Where we are, and where we are going...Stay connected
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A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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Happy Spring!
As we leave March behind, spring cannot be far away! And as we look forward to warmer weather, leaves on the trees, and daffodils blooming, we are reminded that April is a time for celebrating the earth. Earth Day 2019 is Monday, April 22.
A little Earth Day history: Earth Day was founded by
Senator
Gaylord Nelson
as an environmental
teach-in
and was first held on April 22, 1970, which means that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The date was chosen to coincide with the April 21 birthday of John Muir -- one of America's greatest conservationists and founder of the Sierra Club in 1892. By Earth Day's 20th anniversary in 1990, the movement had grown to 200 million people in 141 countries advocating for
environmental issues
to be squarely at the forefront of policy conversations. Twenty-six years later, on April 22, 2016, 174 countries and the European Union signed the Paris Climate Accord
at United Nations Headquarters in New York
.
Ohioans have always embraced Earth Day festivities and we see that again this year. Thanks to information received from GEO members and supporters, we are compiling a list of events taking place across the state throughout the month. Please check the GEO website for more information.
April is also time for the Green Energy Ohio Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception. You will find more information below, and you'll be receiving an invitation to attend.
We're looking forward to celebrating Earth Day with all of you and to honoring individuals and entities whose efforts are emblematic of our commitment to a clean and prosperous future.
Jane Harf
Executive Director
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Let The Sunshine In:
Casting Light on Residential Solar Energy in Ohio
by:
Erin Fisher
Having grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had a large backyard with a creak to explore, Kevin Eigel has always had an interest in nature and the environment. With a father heavily involved in the Oil and Gas Industry, Eigel was equally intrigued with energy production and consumption. It wasn’t until he went to work for his father, though, that Eigel knew what direction his competing interests would take.
In 2002, Kevin Eigel quit his job and bought a farm. With no prior understanding of renewable energy, Kevin decided he would make his new home
completely energy
efficient.
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The Coal Cost Crossover
A lot of the debate on climate change centers on the economic viability of clean energy. A recently released report by Energy Innovation Policy & Technology in San Francisco and Boulder-based Vibrant Clean Energy makes the case that
rapid wind and solar price declines have made the combined going-forward costs of existing coal-fired power plants more expensive than the all-in costs of building new renewable energy generation.
According to the analysis, locally generated solar and wind energy could replace almost three-fourths of electricity made by U.S. coal plants for less than the cost of continuing to operate those plants. The report adds that by 2025, the share of “at risk” coal generation will jump from 74 percent to 86 percent.
This report complements existing research into the costs of clean energy undercutting coal costs by focusing on which coal plants could be replaced locally (within 35 miles of the existing coal plant) at a savings. It suggests local decision-makers should consider plans for a smooth shut-down of these old plants—assessing their options for reliable replacement of that electricity, as well as financial options for communities dependent on those plants.
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Join us for our annual celebration and recognition of this year's
GREEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
Thursday, April 25th from 6:00-8:30 pm
The John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design
Kent State University
You will have the opportunity to experience the unique features of the LEED Platinum-rated John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design, discover Green Energy Ohio’s current and future plans,
e
njoy refreshments and conversation with supporters of a clean energy future for Ohio, and celebrate the 2019 Green Achievement Award winners:
Business Achievement Award
Talan Products, Inc.
Academic Achievement Award
Kent State University
Government Achievement Award
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
Professional Association Achievement Award
The Ohio Hospital Association
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Earth Day is just around the corner and GEO wants to know what you and your communities have planned!
We will be promoting Earth Day activities on the GEO website again this year, and it's not too late to send us information on local festivities:
marketing@greenenergyohio.org
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In celebration of Earth Day and John Muir's
legacy, this month's book is not specifically about climate change. Instead, it is intended to remind us of the natural treasures that we seek to preserve through action on climate change. "Wilderness Essays" takes us to scenic landscapes across the West and Alaska, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier Bay. Muir combined the science of a naturalist with the passion of an activist. He inspired generations of Americans to experience wilderness and to protect it. His impact on the conservation movement is unparalleled and his vision enabled the creation of of our national parks and wilderness areas, many of which are in jeopardy today. Take some time this month to travel in John Muir's footsteps.
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GROWING LOCAL SOLAR IN DAYTON
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Thanks to our partners at the Ohio Environmental Council, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the University of Dayton, as well as our sponsors Melink Corp. and Solar Power & Light, for a great workshop in Dayton on March 20! We are already in communication with academic institutions, government, and community groups in Northeast Ohio for a planned continuation of the workshop series.
Here is an example of the innovative programs that were discussed: University of Dayton students have established a chapter of RE-volv, a non-profit based in San Francisco, which educates communities about solar energy and engages in crowdfunding to install solar arrays on other non-profits. This year, students are teaming with East End Community Services (EECS) on the east side of Dayton to crowdfund $66,000 for a solar array that will provide 60% of their energy needs. The energy savings will be re-invested
in the community, enriching the lives of citizens living in the Twin Towers neighborhood of East Dayton.
EECS provides youth, family, and neighborhood development programs to help break the cycle of multi-generation poverty.
EECS is just blocks away from Mission of Mary, where UD students crowdfunded a $32,000 solar array in 2018 – helping them continue to be a net zero facility. Mission of Mary and EECS are leaders in the growing effort for Dayton to become a leader in green energy. Visit
the RE-volv site
for more information and to contribute to this worthwhile cause.
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Blue Goes Green in Cincinnati
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Green Energy Ohio is a proud sponsor of "Blue Goes Green" - a half-hour documentary that premiered on Cincinnati's PBS station CET in 2017. The National Educational Television Association (NETA) selected "Blue Goes Green" for national distribution to PBS stations in 2019. Some stations are airing the film to celebrate Earth Day in April and others will run the documentary to celebrate National Police Week in May. It's the story of the Cincinnati District 3 Police West Side headquarters - a LEED Platinum building and the first net-zero police station in the country. "Blue Goes Green" has been picked up by over 20 stations nationwide, including the following in and around Ohio. Mark your calendars for this opportunity to see how clean energy is transforming Ohio.
Cincinnati, OH,
Louisville, Lexington Frankfort, KY, Evansville, IN, & Charleston, WV (KET)
Friday April 12,10:30 pm
Dayton (WPTD Ch 16)
Wednesday April 17, 11 pm
Sunday April 21, 5 pm
Cincinnati (WCET Ch 48)
Sunday April 21, 5 pm
Cleveland, Akron (WAEO) & Youngstown (WNEO)
Monday May 20, 8:30 pm
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P.O. Box 521
Granville, Ohio 43023
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