What You Need to Know About Microbes and Climate Change

#Microbes, or microorganisms, are single-celled life forms that live everywhere. They inhabit our atmosphere, every imaginable type of environment, and can be found wherever life exists. When we think about bacteria or unseen microbes of any kind, we might immediately assume that these microbes are harmful or dangerous. While some are, in fact, harmful to us, a vast majority play a critical role when it comes to regulating Earth’s #climate and combating the negative effects of #climate change. Certain microbes recycle nutrients, break down organic matter, and assist with photosynthesis, all of which are necessary processes to keep Earth healthy.  

Apart from the visible impacts of climate change seen in the rising global temperatures, melting ice sheets, and rising sea levels, scientists are now speaking out about more elusive damages that are taking place in our environment. A consensus statement authored by over 30 professional scientists in the field was released earlier this month detailing how the microbes on Earth are being impacted negatively by climate change, even though we cannot see this harm with our own eyes. 

How Climate Change is Impacting Microbes 

The detailed consensus report covers several categories of microorganisms, as well as how #greenhouse gas balance is determined by certain microbes – especially when it comes to oceanic climates and habitats. Victoria Orphan, a microbial ecologist who helped author the report, spoke with the Los Angeles Times in detail about their scientific findings and concerns. 

Nearly half of the plants responsible for producing the oxygen we breathe on Earth actually live in the ocean. Ocean plants assist with extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into biomass. According to Orphan, our oceans are like “a sink for carbon dioxide.”  

Methane is another greenhouse gas that our oceans help to regulate. It is estimated that groups of microorganisms consume upwards of 80% of the methane contained in ocean sediments before having the chance to reach the atmosphere. In order for the environment to properly cycle methane, two different types of microbes must work in collaboration and operate together as one ecosystem. When sea habitats are disturbed through human practices, such as mining for deep-sea resources, these systems can become less effective at filtering #greenhouse gases over time. 

How Microbes React to Climate Change 

Not all microbes that naturally exist on our planet are beneficial. There are certain microbes in the atmosphere that release harmful emissions, regardless of whether or not climate change is occurring. These naturally existing emissions are made worse by climate change and can even contribute to its acceleration as the planet continues to warm.  

Nitrous oxide is one of the main greenhouse gases that is released into our atmosphere through agricultural fertilizers. Scientists expect that nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from soil and plant life will only increase as global temperatures continue to rise.  

Apart from the microbes that exist in soil, there are other microbes in our environment that have an impact on climate change. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is produced by cows, goats, and sheep in order to help them break down and digest their food. Over the course of the last several years, methane levels in the atmosphere have increased substantially. 

A Call to Action 

In the conclusion of the consensus statement, in addition to sentiments made by scientists directly involved with microbe and climate change research, it is clear that this warning about microbes and climate change is really a call to action. Apart from the visible damage we have seen from climate change already, scientists are now saying that the unseen microbes in our atmosphere are being affected negatively as well.  

The scientists behind the report collectively agree that more emphasis on microbes is needed, with specific regard to how microbial function is evolving in the wake of climate change. The statement also calls for “explicit consideration of microorganisms for the development of policy and management decisions,” and even makes mention of the importance of microbiology study in schools and on college campuses. 

In order for humankind to reverse the negative effects of climate change and create a sustainable environment for future generations, we need to start paying attention to how all life forms on Earth are being affected. Even when we cannot see the damage with our own eyes, it does not mean that it does not exist. 

Resources: 

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2019/06/19/scientists-issue-warning-to-humanity-climate-change-depends-on-microbes/#.XRJMd7zYo3E 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-019-0222-5 

https://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-microbes-climate-change-20190618-story.html 

Solar is Setting Records in 2019

The first three months of 2019 revealed a record time for the #solar industry, regardless of the government’s support of fossil fuels and tariffs. This is in accordance with the Solar Market Insight Report 2019 Q2. More than 2,570 megawatts of solar were installed in the United States, which is up from one year ago by 10 percent.  

There is something to be said about utility-scale and residential solar projects. But many might be surprised to know that #Florida was the top solar installer, even coming out above the state of California.  

Residential Solar Installation is Up 

In the first quarter, installation numbers in the residential sector came in to the tune of 603 megawatts, which is up from one year ago by 6 percent. This is good for solar installers such as Vivint Solar and #Sunrun. Of course, companies like these must have solar installations in order to stay on top. The question is – are higher volumes in terms of solar installations assisting with marketing costs? What about lower sales? These areas have been a struggle for the industry.  

There are no indications that solar is going to slow down, as utility solar saw more than 1,630 MW of installations in the aforementioned quarter. A great deal of growth, as previously mentioned, is being driven by the state of Florida. The outlook for FL’s utility-scale additions was increased by #Wood Mackenzie, up to 9,000 MW (this is up from 6,000 MW). Across the country, the forecast for utility-scale solar was raised by 4,000 from now through 2023 (and 1,200 MW in 2019).  

A weak segment was commercial solar. In this area, there was an increase in installations by 18 percent from one year ago. States such as Massachusetts, California and Minnesota made policy adjustments which impacted the industry. The data is a bit shaky, however, as the report with this information tied commercial and community solar together.  

860 MW were installed in Florida in one quarter in comparison to 758 MW back in 2017. Even in 2018, less than 860 MW were installed (857, to be precise). California has otherwise taken the lead in the United States regarding solar installations, as it installed just under 2,600 MW in 2017. But in 2019, things slowed down to 538 MW in one quarter.  

Solar Growth in Florida 

Who or what is driving growth in Florida? One of the key companies is Florida Power & Light. This utility might eventually be one of the largest solar utilities in America, after announcing a plan to install 10,000 MW over the next decade. Unfortunately, in some areas, Florida is still behind. This notion applies to commercial and residential solar installations. Until last year, solar leases were not allowed – additionally, there are barriers when it comes to net metering.  

#Solar Stocks: Time to Soar? 

More volume in America is great news for solar stocks. It is expected that this year and beyond, stocks such as #SunPower and #First Solar are expected to see an increase in demand. Basically, higher volumes for these stocks is good news. If companies can demonstrate that increased volume is assisting in terms of margins, then this is even better.  

It is interesting to see the changes being made across the globe when it comes to clean #energy. And many of these changes are taking place in our own backyards. Wood Mackenzie boosting the forecast for the solar market in the United States thanks to changes and announcements in Florida (and other states, such as Texas) is great news. The expectation, as per Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, is that more than 13 gigawatts of additions in terms of solar capacity will take place this year alone. This is certainly news worth talking about. Prices are falling and developers are jumping on the opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit’s phase down.  

Stay in the know – stay on top of solar news so you can see the great changes taking place as the need for a shift to using clean energy is realized.   

Sources: 

https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/06/21/record-start-to-2019-bodes-well-for-solar-stocks.aspx 

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/woodmac-solar-numbers#gs.lha5pt 

 

Six Flags Great Adventure Now Has Solar-Powered Rides

#Six Flags Great Adventure #theme park in Jackson, New Jersey is no longer just a hotspot for summer fun for the whole family – it is now one of the world’s first #solar-powered theme parks. Earlier this month, an enormous #solar farm containing 60,000 solar panels spanning across 40 acres of previously unused land and parking spaces was unveiled. This $70 million–dollar investment is anticipated to provide nearly 98% of the power required to keep the theme park up and running. 

After 16 long months, over 99,000 hours of labor for the #solar panel installations alone, and nearly ten years of planning and brainstorming, this mammoth solar project is finally complete. The #Six Flags solar project has a 23.5-megawatt capacity that will power all 53 rides in the amusement park, as well as the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park. 

In addition to the typical growing pains one might expect with a solar project of this size, some groups were against the idea of constructing this particular solar farm in the first place. 

Environmental Concerns 

When Six Flags initially set out to construct a solar farm that would generate enough power to operate their entire theme park, it was estimated that nearly 100 acres of unused land would be needed. This immediately led to outcries from environmental groups and activists due to the alteration of the landscape, as well as the impact of cutting down 100 acres of trees.  

By the time construction began on the solar farm in early 2018, a compromise had been reached. Instead of the initial 100 acres, Six Flags agreed to only cut down 40 acres of trees to accommodate the solar panels. The rest of the solar panels needed for the project were spread out across various employee and overflow parking lots. 

Financial Savings and Reduced Emissions 

In order to make this solar project come to life, Six Flags teamed up with a solar development and construction company known as KDC Solar. According to KDC Solar President, Alan Epstein, the solar farm could save Six Flags a considerable amount of money per year. In total, the theme park uses 30 million kilowatts of #energy per year. Epstein stated that even if Six Flags were to only save a mere penny per hour on their energy costs, the total savings will still be substantial. 

Financial costs are not the only thing that these solar panels will help reduce. The solar panels are expected to offset around 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This is equivalent to the same emissions given off by 53 million miles driven by vehicles. 

Other Theme Parks Going Solar 

Six Flags is not the first theme park to commit to #solar energy production and usage. In fact, Disney Epcot Theme Park in Bay Lake, Florida received a Mickey Mouse-shaped solar panel array in 2016. The Disney World Resort then installed a gargantuan solar farm with a 50-megawatt capacity and more than 500,000 solar panels in total. Size is not the only thing that sets that Mickey Mouse-shaped solar panels apart from the Disney World Resort solar site. While Mickey Mouse solar panels remain stationary, the Disney World Resort solar panels have the ability to rotate with the sun, ultimately optimizing their solar energy gain and output. Under the best weather conditions, this rotating solar farm can generate up to 25% of the power needed to run the theme park. 

New Jersey’s Carbon-Neutral Goals 

If there is anyone in particular that has reason to be excited about the new Six Flags solar project addition, it is state Governor Phil Murphy. Murphy has campaigned for New Jersey to meet 100% of its power needs from renewable resources by 2050. This goal was made official in May of last year after Murphy signed Executive Order 28. Just this month, a more official blueprint for how this plan will be achieved was released by the Board of Public Utilities.  

The switch to solar energy for Six Flags is good news for both New Jersey and other surrounding states. If every theme park in the United States were able to run solely or at least partially on solar energy, our time spent on rollercoasters may actually help save the environment.  

Resources: 

https://www.inquirer.com/science/great-adventure-solar-rides-new-jersey-20190612.html 

https://www.nj.com/news/2019/06/six-flags-is-now-one-of-worlds-1st-solar-powered-theme-parks-more-clean-energy-is-on-the-way.html 

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-bz-disney-solar-farm-20190418-story.html 

Climate Change Action: Is New York in the Lead?

#Climate change is one hot topic. And time is running out with relation to the legislative hearing taking place in #Albany. Are the Assembly and Gov. Andrew #Cuomo going to make a decision on the climate bill associated with lessening greenhouse gas emissions in #New York? It’s a question worth examining as the state seems to be on top when it comes to serious efforts to address #global warming risks. 

Two bills, the Climate and Community Protection Act and the Climate Leadership Act, are at play right now. Three years ago, the first one passed the Assembly but not the Senate. The latter was introduced this year. Last week, protestors demanded that Gov. Cuomo sign the Climate and Community Protection Act at the State Capitol. It was suggested that he is not focused on climate change, however, he has made efforts to phase out #solar and wind power and to reduce power plant emissions. Back in January, Gov. Cuomo proposed targets regarding where New York obtains its electricity from, and demonstrated some similarities with the CCPA. This has been described as his personal version of a Green New Deal.  

There are always two sides, but a plus is that there is agreement on something – legislation, in some form, is needed to codify current regulations and to inspire new procedures. Both the Climate and Community Protection Act and the Climate Leadership Act focus on a decrease in New York’s fossil fuel usage.  

What Exactly Happened Last Week? Protests in NY 

Hundreds of protestors – more than 400, to be more precise – as well as elected state representatives went to the New York State Capitol building to request that Gov. Cuomo sign the aforementioned bill. It’s a possibility for the first time that the CCPA could become the law. Why are people fighting for this bill? Because it strives to see 100 percent renewable #energy by the year 2050, and it aims for the investment of 40 percent of funds for clean energy in communities that are disadvantaged. Moreover, higher wages would be offered for jobs which are environmentally-friendly.  

Governor’s Proposed Bill 

The governor’s proposed bill would ensure renewable energy sources are ramped up a bit faster, whereas the Assembly bill wants to eliminate statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – 2050. According to Gov. Cuomo, this might be a bit too restricting and inflexible.   

The chance for national climate legislation to be passed in the near future seems slim. But this does not mean major changes are not taking place. The United States Climate Alliance, for instance, consists of 23 states including Puerto Rico. New York is part of this alliance. And five states, in the last year alone, have endorsed directives mandating a transition to carbon-neutral electricity.  

California has a target for its clean electricity standard by 2045. And in New York, Gov. Cuomo’s bill would mandate that electricity comes from carbon-free sources within the next two decades or so.  

In order to get away from the concerns regarding global warning, we need to take advantage of clean energy. Even the International Energy Agency has discussed how carbon-free nuclear energy is key to making a positive difference. Other climate change authorities agree.  

Maybe there will come a time when federal officials determine how to revitalize the nuclear power industry. A clean energy standard must be devised. If the United States wants to be a leader regarding climate change, national action needs to take place. Now, if agreements are made by leaders in New York, we can expect to see some major changes and moves in the right direction.  

The protests in New York demonstrate that people are willing to fight for what they believe in. It is obvious we need to be mindful of the health of our planet and the health of those living here. Paying attention to the energy sources we use is very important, and recognizing climate change and its negative effects is a big step in helping to make a positive change for our planet.  

Keep reading and following climate change and social justice news to stay in the know! There are big things happening in New York!  

Sources: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/14/opinion/climate-change-states-trump.html  

https://grist.org/article/community-climate-proection-act-new-york-cuomo-protest/ 

 

Australian Climate Change ‘Doomsday’ Report: What You Need to Know

The National Centre for Climate Restoration is an independent entity that works to highlight new ways of looking at and solving #climate change related problems. This past May, the Australian think tank company, also referred to as Breakthrough, released a policy paper that highlights some shocking claims as to what our world may look like in the face of climate change by 2050. The report, titled “Existential Climate-Related Security Risk: A Scenario Approach,” has sparked numerous questions and concerns about whether or not we are doing enough to negate and prevent the negative effects of climate change.  

The Authors Behind the Report 

The first author of the policy paper is David Spratt. Spratt is the head researcher for The National Centre for Climate Restoration and co-author of the book “Climate Code Red: The Case for Emergency Action,” which analyzes the gap between science and politics, as well as climate-change policy–making procedures. His co-author is Ian Dunlop. Dunlop worked previously in the oil, gas, and coal industries, serving as chairman and chief executive for various companies across Australia. Both authors are endorsed by Retired Admiral Chris Barrie, who currently serves as a member of the Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change.  

For the Forward of the report, Barrie expresses his concerns related to climate change. He stated that the policy paper written by Spratt and Dunlop describes the “unvarnished truth about the desperate situation humans, and our planet, are in, painting a disturbing picture of the real possibility that human life on earth may be on the way to extinction, in the most horrible way.”  

Inside the Report: What are the Claims? 

The report claims that climate change is now considered an existential threat to human civilization. Thus, in order for us to avoid or reduce the impact, we must work towards building a zero-emissions, clean #energy industrial system as soon as possible. In the overview of the report, it is mentioned that a global, “war-time level of response” will be necessary in order to combine global resources, effectively combat the negative effects of climate change, and avoid the dismal timeline described in the report. 

The timeline begins with the prediction that policy-makers between 2020 and 2030 will fail to act on the evidence laid out by the scientific communities, as well as the Paris Agreement. As a result, the carbon-dioxide levels will climb to 437 parts per million — the highest levels experienced on our planet in 20 million years. The total warming by this point as a result of climate change will reach 1.6° Celsius. Between 2030 and 2050, this warming could reach as high as 3° Celsius and, with a five-percent probability, as much as 3.5-4° Celsius.  

By 2050, the report predicts that 35% of Earth’s global land area and 55% of the population will be subject to extreme, lethal heat conditions. By this point, both aridification, when a desert becomes increasingly dry, and desertification, when fertile land starts to dry out, will likely be severe. 

The Future of Our Planet 

The policy paper makes note of the fact that this proposed timeline is a just glimpse into, “a world of outright chaos,” and what may become of society if the hothouse earth scenario should ever come to pass. The report suggests that adopting and working from scenario approaches such as these may be the best way to prevent our global heat crisis from escalating.   

So, while the proposed scenario may sound extreme, it may just be the jumping off point that researchers, policymakers, and scientists need in order to finally meet in the middle when it comes to #climate change policy. We cannot ignore the fact that climate change is making an impact on the planet, yet it is nearly impossible to tell just how negative of an impact climate change will actually have in the coming decades.   

To avoid the extreme and deadly consequences of climate change, we must continue moving forward with the implementation of clean and #solar energy alternatives. Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and investing in other forms of sustainable energy will also need to be a priority for both lawmakers and citizens. We could risk stalling and simply hope the problem does not get worse, but according to Spratt and Dunlop, there may already be little room left for doubt and delay. 

Read the #climate change report for yourself here: https://www.breakthroughonline.org.au/papers  

NASA Could See Millions in Savings Thanks to Solar Project

A #solar array project anticipated to make a big difference in terms of an environmental impact is being worked on at a #NASA flight facility. This facility is located in Wallops Island, VA. The expectation is that the renewable #energy project will meet a minimum of 80 percent of the location’s electrical consumption, which would equate to more than $3 million in savings. The numbers are substantial. Read on for more information about this #solar project!  

The solar energy project is one which is savings-funded from #Ameresco. Prepare yourself to be even more impressed with numbers – it is anticipated to help lessen the carbon output for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s WWF, or the Wallops Flight Facility, by more than 4,300 metric tons on a yearly basis. If you are not familiar with this sort of measurement, you might be wondering what exactly this means. Well, according to Ameresco, that amount in terms of metric tons is comparable to canceling out CO2 emissions from electricity usage from more than 2,755 homes over the period of one year. Clearly, NASA is taking things to a new level when it comes to solar energy.  

There are improvements in terms of infrastructure and renewable energy to the tune of $14 million in regard to this solar project. How soon will savings be seen? In cost savings during the first year, it is expected that the number will be around $537,000. Down the line, energy conservation measures coupled with solar output will likely allow for more than $3 million in energy savings. Ameresco and NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility have a solid energy savings performance contract. As a result, the Wallops Flight Facility will not have any upfront costs. Rather, the project is going to be funded via energy cost savings that come from the solar installation.  

NASA’s Impressive Solar Project Details 

This impressive solar project is going to entail having ground-mounted solar panels set up in close proximity to NASA Wallops Flight Facility’s airfield – in addition, there will be carport-canopy solar panels. 

#Dave Pierce, #WFF director, communicated that the solar project is very important for a couple of reasons. For one, it sets the foundation for onsite generated energy to contribute to the current energy grid down the line. In addition, it creates an immediate clean energy source that will be put to good use – solar power.  

Pierce mentioned that having a #solar field installed so close to such an important airspace is rare. But the hope is that this solar project will act as a model to other facilities interested in using a solar farm to lessen their carbon footprint.  

A Solar Initiative Worth Emulating 

According to Ameresco’s executive VP of federal solutions, Nicole Bulgarino, the company has had an extensive history working with NASA. The companies work together on innovative projects and hopefully embarking on this brand new solar initiative will be something other flight facilities attempt to emulate.  

It seems to be an understatement to say that this solar farm is a great opportunity for NASA and Wallops. Solar Farm Project Manager, #Harold White, commented on how this is a very visible project.  

This impressive renewable energy endeavor is going to make a big difference when it comes to NASA WFF meeting or even exceeding its goals for sustainability. Cutting non-renewable energy usage by 80 percent is certainly something worth talking about. It is no wonder that this huge solar farm is going to do big things, considering it is associated with NASA.  

Following solar news always reveals plenty of interesting projects and endeavors. We can all make a difference on a smaller level. It is remarkable when huge players such as NASA opt to make a difference for this world. It is an out-of-this-world solar project that will hopefully continue to lead the way for the future. It will be interesting to see if this is going to be something which might set the stage down the road for other companies to attempt to match or beat in the race to go green.  

Sources: 

https://www.energymanagertoday.com/182844-0182844/ 

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/06/ameresco-developing-solar-project-at-a-virginia-nasa-facility/ 

https://solarindustrymag.com/solar-project-to-meet-80-of-nasa-facilitys-electrical-consumption 

https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/2019/06/06/wallops-breaks-ground-14-million-solar-energy-project/1364837001/ 

Juliana V. United States: The Latest on the Fight against Climate Change

In #Portland, #Oregon, federal judges listened to arguments earlier this week in an hour-long hearing regarding whether or not there is a legal right for young people to have protection against #climate change.  

There was push on both sides of the argument from the judges, who are from the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  

The lawsuit is known as #Juliana v. United States. A lead plaintiff is #Kelsey Juliana, and she could be seen greeting supporters outside of the courthouse on Tuesday.  

The case was originally supposed to begin last fall, however, the Trump administration was granted a pretrial appeal. The decision made could have huge implications regarding climate action being pursued in courts throughout the United States.  

The Fight to Protect Children Today and Tomorrow 

The plaintiffs are demanding the government do its part to protect not only today’s children, but future generations as well against the negative impacts of climate change. The plaintiffs filed a brief stating they are facing the risk of deprivation of their rights, due to federal government acts which knowingly harm the climate system.  

It is the desire of the federal government to see the case be dismissed prior to going to trial, but the argument is that the young people should have the opportunity to present their case against anyone who might harm them through governance. Moreover, the plaintiffs have requested that the government, while the case is pending, do its part to stop fossil fuel extraction projects.  

According to lawyers representing the Trump administration, the case is misguided and there actually is not a constitutional right to have a stable climate system. They don’t believe that a single district court in Oregon should be in charge of controlling environmental and #energy policy in the United States.  

The judges on the panel held in Portland included #Andrew D. Hurwitz of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Mary H. Murguia of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Josephine L. Staton of District Court for the Central District of California. They were each appointed under President Barack Obama.  

There was question over whether a lawsuit would be able to fix the issue at hand, assuming climate change is a problem caused by inaction of the government.    

A Climate Change Case: Is it Best Handled by the Courts? 

It should be noted that since this was originally filed back in 2015, the Obama administration made an effort to stop the case, due to the argument that the issues being presented would be better suited for the executive and legislative branches rather than the courts. The Obama administration did take steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions and signed the Paris climate agreement, whereas the Trump administration has announced a plan to exit the Paris deal and has sought to challenge science demonstrating that global warming is real, presenting an immediate need for action to take place.  

According to Philip H. Knight professor of law at the University of Oregon, #Mary Wood, the Trump administration, while other nations are slamming on the breaks, is destructively “accelerating toward the climate cliff through its frenzied fossil fuel policy.”  

One of the plaintiffs, #Vic Barrett, discussed how some of the young people have spent a quarter of their lives involved in this case, which started with 21 young people suing the United States government through “Our Children’s Trust.”  

Vic Barrett, for instance, is now 21 years old, attending the University of Wisconsin. He has grown, as has the sense of urgency regarding the importance of addressing climate change. Barrett discussed how the youth climate movement is no longer just about the original 21 young people across America – it’s about highlighting young people all over America and their efforts to hold the government responsible for placing the future in danger.  

Attorneys for the 21 young people are optimistic this case will go to trial. Now, it’s up to the judges to decide whether or not the case will proceed forward or be thrown out. It is certainly worth following, for anyone concerned about climate change, to say the least!  

Sources:  

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/04/climate/climate-lawsuit-juliana.html 

https://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-youth-climate-trial-juliana-court-20190604-story.html 

Photo Source: 

Eric Montgomery 

 

Award-Winning Solar Home Raising the Bar for Solar and Home Markets

Colleges across the United States and around the world are increasingly offering classes and degree programs that train individuals on #solar panel production, renewable energies, and innovative solar design. There is no doubt that competition among colleges, and even the students themselves, is increasing in this particular field. If there is any college that should be mentioned in connection with solar #energy, it is #Virginia Tech. The Virginia Tech Center for Design Research has been heavily involved in solar design for nearly two decades. Despite rapidly changing solar technology, Virginia Tech has managed to stay on top of the shifts and develop solar homes that are not only stunning, but run solely on solar power. 

The History of #FutureHAUS 

After showcasing their solar home for the first time at the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Competition back in 2002, the Virginia Tech Center for Design Research quickly began investigating how to make their solar home even more efficient. Then, eight years later in 2010, Virginia Tech’s solar home model won the Solar Decathlon Europe Competition in Spain. 

Following their win in Spain, Virginia Tech solar innovators were inspired yet again to continue to improve their #solar home. Around this time, the name FutureHAUS was born and another revolutionary evolution of this solar home began. Now, FutureHAUS would not just be outfitted and run on 100% #solar energy, but would also be constructed to include smart home technology systems. 

 In November of 2018, FutureHAUS competed against 14 other international universities and won first place in the Solar Decathlon in the Middle East. In addition to their overall first place win, the team also claimed first place in architecture, first place for creative solutions, second place for interior design, second place for energy efficiency, third place in engineering and construction, and an additional third place prize for sustainability. According to members of the FutureHAUS team, focusing on interdisciplinary knowledge, as well as the unique experiences and expertise of their members, is what helped FutureHAUS to take off. 

Taking FutureHAUS to Times Square 

Most recently, FutureHAUS was featured at NYCxDesign, the New York City annual celebration of design. The solar home was constructed right in the middle of Times Square in a “Lego-like” fashion, allowing witnesses a glimpse into just how the FutureHAUS solar home is built. The FutureHAUS constructed in New York City is not considered a tiny home, but at 900-square-feet, it is considered a compact home. The room layout, combined with innovative space-saving features and other modern upgrades, make this solar home seem much more spacious than its 900-square-foot label. While on display in New York City, those passing by had the chance walk-through the solar home and experience a small taste as to what it might be like to live in one for themselves.  

What Can We Expect Next from FutureHAUS? 

Students and faculty at Virginia Tech that are involved in the collaborative efforts that comprise FutureHAUS hope that the solar home may one day change the home building industry entirely. With traditional homes, materials are shipped to the location and the residence is constructed on-site. With FutureHAUS, any mass-produced homes would be constructed off-site and shipped to the home’s new location instead. Researchers at Virginia Tech are looking to streamline this process by emulating procedures followed by Henry Ford’s infamous vehicle production line.  

Continuing to combine solar energy with security will be a top priority for the FutureHAUS team. The Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science’s Center for Human-Computer Interaction stepped in to collaborate with FutureHAUS solar researchers and builders to further develop the technological components of the solar home. With the help of Virginia Tech’s Computer Science Department, automatic doors, touch screens, and even automatic water dispensers have been installed throughout the home. With how innovative FutureHAUS is, in addition to the hard work and collaborative efforts that have made its existence possible, the team hopes to further revolutionize the home solar industry and make clean living a possibility for everyone. If one thing is certain, we can expect to see more promising advancements from the FutureHAUS team very soon. 

Photo Credit: © Erik Thorsen, 2018  

Resources: 

https://www.curbed.com/2019/5/31/18634415/prefab-home-futurehaus-solar-decathlon-virginia-tech 

https://www.futurehaus.tech/history/ 

https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2018/11/eng-caus-futurehausresults.html 

 

Facebook to Finance Huge Solar Farm in Texas

#Facebook is making a big investment in a huge #solar farm in #Texas as part of its admirable goal to run 100 percent on renewable #energy by the end of 2020.  

#Prospero Solar Project 

The project is being built in Andrews County, TX by Longroad Energy, a renewable energy company. It is being referred to as the Prospero #Solar Project.  

The farm is anticipated to be up and running in 2020, with a capacity of just under 380 megawatts. This is going to be one of the largest solar farms in the nation at 4,600 acres and the solar capacity would equate to enough power for 300,000 houses. As another point of reference, this land located in West Texas is roughly five and a half times the size of Central Park. The numbers are certainly impressive and worth talking about!  

With the scale and size of the solar farm, it is expected to deliver $21 million in terms of local property taxes.  

A Solar First for Facebook 

This is the first time that Facebook has made a direct investment in a renewable energy project, and it is a huge solar project at that. The company contributed a significant amount toward the total costs, which fell in the ballpark of $416 million. In terms of this solar project, Facebook is the only tax equity investor. Some of the output from the solar farm will be sold to Shell, and the energy will then be re-sold. Of course, both Shell and Facebook will have the ability to obtain renewable energy tax credits.  

In accordance with a statement by #Peter Freed, energy strategy manager for Facebook, there is a lot of excitement surrounding the company being one of the first to utilize a direct investment in order to meet renewable energy objectives. The hope is that such investments will be a means of engaging with projects, which could essentially be easier for companies in comparison to a longstanding power purchase agreement. This would unlock different options for more companies to meet their objectives and grow the market.  

Freed further discussed that when Facebook selects new renewable energy projects to get involved in, it searches for ventures that otherwise might not have happened. With regard to the Prospero Solar Project, Freed mentioned being involved early on in order to ensure the company’s involvement helped the solar project to move forward.  

Facebook’s business runs largely on renewable energy (to the tune of 75 percent of its business), to include solar, as of last year. The company could serve as a model for other companies that plan to run on renewable energy sources such as solar. Other tech companies already run on solar and other renewable energy sources. Google and Apple are both utilizing credits and carbon offsets in an effort to eliminate fossil fuel usage. Both companies have plans to run totally on renewable energy at some point in time. It is worth noting that the suppliers used by world-renowned Apple utilize clean energy, such as solar, as well.  

Solar and Wind Power Deals 

Facebook has signed deals to purchase both solar and wind power in close proximity to its data centers located around the world, so clearly the company is taking its clean energy efforts very seriously.  

Hopefully, other large companies will take note and do their part to get involved and limit their carbon footprint. Investing in solar projects is a great thing for our planet. Keep reading up on solar news to stay in the loop regarding the most recent solar projects and developments in clean energy. Think about small steps you can take to make a difference, too. While most people don’t have millions of dollars available to invest, we can all do little things that will add up to make a big difference for our planet. Facebook is certainly making impressive moves in financing this huge solar farm in Texas. It will be interesting to see if other companies follow suit!  

Sources:   

https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/31/facebook-solar-farm-texas-renewable-energy/?guccounter=1 

https://www.fastcompany.com/90356697/facebook-is-investing-hundreds-of-millions-in-a-gigantic-new-solar-farm 

https://www.greenbiz.com/article/facebook-now-proud-owner-massive-solar-farm