 |
United
States
Department
of
Agriculture |
Forest
Service |
Pacific
Southwest
Research
Station |
Berkeley,
CA
|
|
Center
for Urban Forest Research
One Shields Avenue, Suite 1103
Davis, CA 95616-8587
NEW ENERGY RESEARCH
FINDINGS
A Case for Planting More Shade Trees And Conserving Existing Ones
A new
research study found that if citizens planted 50 million more shade
trees in strategic energy-saving locations the energy saved would
be equivalent to seven 100 MW power plants. Researchers also found
that existing shade trees already reduce annual air conditioning energy
use by 6,400 GWh, equivalent to 7.3 100 MW power plants. This study
of the effects of shade on energy use was conducted by the Center
for Urban Forest Research in Davis, California which is part of USDA
Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Are Trees Really the Answer?
According to Dr. Greg McPherson, "It will take about 5 - 15 years
for trees to fully contribute to the energy conservation process.
However, if we don't invest in energy conserving trees, they will
not be available in 15 years when the demand for energy will be even
greater."
Can Shade Trees Solve the Energy Crisis?
There are approximately 177 million trees in energy conserving locations.
Many of them are around homes where energy savings are the greatest.
As a result:
- California
utilities already save $500 million annually in wholesale electricity
purchases and generation costs.
- Customers
already save about $1 billion in retail expenses for air conditioning.
- Peak
load demand is already reduced by about 10%.
Plus, these trees provide a host of other benefits that make them an
invaluable component of every communities' green infrastructure. Dr.
McPherson points out "since up-front costs to establish these trees
have already been made, keeping these trees healthy and functional is
one of the best investments communities can make."
Here's What More Trees Can Do
If Californians establish 50 million more trees in strategic locations
on the east and west side of residential buildings, in 15 years the
annual energy savings will be 6,100 GWh. What this means:
- At
least seven 100 MW power plants will not have to be built.
- California
utilities will save an additional $462 million annually in wholesale
electricity purchases or generation costs.
- Residents
will save an additional $1 billion annually in retail energy costs.
- Peak
load demand will reduced another 9%.
It's Not As Simple As Just Planting Trees
Since the 50 million trees represent only 21% of the potential
planting sites, it is critical for Californians to select sites with
the greatest potential for conserving energy. Energy saving potential
from tree planting is greatest in climate regions with the hottest summers
and the greatest need to use air conditioners - deserts, inland empire,
central valley, and south valleys. Contrary to popular belief, the south
side is less critical for trees because of the high sun angle in summer,
making it a more important place for solar collectors and the warming
winter sun.
It's
A Long Term Solution
"We'll still need power plants but we won't need as many" says Dr.
McPherson. "Shade tree programs can be a very cost effective measure
for conserving energy, especially peak load demand. Strategically locating
trees to shade west walls and windows in climate regions where the benefits
are greatest will save energy dollars and postpone, if not eliminate
the need for some power plants. Although shade trees do not curtail
peak loads immediately, they do promise reductions that will increase
as trees grow larger. Planting trees now for future peak load reduction,
and improved air quality and climate is a sensible way to lessen the
impact that California's growing population will have on limited energy
resources and quality of life."
Visit the Center for Urban Forest Research for more
information on
the benefits of urban forests on climate modification and energy conservation
or contact
Dr. Greg McPherson or Jim Geiger: (530) 752-7636
|
CONTACT
HOME