Conserving energy produced by fossil fuels can make a significant dent in CO2 emissions. Replacing fossil fuel energy cuts emissions even more dramatically, and sometimes completely.
There are many sources of renewable energy. They include solar, wind, earth and bio-fuels. Humans have used all these forms since the beginning of time. New technologies have been developed which increase their efficiency and adapt them to contemporary homes and equipment.
In Eden Mills, we understood that some of these changes would take more time, and in some cases, significant financial investment. We began by:
- Looking at alternate electricity sources: Some of us switched to Bullfrog Power, Ontario’s alternate energy source provided through the Ontario Power Authority grid. Bullfrog Power ensures that the electricity they provide comes from 100% renewable resources.
- Planning to install solar panels on public land as an example of what can be done: The photovoltaic cells would be designed to produce enough electricity for 3 houses. While this power will go to the grid rather than to local homes, Eden Mills will include the value of the renewable energy in its CO2 footprint calculation.
- Making home heating changes: Some residents also made changes, installing geo-thermal systems and wood pellet stoves.