TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – This year marks the 38th anniversary of Earth Day, a worldwide movement to protect our planet, our children and our future. Environmental consciousness has become more and more heightened, from recycling newspapers and plastics to driving hybrid vehicles.
Through this kind of awareness, Earth Day has had an immeasurable impact in every community throughout the United States. UA experts offer commentary about how individuals can make a difference in their local community. Earth Day is observed worldwide April 22.
MORE EFFICIENT HOME HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Most consumers have become energy conscious and look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Dr. Keith Woodbury, professor of mechanical engineering and director of UA’s Alabama Industrial Assessment Center, can recommend numerous ways for people to make their homes more energy efficient. For example, ENERGY STAR® is a government-supported program which encourages energy efficiency in homes and businesses through the use of ENERGY STAR labeled products. The ENERGY STAR label can be found on products in more than 40 categories, including appliances, consumer electronics, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, office equipment, and home envelope products such as roofing, doors, and windows. ENERGY STAR products are typically 10 to 50 percent more efficient than the minimum government standards and some are much higher.
Dr. Keith Woodbury: 205/348-1647, woodbury@me.ua.edu.
HYBRID VEHICLES
Sport utility vehicles are one of the most popular vehicles on the market today. However, Dr. Clark Midkiff, professor of mechanical engineering and director of UA’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies, recommends hybrid electric vehicles for more efficiency. In addition to the gas mileage efficiency, original owners of qualifying hybrid vehicles may be eligible to claim a one-time tax deduction on federal income tax returns. Other fuel efficient car options are displayed in the EPA Fuel Economy Guide, available free at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2000.htm.
Dr. Clark Midkiff: 205/348-1645, cmidkiff@eng.ua.edu
AIR QUALITY AND EPA STANDARDS
“The decisions we make in our daily lives impact our energy use and ‘carbon footprint,’ as well as our local, regional and global air quality,” said Dr. Derek Williamson, associate professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering and director of UA’s Atmospheric and Environmental Operations Program, known as AERO. Conservation through slight changes in routine can add up to a cleaner, safer world. Be aware of your household and office thermostat settings; combine commuting and performing errands, like grocery shopping; carpool or ride the bus; and keep informed about the daily air quality reports on the news.
Dr. Derek Williamson: 205/348-9931, dwilliamson@eng.ua.edu
GAS CONSERVATION AS THE PRICES KEEP RISING
With gasoline prices high, conservation becomes important. “A good start is to cut driving by five percent a day. If everybody conserved this amount, it would save approximately 1 million barrels of oil per day,” said Dr. Peter Clark, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering. “Gas mileage can be improved by keeping tires inflated to the recommended level, moderating speed, and limiting acceleration rates. Engine maintenance is also important for efficient operation. Of these, driving less will have the largest impact on the price of gasoline.”
Dr. Peter Clark: 205/348-1682, pclark@eng.ua.edu
BUILDING GREEN AT UA
The University of Alabama recently became an institutional member of the U.S. Green Building Council. By joining the USGBC, UA officials hope to raise the profile of sustainability and demonstrate the principles of green building on campus through educational courses and the incorporation of green design in UA facilities.
“In an effort to further the stewardship of the University and community resources, the Capstone is enhancing its commitment to the principles of a sustainable built environment by joining the USGBC,” explained Tim Leopard, assistant vice president for planning design and construction.
“While the University already embraces and incorporates many of the principles of LEED in the development of it projects, joining the USGBC will provide a formalized and structured framework by which the University can improve, guide, and measure its performance in the development and execution of projects,” said Leopard.
For interviews with Tim Leopard, contact Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, at 205/348-8322, candreen@ur.ua.edu
Contact
Mary Wymer, UA Public Relations, 205/348-6444, mwymer@eng.ua.edu