by L’Tryce Slade
It is time we think about how we use energy. First, we must be smart on how we conserve energy. Americans waste so much on heating, cooling and lighting our poorly weatherized homes and offices. Even the cars we drive do not get enough mileage per gallon. There have been great improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings (such as waterless toilets, energy efficient hot-water heaters, and programmable thermostats) that can save money for property owners. The focus should be on how we save the consumption of fossil fuels.
Additionally, we need to think how we can create more green jobs for local unemployed people. There are so many buildings that consume our energy use, green house-gas emissions, and waste production. The work on the buildings should include audits, energy-efficiency improvement (e.g. providing insulation around windows and doors); lighting upgrades (replacing bulbs with led lights); water consumption improvements (fixing plumbing), heating and cooling improvements (HVAC units); and cool-or green-roofing installation.
We are all stewards to our environment. Let’s make sure we leave the environment better than the way we found it for the next generation.
L’Tryce Slade, MRP, JD, Managing Director of Slade
www.sladellc.com
