Energy conservation measures

Energy conservation measures

Imagine that you are a resident of Ashfordton, a community whose characteristics are described below. You have come together with your neighbors for a special meeting to devise a plan for helping the community become carbon-neutral by 2050, meaning that by that time, no net carbon dioxide emissions will be produced by residents as a whole.

Fortunately, you have all showed up to the meeting with lots of knowledge you gained from your readings in this course. Now it is time to put your thinking cap on and get to work! Your plan should consist of the following elements:

Energy conservation measures (e.g., promoting carpooling by adding special lanes to local highways)

Steps to move toward sustainable energy production (e.g., installing solar panels on town government buildings)

Reducing energy consumption will help, but some actions will have to involve switching to other power sources for buildings and vehicles as well.

Ashfordton:

Population: 92,000

Avg. High Temp (Dec): 65oF

Avg. High Temp (June): 71oF

Annual Precipitation: 19 in.

Urban Area:   20 sq. mi.

Main Power Sources: natural gas and nuclear power

Overview:

The community of Ashfordton is situated near sea level between a south-facing coastline of rocky headlands and sandy beaches and a rugged line of mountains that parallels the shore.  Graced with a Mediterranean climate that is fairly mild year-round, the city is a popular tourist destination. It has a diverse economy, with 35% of residents employed in the service sector.  It is also home to four universities, each one named Ashford. The downtown features considerable Spanish architecture, reflecting its roots as an 18th century mission settlement.