Cooling the Earth One House at a Time
Expert Advice on How to Green Your Home & Pay For It
“Cooling the Earth One House at a Time” is the apt title of the next public forum of the Davis Climate Action Team (Ed. note – we’ve reported on the Climate Action Team (CAT) here, here and here):
Wednesday, October 7, 7pm -9pm; Davis City Council Chambers, 23 Russell Blvd. FREE.
These popular public information programs have been organized by Jenifer Segar on behalf of the city’s Climate Action Team, on which she has served as a member. The team’s work is now nearing an end and entering the implementation phase. Jenifer has added another sponsor, Valley Climate Action Center (VCAC), which is targeting implementation of carbon reducing programs in the Yolo County region.
VCAC is a revival of the successful Yolo Energy Efficiency Project (YEEP) led by Marshall Hunt. The non-profit will broaden its focus from just energy efficiency to the city’s newly adopted goals for reducing its carbon footprint in line with the state’s goals for 2025 and 2050. Both Marshall and Jenifer are involved with the relaunching of the corporation. The Oct. 7 event is designed to help homeowners plan and finance carbon reducing improvements on their property. The line up includes:
- Jonathan Woolley, UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center, “Action Plan for Reducing Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Carbon Footprint.”
- Steve Brennan, Davis Energy Group, “Improving Energy Efficiency and Home Energy Evaluations.”
- Liz Merry, Verve Solar Consulting, “Generating Power with Solar PV and Solar Thermal.”
- Paul Navazio, City of Davis Finance Director, “Emerging Funding Opportunities.” California Lighting Technology Center, UC Davis, “Exploring Emerging Technology and Options for Lighting.”
- Davis Mayor Pro-Tem Don Saylor will moderate the panel.
The program will be telecast on the city’s TV channel.
As a follow up to the forum, community members can attend an education and vendor fair on October 24 at Central Park from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This fair will be a part of a global grass roots campaign, 350.org. 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in “Parts per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change to the earth. This event also will include a bicycle parade, music and hands on activities.
One of the most effective way to curb energy use in the home is to plant shade trees on the east and west side of the building. Trees cost about $60 to plant. They save people an average of 30% on summer cooling costs. For some of my Davis friends, that’s $200 – $800 each year. I am disappointed to see trees left out of the agenda and will be attending this meeting to see if they are mentioned at all.