Session 2: Changing to Renewable Energy Resources and Alternative TransportationReading: Please read chapters 5 & 6 of "The Natural Step for Communities" before meeting with your study circle for Session 2. Questions: Please consider the following questions while reading the relevant chapters of the book, and use them to guide discussion during your study circle.
- As explained in the book, different Swedish communities use different sources of energy. From what energy sources is your local power company producing energy? From what you know about the types of renewable energy available and your community's access to these energy sourcs (i.e. solar, wind, biomass), what combination of renewable energy sources do you think might work well in your community? Explain.
- Are green energy pricing programs offered in your area? If so, describe them. Have you chosen to participate in these programs?
- Besides decreasing emissions, can you identify other benefits to the development of a less fossil-fueled dependent transportation system?
- Describe the physical, social and economic barriers in your community that may prevent people from getting to places other than by car.
- Are there alternative transportation options in your community, and how are they working? How do people without cars in your community get around?
- How does your household heat and cool your home? Can you think of ways to reduce or change your fossil fuel use for heat and power? Are there bike trails and/or street corridors in your community/region? Do people use these for getting to work?
- How might your household cut down on car trips?
- Did reading this section make you want to do something differently or to take some action in your life? If so, explain.
Portsmouth Public WorksThe city of Portsmouth has begun a project to convert some of their fleet of recycling and trash vehicles to run on a percentage biofuel. Due to the age of the vehicles and the desire for this project to succeed the city will first be using a B5 or 5% biofuel mixed with petroleum diesel then B10 and finally B20 to ensure that this vegetable oil fuel mix will function well and not cause problems with engine performance. Due to the need to comply with safety regulations for the fuel holding tank that will contain the mixed fuels for vehicle fill ups an updated spill plan is needed and is the current stumbling block for this project. The fuel for this project will be recycled fryer grease which will be processed into biodiesel by Randy
Bean owner of Bean Commercial Grease of Waterville, Maine. Though this project is in it first stages it is a good example of little changes that can help our municipality reduce it's reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels.
Study Guide ChaptersSelect from the sections below to view questions:
- Overview: Guideines, Facilitators, Openings and Circle Questions
- Session 1: Introducing the Natural Step Framework and Sustainability (Chapters 1, 2 & 3)
- Session 2: Changing to Renewable Energy Resources and Alternative Transportation (Chapters 5 & 6)
- Session 3: Eco-Housing and Green Building/Business (Chapters 7 & 8)
- Session 4: Eco-Economic Development and Ecological Schools/Education (Chapters 9 & 10)
- Session 5: Sustainable Agriculture and Dealing with Waste (Chapters 11 & 12)
- Session 6: Protecting Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use and Planning (Chapters 13 & 14)
- Session 7: What Gets in the Way of Change and Three Change Processes That Work (Chapters 15 & 16)
- Session 8: Steps to Change and Process Leader (Chapters 17 & 18)
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