Solar tops new Madison Olson Elementary School

Friday, August 29, 2008

From an article by Tamira Madsen in The Capital Times:

The 88,000-square foot, $13 million school was completed earlier this week and has a geothermal heating/cooling system, day lighting windows and solar panel roofing. Olson is one of the first schools in the state to be constructed to strict environmental guidelines, also known as LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications. The school was named for Paul J. Olson, a native of Mount Horeb and University of Wisconsin graduate who was a devoted conservationist and highly respected science teacher and 23-year principal at Midvale Elementary School.

It's those green aspects that many Olson parents and teachers find appealing, including Kimi Ishikawa, an English as a second language teacher in a fourth- and fifth-grade classroom.

Ishikawa taught at Chavez for five years and helped build a rain garden at the school. She said encouraging children to respect and take care of the environment is important for the faculty, which organized a green team over the summer. Several initiatives the team plans to incorporate are carpooling and developing a prairie.

"Environmental issues are really important to me," Ishikawa said. "I think it will be very exciting starting a new culture at a new school and building a new community, and hopefully, building it around some of those environmental mind-sets. I was involved in putting in a rain garden at Chavez and a bunch of us at Chavez took a prairie restoration class.

The 88,000-square foot, $13 million school was completed earlier this week and has a geothermal heating/cooling system, day lighting windows and solar panel roofing. Olson is one of the first schools in the state to be constructed to strict environmental guidelines, also known as LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications. The school was named for Paul J. Olson, a native of Mount Horeb and University of Wisconsin graduate who was a devoted conservationist and highly respected science teacher and 23-year principal at Midvale Elementary School.

It's those green aspects that many Olson parents and teachers find appealing, including Kimi Ishikawa, an English as a second language teacher in a fourth- and fifth-grade classroom.

Ishikawa taught at Chavez for five years and helped build a rain garden at the school. She said encouraging children to respect and take care of the environment is important for the faculty, which organized a green team over the summer. Several initiatives the team plans to incorporate are carpooling and developing a prairie.

"Environmental issues are really important to me," Ishikawa said. "I think it will be very exciting starting a new culture at a new school and building a new community, and hopefully, building it around some of those environmental mind-sets. I was involved in putting in a rain garden at Chavez and a bunch of us at Chavez took a prairie restoration class.

Harpooning the Earth--Drilling with Charlie

Thursday, August 28, 2008

From an article by Randy Udall on the Web site of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil - USA:

Drilling holes into the earth is an audacious act with an ancient history. Many centuries ago the Chinese were drilling wells 1,000 feet-deep. In the 1860s, as marine mammals grew scarce, American whalers came ashore and began harpooning the planet, hoping to strike "rock oil."

Earth may resemble a big rock, but it's not stone-dead. Miles down, in what geologists call the petroleum kitchen, powerful forces are imprisoned. The copper plumbing in your house is designed to handle 100 pounds-per-square inch. Rig hands like my friend Charlie routinely deal with 4,000 psi, scalding temperatures, poisonous gases, bottled mayhem.

Charlie is a talented vagabond who peddles his specialized services from New Mexico to Montana. He emails me occasionally and when he comes through here I buy him a cheeseburger at Denny's. To see him sitting there, you might mistake Charlie for a plumber. But the work he does is more delicate than heart surgery. If your house was buried 8,000 feet underground, Charlie could guide a drilling bit through your patio door, down the hallway and out the bathroom window. Then he could go on down the street to the neighbor's and do it again.

Train ridership skyrocketing in Badger State

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

From an article by Kate McGinty in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

Wisconsinites are jumping on trains at record-shattering highs — and that demand could help the state expand train service into the Fox Valley.

Two Amtrak trains now run through Wisconsin. The popular Hiawatha track, which takes passengers between Chicago and Milwaukee, scored 607,000 rides in the last 10 months. That’s up 24.2 percent from the year before.

The state also reported an all-time monthly record passenger count on that track in July, with 78,644 rides. That is a 37.6 percent increase over the same month last year.

"The public is clamoring for this kind of thing. We have got extremely strong demand for our service," said Randy Wade, passenger rail manager for the state Department of Transportation.

Because of the high demand, the state wants to extend the service into northeast Wisconsin. Right now, the tracks are limited to Milwaukee and the western edge of the state.

As gas prices rise, you gotta drive hurt

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

From a guest column by Rich Eggleston in The Capital Times:

A resumption of offshore drilling is supported by almost three out of five Americans, who are as anxious as the Republicans in Congress for a quick fix for high energy prices.

Politicians have enough perks that they don't have to worry about $4-a-gallon gasoline, but they do have an election coming up, and they'll do almost anything to prevent the oil companies from losing their grip on Congress.

But we can no longer really believe the folks in politics can solve our problems, so maybe we should rewrite the old adage in athletics to, "You gotta drive hurt."

Few of us are masochists, though. And we all know that the simplest, cheapest and most effective way to avoid the hurt is to use less energy. Turn off the lights we aren't using. Get on the phone or the Internet instead of into our cars to go shopping. Carpool.

Ah, but Americans desperately want a miracle drug to fight the pain. And Congress and candidates, naively thinking Americans still believe them, desperately want to convince people they can provide that miracle drug.

How about applying some witches' ointment to our hurt, like offshore drilling? John McCain says it will work, and we ought to believe him, since he understands economics about as well as Daisy Duck.

The Energy Information Administration says offshore drilling could, in about 20 years, add about two-tenths of 1 percent to world oil production.

The effect on gas prices, according to those energy gurus? "Insignificant."

Is "fracking" safe?

Monday, August 25, 2008

From a Grist summary of a Newsweek article by Jim Moscou:

Toxic chemicals pumped underground to break up seams of rock and increase oil and gas production have a fun nickname: fracking fluids, short for fracturing. (Go on, say it: frack!) But the fun stops there. Fracking fluids go largely unregulated, despite millions of gallons of use and hundreds of reported spills each year. Thanks to proprietary trade laws, energy companies don't have to disclose the ingredients of the chemical mix they pump into the earth, but the U.S. EPA nonetheless says fracking fluids are safe for the environment and groundwater. In a recent incident in Colorado, emergency-room worker Cathy Behr was diagnosed with chemical poisoning after treating a man who had been caught in a fracking-fluid spill that was never officially reported. "I always thought that the industry probably took chances," says Behr. "But I always thought someone was watching them." Colorado issued its first regulations for fracking fluid this week, applauded by environmentalists and opposed by industry.

Schmoozing from the bike saddle

Friday, August 22, 2008

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

When Associated Bank senior vice president Tom Dott schedules business meetings this time of year, he often asks clients to bring along the bike.

And when Dott talks bicycling, he's doesn't mean a ride around the block. Rather, he's thinking a three-hour tour of 40 miles or so along the backroads of Dane County.

"We've been holding rides with clients about every month," he says. "They've been really popular."

Indeed, for a growing number of fitness-minded business people, bike tours have become the "new golf." Where deals were once cut on the country club fairway, more and more are getting done from the saddle of a high-end road bike with a carbon fiber frame.

Corporate bike rides are already a big deal in California and are increasingly catching on in Wisconsin. Given the number of bike-related businesses in the state, that's not surprising.

While location or size of the rides vary, they're pretty similar: men and women, some on bikes costing upwards of $5,000, ride on a fixed route at their own pace, ending the day with a dinner or beer bash. Riders get to network, talk shop, sweat some and even flex their cycling muscles.

Often, the rides include a charity fundraiser, with business and employees raising money for a good cause.

Focus on Energy seeks large renewable projects to fund

Thursday, August 21, 2008

From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, is helping businesses statewide become more energy independent by offering large, one time only grants to help finance the installation of innovative renewable energy systems. Eligible businesses must submit grant proposals to Focus on Energy by Oct. 29, 2008. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis and are meant to support one project in each of the following technologies:

Industrial or Municipal Anaerobic Digesters
Many industries and wastewater treatment facilities are looking for a solution to both organic waste management and a source of on-site energy production. Anaerobic treatment of industrial or municipal wastewater can offset waste treatment costs by collecting and using biogas for energy applications. This grant will fund the installation of a commercially available anaerobic digester system in the $2 to $4 million range. The grant will reward up to 25 percent of the installed project cost, or a maximum of $500,000.

Biomass Combustion
Biomass Combustion can serve as on-site energy production for many industries and commercial facilities. The technology offsets energy costs by burning biomass for energy applications. Biomass combustion systems can help supply space heating, process heating, cooling and electricity. This grant will fund the installation of a commercially available biomass combustion system in the $2 to $4 million range. The grant will reward up to 25 percent of the installed project cost, or a maximum of $500,000.

Solar Water Heating
The sun's energy can be used to heat water for commercial and industrial applications. Businesses interested in implementing solar water heating can use this grant for the installation of one large, commercially-available solar water heating system or a group of systems owned by the same entity and installed simultaneously. This grant will fund the installation of a solar hot water system that offsets more than 10,000 therms per year. The grant will reward up to 25 percent of the installed project cost for tax-paying entities and up to 35 percent for nonprofits, or a maximum of $100,000.

Solar Electric
Solar energy can be converted directly to electricity with photovoltaic (PV) cells. As light strikes the PV cell, it creates an electrical potential that generates a current of electricity. To implement solar electricity, businesses can use this grant for the installation of a large solar electric system or groups of systems that are innovative and very visible. This grant will fund the installation of a PV system that produces more than 50 kilowatts (kW) per year. The grant will reward up to 25 percent of the installed project cost for tax-paying entities and up to 35 percent for nonprofits, or a maximum of $100,000.

Wind Energy
The energy present in wind can be converted into electricity with a wind turbine. Wind passing over the turbine creates a rotary motion that turns an electric generator and creates electricity. This grant will provide financial support for the installation of one commercially available wind energy system that demonstrates a new type of turbine, has a special type of application and/or provides very high visibility and educational value. To be eligible the project must produce 20 kW to 100 kW per year. This grant will reward up to 35 percent of the installed project cost, or a maximum of $100,000.

"These grants offer a one time opportunity for businesses and non-profits to apply for projects that are twice as large as those normally accepted by Focus on Energy. We believe there is an emerging demand for renewable energy systems at this larger level, offering businesses a way to mitigate the effects of fossil-fuel-based energy use, reduce pollution and lessen America's dependence on energy from overseas," said Don Wichert, program director for Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program.

UW students find energy savings for Monroe Street library

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

From an article by Anita Weier in The Capital Times:

In response to the city of Madison's latest budget crunch, library officials recently floated a plan to close the Monroe Street branch library or, at the least, cut back hours and services. But maybe there's a "green" way to save some dollars there instead.

A study by students in Mike Oliva's sustainable design engineering class at University of Wisconsin-Madison last year found that the 47-year-old library could shave energy costs by using high-performance fluorescent light bulbs, natural lighting, double-pane windows, occupancy sensors for bathroom lights and fans and additional insulation. The students found, incredibly enough, that there was no insulation in the walls. (emphasis added)

"The study was a good one, to look at an ancient building and see what you could do," said Library Director Barb Dimick. She thought some of the proposals, in fact, worthy enough to include in her 2009 capital budget.

Cities plan for life after peak oil

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

From Post Carbon Cities:

Since oil prices started climbing beyond 15-year highs in 2004, a growing number of municipal and regional agencies have acted to address the threat of peak oil. These actions have included internal vulnerability studies, internal policy assessments, community vulnerability task forces, and related resolutions and ordinances.

The site highlights the activities of several cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Suburban flight: Commuting to work less attractive as gas prices soar

Monday, August 18, 2008

From an article by Mike Ivey in the Wisconsin State Journal:

Debbie Kelly and her husband, Tom, have been living the dream for years.

They've got a cozy home nestled in the Wyoming Valley, the bucolic Iowa County setting where architect Frank Lloyd Wright drew his inspiration.

Deer graze in the yard. Orioles flock to the bird feeder. When nights are clear, the Milky Way lights the sky.

It's a little slice of heaven -- save for the 45-mile commute to work.

It wasn't a big financial drain driving into Madison, even as gasoline passed $2 a gallon in 2004 or $3 last summer. But for Debbie Kelly, $4 fuel has been the tipping point.

Now, instead of driving all the way to her nursing job at the Dean Clinic on Fish Hatchery Road, Kelly will often park in Verona and ride her bicycle the rest of the way. One night a week, she camps in the back of her pickup truck at Lake Farm County Park, south of the Beltline on the shores of Lake Waubesa.

"They've got the hottest showers," said Kelly, 54, a mother of three.

Kelly admits she's thought about moving closer to the city. The time spent driving and the rising costs are beginning to wear. But she said her husband isn't budging.

"Tom will probably go with the property," she said. "I don't think he'll ever leave the valley."

Whether high fuel prices are going to affect where people in Wisconsin live remains to be seen. It's not that simple to just pick up and move, especially for those who already own a home.

Still, it's a question crossing the minds of many who chose to buy a home miles from their place of employment or school.

"It really hit me when it cost nearly $100 to fill up the truck last week," said Rich Eggleston, who lives in Fitchburg and commutes to his job downtown at the Alliance of Cities.

And there are early indications that life in the suburbs is starting to look less attractive to home buyers.

Emission, energy reduction at heart of proposed building code

Friday, August 15, 2008

From an article by Anita Weier in The Capital Times:

The Sierra Club and the U.S. Conference of Mayors are supporting a revision of building codes for new homes that supporters say would boost energy efficiency by 30 percent -- to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce utility bills.

The proposed changes will be considered by the International Code Council in Minneapolis in September, when building inspectors and code officials meet to revise the model building code that many state and local jurisdictions use to develop their own regulations.

The International Energy Conservation Code is updated every three years, and the newest version will be published in 2009.

The "30% Solution" developed by the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition is a package of proposals that the coalition says uses proven, readily available technologies such as efficient lighting, insulation, building air tightness and efficient heating and air conditioning equipment to slash energy use.

"Homes are around for a long time. If the whole state of Wisconsin opts into a revised code, substantial energy could be saved and carbon dioxide emissions reduced, using technology that is already out there," said Shahla Werner, director of the Sierra Club's statewide John Muir Chapter, which is encouraging Wisconsin cities to send delegates to the council meeting.

The Sierra Club contends that by 2030, the 30 percent solution would save $88 billion in energy costs while reducing heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions by 464 million metric tons.

DOE funds carbon capture with $340M & solar with $24M, Sigh

Thursday, August 14, 2008

From an article by Craig Rubens on Earth2Tech.com:

In the last two days, the Department of Energy has announced $24 million worth of new investments in solar energy while also revealing it’s putting a whopping $340 million into yet more clean coal research. In conjunction with the funding announcements, the DOE says it’s “committed to…developing the technologies that will ensure coal can be used,” but at the same time describes solar as “an important component of our comprehensive strategy to commercialize and deploy advanced, clean, alternative technologies.”

Parsing the language indicates this administration’s bias toward clean coal, but the numbers speak even louder. Since 2001 the DOE has put more than $2.5 billion into clean coal, including millions sunk into the scuttled FutureGen project. This week’s $340 million is part of President Bush’s $2 billion, 10-Year Clean Coal Initiative, but is separate from the $1.3 billion announced with the “restructuring” of the FutureGen project.

The DOE was not able to immediately provide us with the total amount of federal funding that solar projects have received, but we do know that the agency announced $60 million earlier this year and $168 million last year for solar projects. We’re sure that’s not the entire amount, but seems to come in significantly under its clean coal budget.

Energy Department predicts $200 average rise in heating costs

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The average household in the Midwest will see heating costs jump by more than $200 during the upcoming fall and winter, the federal Energy Department projected Tuesday.

The agency said that homeowners should brace for record home heating bills this winter, as the price of oil and natural gas remain well above levels seen in recent years.

At the same time, the agency said the outlook is much better than a month ago, when the spot price of natural gas was at least 25% higher than it is today.

The market is so volatile that it's tough to make predictions, but it's clear that homeowners should prepare themselves for higher heating bills, said Brian Manthey, a spokesman for We Energies.

Ashland, Bayfield, and Washburn join renewable energy partnership

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

From a media release issued by Governor Doyle:

WASHBURN – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn are joining the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community (WEIC) Partnership.

“State and local government must lead by example, and I am proud Northwoods communities will join as partners and adopt the state’s energy goals,” Governor Doyle said. “Energy Independent Communities strengthen Wisconsin’s commitment to renewable energy leadership, and move forward energy policies that will clean our air and water, create jobs and save us money.”

Under the Governor’s leadership, the Office of Energy Independence is partnering with individual communities to increase their share of renewable fuels and capitalize on their unique resources to become more energy independent. This partnership, the first of its kind in the nation, embraces the approaches and solutions that communities are currently exploring. Energy Independent Communities will decide on strategies based on their unique assets and how they will capitalize on the diversity of their resources. . . .

Wanted: Citizens who seek to do what is right

Monday, August 11, 2008

From a letter to the editor of The Capital Times by Hans Noeldner, peak oil activist:

The Washington Post recently printed yet one more article in a recent spate of news stories on sprawl. As usual, the issue was framed as one of gas prices forcing changes rather than responsible human beings making proactive choices.

While I'm glad to see another column in a major newspaper on the topic of commuting, suburbia, and high gas prices, here is the kind of ubiquitous headline my heart longs to see: "Sense of patriotism and earth stewardship apply brakes to hypergrowth and hyperconsumption."

America does not need consumers who merely react to prices. She needs citizens who seek to do what is right for our heirs -- unilaterally, vigorously and without being forced by laws and/or the market. Burning gasoline like crazy when it was "cheap at the pump" was NEVER a good idea. In truth, even $4 gas doesn't begin to include all the external costs.

Gas prices cause problems for City of Madison

Friday, August 08, 2008

From an article by Kristin Czubkowski in The Capital Times:

Rising gas prices will mean tough budget choices for Madison soon.

Madison Comptroller Dean Brasser said many city agencies like Madison Metro and city fleet services are already over budget this year because of fuel prices. This means that sometime before the end of the year, they will have to go back in front of the City Council to either request more money or to shift funds within the budget to cover for high fuel prices.

The city has developed the deficit even with the benefit of paying lower prices than individuals do at the pump.

On average, Brasser said city employees were spending $3.78 per gallon on gasoline in May compared to $2.47 per gallon in May 2007. Gasoline is usually cheaper for the city to buy than the average Madison driver because it uses a competitive bidding process and buys gasoline in bulk.

"We are retail customers like anyone else, except we buy in large quantities, and we have underground storage tanks ourselves in a number of locations around town. So in a way we're buying truckloads like a gas station would, but the purchase relationship is very different," he said.

The gas price squeeze will extend into next year, too. With fuel prices not predicted to drop anytime soon, Brasser projected that fuel costs would raise the city budget by $1.5 million if budget cuts were not made. That's about two-thirds of a percent of Madison's budget for 2008, which was $224.5 million.

For 2009, Brasser said agencies will likely have to make an "educated guess" on fuel prices for the next year.

"No one has a crystal ball and is able to forecast particularly in this kind of a market," he said.

Five energy proposals for Wisconsin & Madison

Thursday, August 07, 2008

From a commentary by Don Wichert, director of renewable energy programs for Focus on Energy, in the Wisconsin State Journal:

High energy prices and potential supply disruptions can prompt creative thinking and new approaches in thousands of situations. Here are five energy proposals that could be started immediately.

The most imminent is to provide innovative and analytical support to rebuild flooded homes and communities with sustainable energy designs.

Wisconsin folks have done this before in Soldiers Grove in 1978. This community effort can be replicated and improved upon using 30 years of sustainable development practices.

The second proposal is to retool the General Motors plant in Janesville to make the new GM Plug-In Hybrid Electric "Volt" or some similar next generation vehicle.

The changing of the car guard from big to efficient is a perfect transitional energy fit and an entire trained workforce and significant manufacturing infrastructure awaits in Janesville.

The Volt is due to be produced in 2010 for the 2011 model year, about the same time Janesville's SUV line will close.

Proposal three is to get the Wisconsin printing industry, led by companies like Quad Graphics, Serigraph and others, to start printing solar electric "paint" on building materials, like roofing, siding and windows.

A company called NanoSolar in the Silicon Valley has shown that this process can be done at drastically reduced cost. And that's when the printing techniques were developed from scratch.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our mature printing industry to follow suit.

Everyone welcome at monthly meeting!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Peak Oil Discussion Group
August 7, 2008

DRAFT Agenda
1. Introductions

2. Announcements/miscellaneous
a. Tabling at Farmers’ Market
- August 30 – Jeff Riggert
- October 11
b. Other

3. Financial report

4. Program committee report
a. “What’s the program?” – David Knuti & Ross DePaola
b. Prospects for a teach-in in conjunction with the Nelson Institute – Ed Blume
c. Good sources for information on post peak planning – Beth Campbell
d. Review of statement on support for RTA to deliver to Legislative Council Study Committee on RTA – Hans Noeldner
e. Coordination of activities with Green Action Network – Barb Smith

5. Next meeting: September 4

Renewable Wood Energy workshop, Sept. 4, Green Bay

Monday, August 04, 2008

From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (August 4, 2008) - On Sept. 4, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, will host a conference demonstrating how businesses and organizations can take advantage of Wisconsin's most abundant natural resource - wood. The one-day conference titled "Work Smarter with Wood, Renewable Wood Energy," will be held at the Best Western Midway Hotel in Green Bay, Wis., and will offer attendees information and tours highlighting how wood can be used to generate bioenergy. In addition, the conference is being presented as a precursor to the 63rd Annual Lake States Logging Congress - the Midwest's largest forestry tradeshow - presented by the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association September 4 - 6. . . .

Focus on Energy's conference will consist of information sessions and keynotes, including speakers from the Office of Energy Independence, the Environmental Law & Policy Center, the Pellet Fuel Institute, and Focus on Energy. There will also be tours of two area facilities that are benefiting from the use of renewable wood energy, ST Paper and Pomp's Service. Attendees will have a chance to tour a biomass combustion system located at ST Paper and Pomp's Service's wood brokering facility (ST Paper acquires their wood fuel from Pomp's).

Complete workshop details here.

Gov says no to coal for state power plants

Friday, August 01, 2008

From a story by Bill Novak from The Capital Times:

Using coal at state-owned heating plants is not an option that should be considered as a fuel source, according to a directive issued Friday by Gov. Jim Doyle.

The directive to move away from coal is in line with recommendations made by the governor's task force on global warming.

"The state should lead by example and move away from our dependence on coal at the state-owned heating plants in Madison," Doyle said. "Global warming demands leadership, and as we plan for the future of the Madison heating facilities, we must chart a course that lowers greenhouse gas emissions and encourages new alternative energy sources."

A comprehensive heating plant feasibility study released Friday looked at 13 options for the three existing state-owned heating plants in Madison and a possible new combined heating plant, and coal is not in the mix.

"The state should seriously explore the possibility of eliminating coal at the plants considered in this study and move to technologies and fuels that will provide a cleaner energy future for the capital city," the study said.

The plants provide steam for heat and chilled water for cooling at state agency buildings and the UW-Madison campus.

The Charter Street Heating Plant has five boilers, four of which are permitted to burn coal (or paper-derived fuel, tire-derived fuel and wood), with the fifth boiler burning oil or natural gas.

The Capitol Heat and Power Plant, which supplies steam and chilled water to the Capitol and other buildings, has four boilers, two permitted to burn coal and two burning natural gas or oil.

The Walnut Street Heating Plant has three natural gas or oil boilers.

The proposed Isthmus Combined Energy Plant would use a combination of gas/oil boilers or biomass boilers and would replace both the Charter and Capitol plants in a full-scale option or just the Capitol plant in a reduced-scale option.

The study summary says no one option of the 13 options analyzed ranked first in all criteria, but all options would bring the Charter Street plant into compliance with the Clean Air Act.