditions. Greenhouse gas is primarily produced by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
The United States, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has refused to ratify the Kyoto pact saying it would harm the U.S. economy and is flawed by the lack of restrictions on emissions by emerging economies China and India.
GORE FIGHTS AUTOMAKERS EMISSIONS SUIT
Former Vice-President Al Gore will call on automakers to drop their lawsuit against California’s tough new vehicle emissions standards. The California law, adopted in September, is the first in the nation to limit carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles. Carbon dioxide is believed to be the primary greenhouse gas causing global warming.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers sued in December, alleging that carbon dioxide limits are the equivalent of fuel-economy standards. Only the federal government can regulate fuel economy, the alliance argues. This same alliance used all of their political muscle to defeat recent U.S. Senate attempts to raise the federal fuel efficiency standards. Gore has announced a national campaign that will attempt to persuade the automakers to “innovate and not litigate”.
AECP MEMBER RECEIVES “BUILDER OF THE YEAR” AWARD
Shelter Alternatives, a custom home- builder based in Blacksburg, VA, has just been awarded the “Builder of the Year” award from the New River Valley Home Builders Association. Shelter was founded in 1988 and has designed and built over 100 new homes and additions in the New River Valley of Virginia. Their stated goal is to design and build high quality, competitively priced, and energy efficient houses, additions, and remodeling projects. Shelter Alternatives is the only five-time recipient of the “Design Excellence Award” from the New River Valley Home Builders Association. Shelter is a member of AECP and has participated as an exhibitor in our last three Energy Expos.
SLEC FORMS ADVISORY BOARD
The Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC) has formed an Advisory Board to help provide guidance and decision-making capabilities. The Board is comprised of Board members from AECP, The Jacksonville Center, and Architectural Alternatives. SLEC is an effort to develop and implement a permanent and evolving showcase of hands on, interactive educational exhibits, displays, and demonstrations that highlight the importance of sustainable living. SLEC will be housed at the Jacksonville Center in Floyd, VA in the same building where AECP currently maintains an office. AECP and the Jacksonville Center have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will act as a working agreement in the management of SLEC. Billy Weitzenfeld, Executive Director of AECP will serve as Executive Director of SLEC as well. AECP members of the Advisory Board are Bill Beachy – AECP President, Joanne Langford – AECP Treasurer, and Billy Weitzenfeld.
AECP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO POLICY COUNCIL
AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld has been appointed to the Virginia Weatherization Policy Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of public and private individuals and will be responsible for providing oversight to state weatherization staff in areas of weatherization policy.
ENERGY TIP
Cooking requires the use of energy so always use a lid on pans when cooking. Without a lid, cooking can use as much as three times more energy. A microwave oven can use 70% less energy than a stove.