We discussed a couple of ideas at the last meeting that appear in these papers.
When complex systems are being considered, this is a good place to start:
Leverage Points: places to intervene in a system
Another paper that touches on some fundamental issues:
Long-Term Global Heating From Energy Usage
What is relevant about this paper is that black body radiational cooling is the only way for heat to leave the Earth. Human activity -- even activity that avoids incremental emission of greenhouse gasses -- increases the temperature of the Earth.
22 May 2010
Meeting Minutes 12 May 2010
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
7:00 pm
12 May 2010
Underhill Town Hall
Call to Order 7:10
Present: Tom Moore, Jerry Adams, Bob Murphy, Irene Linde, Peter Duval (by phone)
1) The Future
Discussion of the future. Peter said that the climate crisis will dominate any discussion of energy -- and the trend is not good. As time progresses, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments have been worsening, and they tend to understate the problem.
Peter suggested that in addition to activities that are based on a no-regrets, incremental approach, we should start with the imperative of limiting greenhouse gas emissions to the amount that the IPCC recommends, allocated by population. For Americans, the required emission levels are a very severe reduction from current emissions. So severe that even the most dramatic of incremental changes will not be sufficient.
Peter said that, in order to address the problem, we need to completely change the way we think. Reading, art, conferences, planning exercises are ways that we can work on changing the way we think about a problem. It is very complex and beginning with a systems approach is a good place to start. Peter will make a reading recommendation.
Tom mentioned that kids are able to change more easily and we should put effort into education. Irene mentioned a central energy plant.
2) Energy Investment Bonding
Discussion of municipal bonding to finance renewable energy. Bob described the PACE bond financing of energy projects. Jerry expressed concern about increasing staff at the town, particularly cross a threshold where full-time benefits would be extended to a new employee. Burlington and three small towns have PACE in place. Peter Adamcyzk has a presentation that we can look at.
MOTION: (Irene, Jerry) To research municipal bonding for energy investment and make a recommendation to the Selectboard. UNANIMOUS.
3) Minutes
MOTION: (Jerry, Bob) To approve the minutes of the 14 April 2010 meeting. UNANIMOUS.
4) Adjournment
MOTION (Jerry, Bob): To adjourn. UNANIMOUS 8:20pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
Energy Committee
7:00 pm
12 May 2010
Underhill Town Hall
Call to Order 7:10
Present: Tom Moore, Jerry Adams, Bob Murphy, Irene Linde, Peter Duval (by phone)
1) The Future
Discussion of the future. Peter said that the climate crisis will dominate any discussion of energy -- and the trend is not good. As time progresses, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments have been worsening, and they tend to understate the problem.
Peter suggested that in addition to activities that are based on a no-regrets, incremental approach, we should start with the imperative of limiting greenhouse gas emissions to the amount that the IPCC recommends, allocated by population. For Americans, the required emission levels are a very severe reduction from current emissions. So severe that even the most dramatic of incremental changes will not be sufficient.
Peter said that, in order to address the problem, we need to completely change the way we think. Reading, art, conferences, planning exercises are ways that we can work on changing the way we think about a problem. It is very complex and beginning with a systems approach is a good place to start. Peter will make a reading recommendation.
Tom mentioned that kids are able to change more easily and we should put effort into education. Irene mentioned a central energy plant.
2) Energy Investment Bonding
Discussion of municipal bonding to finance renewable energy. Bob described the PACE bond financing of energy projects. Jerry expressed concern about increasing staff at the town, particularly cross a threshold where full-time benefits would be extended to a new employee. Burlington and three small towns have PACE in place. Peter Adamcyzk has a presentation that we can look at.
MOTION: (Irene, Jerry) To research municipal bonding for energy investment and make a recommendation to the Selectboard. UNANIMOUS.
3) Minutes
MOTION: (Jerry, Bob) To approve the minutes of the 14 April 2010 meeting. UNANIMOUS.
4) Adjournment
MOTION (Jerry, Bob): To adjourn. UNANIMOUS 8:20pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
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