Energy: Windspire Energy Wind Turbines

Windspire Energy is a renewable energy company located in Reno, Nevada.   They have developed a new kind of wind turbine.  The Windspire wind turbine was launched in 2008 and stands only 30 feet tall and four feet wide.  It does not look like the traditional turbine that we are all accustomed to seeing.  The Windspire turbine blends in seamlessly with existing structures and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  The turbines are ultra quiet and are designed and manufactured in the United States.  The Windspire is affordable and eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.

Instead of traditional blades, the Windspire is equipped with vertical airfoils.  The turbine spins when wind blows against the airfoils.  The power is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity which can immediately power a building.  The stronger the wind, the more power the Windspire generates.    

 The Windspire was designed to operate in areas with an average of 10 mph winds.  However, they work best when winds are greater than 11 mph.  Each Windspire is capable of generating 2,000 kWhs a year in 11 mph annual average winds.  It is also capable of withstanding winds up to 105 mph.  

Windspire turbines are virtually silent while generating clean, renewable energy.  Many communities have established new small wind turbine ordinances.  However, some communities still require special use permits.   Windspire Energy has a team of experts to help with the permitting process and to design a site plan.  

Windspire turbines are currently installed and being utilized at schools, residences, and organic farms.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently has grants available to help defray the costs , which can be combined with the 30% federal tax credit and local rebates.  After credits and rebates it costs around $4000.

Resources: Windspire Energy, Popular Mechanics

Administration and Operations: Energy Management Systems and Controls

The city of Fort Worth, Texas has recently made forward progress in reducing emissions and saving taxpayer money.  Fort Worth has contracted with Johnson Controls, a leader in energy-efficient building products and solutions.   Several city facilities have had HVAC, electrical, and water upgrades.

Johnson Controls was started by Warren Johnson, the inventor of the electric thermostat.  The company specializes in automotive, power solutions, and building efficiency.  Their corporate campus has achieved LEED Platinum silver for building efficiency and sustainability improvements.  Johnson Controls is committed to environmental leadership and social responsibility.

Fort Worth wanted to comply with a state Senate bill that aimed at a five percent reduction in annual electricity consumption in all municipal facilities by 2013.  The city has chosen 95 buildings to be upgraded and improved for greater efficiency and lower carbon emissions.  There is a projected $29 million dollar energy and water savings through the year 2025.

The improvements are being performed in phases.  Improvements include:

• Retrofitting lighting systems with more efficient equipment and controls
• Replacing old chillers and boilers with new high-efficiency equipment
• Upgrading to more energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and equipment
• Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, flush-valves, aerators, and pedal-valves
• Converting old spray-head irrigation to drip-type systems
• Deploying the Metasys^® building management system to monitor, control, and optimize building systems

The city was able to pay for all of the improvements without raising taxes or increasing capital expenditures.  Financing was obtained from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and municipal equipment lease-purchase agreements.  Fort Worth is well on the way to generating money and the savings will soon pay for themselves.  An estimated 19,000 tons of carbon emissions will be eliminated due to the improvements.  

I have witnessed the improvements first hand.  Johnson Controls has began retrofitting Fort Worth fire stations.  Some of the improvements that have been made include:

• Replacing old light ballasts
• Installing low-flow toilets and faucets
• Limiting the HVAC controls
• Installing foot pedals at kitchen sinks to discourage water waste

The 2012 fiscal year budget was just released and all general employees received a 3 percent across the board pay increase.  I believe that this was made possible by the savings that the city has gained due to sustainable improvements.

Resources: City of Fort Worth Case Study, City Council Review Packet, Johnson Controls Sustainability, Johnson Control Building Efficiency

Transportation: Bike Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth, Texas, is taking progressive steps in an attempt to make Fort Worth more bicycle friendly and accessible.  The aim of the Bike Fort Worth program is to:

• Triple the number of bicycle commuters
• Decrease bicycle related crashes by 10 percent
• Attain official designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community through the League of American Bicyclists.

Fort Worth is experiencing record population growth.  With growth comes congestion and air quality problems.  Adding bicycle lanes/trails improves livability in Fort Worth and alleviates congestion.  Bike lanes also allow easier access to other modes of transit.  Bicycling is a safe and attractive transportation alternative.

Bicycling is the most efficient form of transportation in terms of energy per mile traveled.  Bicycles are less costly than automobiles and the maintenance is cheaper.  Another benefit of bicycles is that they do not take up nearly as much space as a car when parked.  

Dallas/Fort Worth is the 7th most ozone polluted metro area in the Nation.  D/FW has received a grade of "F" the last 8 years from the American Lung Association.  Nationally, 40 percent of urban trips are two miles or less and 28 percent are less than one mile.  Replacing cars with bicycles will greatly reduce the carbon dioxide emissions and promote a healthy alternative to cars.  

Fort Worth currently has over 1,000 miles of on and off street facilities.  The two types of on street facilities are shared and bike lane specific.  Bike lane specific is intended for bicycle traffic only.  Shared lanes are for bicycles and cars.  The city has implemented a safety strategy to help reduce auto versus bicycle collisions.

City leaders have recommended that Bike Fort Worth be updated at least every five years to account for growth, measure progress, update facilities, and revise city standards.

Resources: http://fortworthgov.org/bikefw/ , http://fortworthgov.org/uploadedFiles/Sustainability/Bike_Fort_Worth/Executive_Summary_Bike_Fort_Worth.pdf , http://fortworthgov.org/uploadedFiles/Sustainability/Bike_Fort_Worth/BIKE_FORT_WORTH_FINAL.pdf

Climate and Air Quality: Effects of Burning Trash on Air Quality

The outdoor burning of household trash can produce toxic pollutants and carcinogens.  Many that live in rural areas do not have sanitation services such as commercial trash pickup or nearby landfills, so they are tasked with finding alternative means of trash disposal.  It has been the norm for some time to place household trash in steel 55-gallon drums and light the trash afire.  However, doing so is not only detrimental to ones health, it can severely impact air quality.

Backyard burning emits hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds.  The smoke contains a plethora of toxins including hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide.  Both are considered chemical asphyxiants.  They can interfere with the delivery of oxygen to vital organs and tissues.  Carbon monoxide binds to oxygen with an affinity 220 times that of oxygen.  This displaces oxygen from cells that require oxygen to survive.  Hydrogen cyanide disables the ability of a cell to make use of oxygen.  Even though oxygen is delivered, the cells cannot use it and eventually die.

Today household trash contains many more plastics and synthetics than in the past.  Dioxins are released when products containing chlorine are burned.  Dioxins impact the environment by settling out of the air and into water and onto vegetation.  Dioxins are then consumed by cattle which are later consumed by humans.  Dioxins can cause cancer, suppression of the immune system, and hormonal imbalances.

The state of Texas is currently under a statewide outdoor burn ban.  There are a few exceptions to the ban, but with the extremely dry weather that we have been experiencing, it is a good idea to know the rules and regulations regarding outdoor burning.  If you must burn your trash there are a few guidelines that you can follow to reduce emissions.

• Consider donating household goods
• Recycle
• Compost food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings

By being responsible we can all enjoy breathing fresh air without choking and hacking due to poor air quality.

Resources: US EPA Backyard Trash Burning, Municipal Solid Waste, Outdoor Burning in Texas, Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide

Waste Reduction: Composting

Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming.  It is made up of organic waste materials such as yard clippings, food waste, and animal manure.  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 percent of the US waste stream is composed of food waste and yard trimmings.  By composting, individuals can make efficient use of material that would end up in overcrowded landfills.

Compost has many environmental benefits.  It can be used along embankments to  prevent water runoff and erosion.  Compost helps save water by retaining moisture and reduces the frequency and duration of watering plants and flowers.   It can serve as a natural fertilizer and reduce or eliminate the use of commercial fertilizers and pesticides.  During extreme heat and cold, compost can act as a moisture blanket or thermal blanket.  Composting can help enrich poor soil and replenish nutrients.

While composting is inexpensive, the benefits are very beneficial.  Backyard composting is the most common method of  household composting.  One can purchase a composting bin or construct their own.  However, commercial bins tend to be more costly than building your own.  A simple bin can be constructed from wire panels or wood.

Composting requires four key ingredients:

1. Browns- dead leaves, twigs, branches
2. Greens- coffee grounds, grass clippings
3. Water
4. Air

For the best results, each layer of the pile is alternated between browns and greens.  The pile should be moist but not soggy.  Too much water will not allow air spaces to form.  By placing a tarp over the top of the bin, moisture and heat will begin to build inside.  As this occurs the pile will begin to decompose and break down.  When this begins to occur you may turn the pile and add more brown and green materials. Depending on the size of the pile, it may take anywhere from two months or more to have finished compost. When the material is dark colored, crumbles easily, and is earthy smelling it is ready to be used.

What to Compost – The IN List

• Animal ( cow or horse) manure
• Cardboard rolls
• Clean paper
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Cotton rags
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Eggshells
• Fireplace ashes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grass clippings
• Hair and fur
• Hay and straw
• Houseplants
• Leaves
• Nut shells
• Sawdust
• Shredded newspaper
• Tea bags
• Wood chips
• Wool rags
• Yard trimmings

What Not to Compost – The OUT List

Leave Out/Reason Why

• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
• Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
• Coal or charcoal ash
• Might contain substances harmful to plants
• Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs
• Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Diseased or insect-ridden plants
• Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils
• Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Meat or fish bones and scraps
• Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)
• Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
• Might kill beneficial composting organisms

Resources: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/, http://www.fortworthgov.org/dem/info/default.aspx?id=8174, http://journeytoforever.org/compost.html http://www.ecomii.com/waste/composting 

Land and Habitat: Prairie Land Conservation Initiative

Texas coastal prairie land is becoming increasingly threatened due to development, both residential and commercial.  The first major habitat restoration efforts began with the Coastal Prairie Conservation Initiative (CPCI).  The CPCI  was formed in 1999 and formed partnerships with federal and state agencies.  CPCI was also able to get private landowners and organizations working together for a common goal.  The collective goal of the CPCI and its partners is maintaining and restoring the coastal prairie.  


The Landowner Incentive Program assists private landowners with financial and technical assistance to help in achieving conservation goals.  The program works to enhance and protect the habitat for at-risk species on over 250,000 acres across the state.  The program also targets the ecosystems of Texas' coastal plains.


The coastal prairie houses several at-risk species.  Attwater's greater prairie chicken (APC)  is in imminent danger due to urban and industrial expansion.  APC range is limited to the coastal prairie lands.  APC declined to nearly extinct in the early 1990s.  APC are currently captured at a young age, cared for and later released into the wild.  There are currently only 90 Attwater's prairie-chickens in the wild.  


The CPCI is successful due to pooling of resources and everyone working together to achieve a common goal.  


Resources: Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Endangered Species

Agriculture: Local vs. Organic

What is better, local or organic food?  This question has been posed time and time again.  Why can't we enjoy locally grown organic food?  There are numerous health, environmental, and economic reasons to consume local organic food.

Organic foods are produced without using synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and do not contain genetically modified organisms.  They are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.  However, organic food today is produced on more of an industrial scale.  Much like conventional farming, food comes from less than nutritious soil, produce is picked before it reaches its peak nutrition, and fossil fuels are used to produce, package, and transport organic food.


I recently made a trip to Whole Foods Market located in Arlington, Texas.  Several people told me about the store and that they carry mostly organic foods.  As I was looking at the produce and meat sections of the store, I began to look at the origin of the food.  The vast majority of the food was from countries outside of the United States.  This requires the food to be picked early enough so that it does not spoil in transit to the US.  Transportation to the US also consumes a great amount of fossil fuels.  Anyone who has eaten a peach or nectarine that was picked prematurely can attest to the inferior taste.  When I go to the store to buy fruits and vegetables, I want to be able to consume the food the same day.  Otherwise, I would purchase frozen or canned food.  I shouldn't have to place the produce in a brown paper bag to aid in its ripening.  I have also noticed that prematurely picked fruits and vegetables ruin much faster when attempting to ripen them off the vine.  


Local food on the other hand keeps local farmers in business.  Farmers all over the US are losing their farms due to industrial giants.  They are not able to price their food as competitively or provide the quantity as say Monsanto Soybean Company.  Food produced locally also tastes better because it is picked at its peak ripeness.  Local farms allow the consumer to develop a working relationship with the farmers.  Doing so allows consumers to know where their food is coming from and the farming methods used.  Local Harvest  is a website that you can locate farmers and co-ops in your area.  It is an invaluable resource that empowers the consumer to take control of the food that their family consumes.  


For those of you wanting a complete hands on experience that can be both local and organic, you should consider starting your own organic vegetable garden.  You can control what is grown and how it is grown.  It does not require massive space and many individuals choose to grow in their windowsills or in raised beds.  Urban Organic Gardener has some tips for getting started in limited space.


Resources: Organic and Local Food, Local Harvest, Organic.org, Whole Foods Market, Urban Organic Gardener

Built Environment: Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit research and education organization.  It was founded in 1936 and  represents land use and real estate development.  ULI gives industry leaders an open forum to discuss issues, ideas, and information.  ULI is headquartered in Washington, DC.  It is recognized as one of the world's most respected and widely quoted sources of information on urban planning, growth, and development. 


The mission of ULI is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.  Membership is over 30,000 members worldwide.  Members consist of community builders, those who develop and redevelop neighborhoods and business districts.  


ULI has a code of ethics that consists of:

• Respect for the Land
• Respect for the Profession
• Respect for the Consumer
• Respect for the Public
• Respect for Equality of Opportunity
• Respect for Others in the Land Use and Development Profession
• Respect for the Larger Environment
• Respect for the Future
• Respect for Future Generations
• Respect for Personal Integrity

ULI promotes progressive thinking that anticipates future trends and issues.  The ULI publishes best practice recommendations and publishes books to address community development performance.


ULI is committed to:

• Bringing together leaders from across the fields of real estate and land use policy to exchange best practices and serve community needs;
• Fostering collaboration within and beyond ULI’s membership through mentoring, dialogue and problem-solving;
• Exploring issues of urbanization, conservation, regeneration, land use, capital formation, and sustainable development;
• Advancing land use policies and design practices that respect the uniqueness of both built and natural environments;
• Sharing knowledge through education, applied research, publishing, and electronic media; and
• Sustaining a diverse global network of local practice and advisory efforts that address current and future challenges.

ULI Statement of Principles (Strategic Directions)

•  ULI will increase its effectiveness locally.
•  ULI will accelerate its expansion worldwide to increase the exchange of ideas.
•  ULI will create a “virtual ULI”, a strong network for communications, interaction, and information exchange.
•  ULI will retain its culture of sharing and learning from each other.
•  ULI will coordinate its many activities through a strategic, integrated, mission driven, Program of Work.
•  ULI will reorganize staff resources to more effectively support its mission, its members, and the Program of Work.
•  ULI will continue its commitment and emphasis on being inclusive and diverse.
•  ULI will devise a leadership structure that will enable it to effectively manage the business of ULI and govern the organization worldwide.
•  The ULI Foundation will increase its effectiveness in supporting the ULI Mission.

By joining ULI, one could gain a vast wealth of information while also sharing their input towards sustainable development.  The networking potential is tremendous.

Resources: About ULI, Who We Are, What We Do, Mission and Principles

Water: Conservation Methods/Initiatives

Texas is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions.  Lake levels have depleted and local farmers are having difficulty in maintaining their livestock due to lack of rain.  Water is necessary to nourish hay pastures.  Many farmers are selling their animals because they cannot afford to purchase limited hay.  Many individuals are trucking hay in from other states and charging inflated prices for it.  For example a typical round bale of coastal hay costs around $45.  Recently, I have seen hay being sold for nearly four times that amount.  It is important for all of us to be responsible when it comes to water usage and conservation.  Water is essential for our survival.

Fort Worth is currently in Stage 1 of its drought plan.  This limits the days of the week that you may water and also the times of the day.  According to the Tarrant Regional Water District, demands are down by 8.5%.  That equates to about 340 million gallons every 10 days.  The city has a website individuals may go on to report water waste.

Fort Worth is taking a proactive approach to conserving water.  They have established a water conservation plan that educates and gives specifics to both businesses and individuals on water conservation.  Some of the methods that they recommend and are trying to implement include:

• Retrofit existing fixtures with low-flow fixtures
• Perform a system water audit
• Water reuse
• Clothes washer incentive program

What surprises me is that Fort Worth does not recommend rainwater harvesting.  Rainwater harvesting diverts, captures, and stores rainwater for later use.  Harvested rainwater can be used on landscapes and provides water for wildlife.  In a residential setting, it is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of the total water usage is used for landscape.  Harvesting makes efficient use of a natural resource, lowers water bills, and reduces the demand of the water supply.  

An easy way of capturing household rainwater involves diverting the rainwater down an existing gutter downspout and into a container.  Rainwater costs nothing and does not require the use of chemicals and electricity that treated water does.  

Resources: Texas A&M Rainwater Harvesting, Fort Worth Water Plan, Save Fort Worth Water, Save Tarrant County Water

Video Introduction for SUST 5301

I am currently pursuing my masters degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Sustainability from the University of Texas at Arlington, Fort Worth campus.  Our first assignment required us to develop a 3-5 minute introductory video detailing our background and our views on sustainability.  Here is my video introduction.