Energy

The energy sector, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, is a top contributor of carbon emissions. As greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) rapidly accumulate in the atmosphere, more heat and radiation become trapped. This cycle contributes to climate change, particularly rising temperatures.
If we work to change our behavior, infrastructure, land use, and energy sources, we can begin to reduce our carbon emissions while simultaneously increasing our climate resilience.

Helpful Behaviors

Turn water off while brushing teeth

Unplug countertop appliances when not in use

Wash laundry in cold water

Opt for renewable electricity versus fossil fuels

Participate in “Warm Weather Wednesdays” by not cooking indoors on Wednesdays during the warmer weather months and instead having salads, grilling outside, etc.

If possible, turn off (or sleep mode) computer equipment when leaving work

Weatherization

Weatherization is the process of protecting a home’s interior from outside elements. Weatherization can help to ensure comfort indoors, regardless of the outdoor conditions. It also helps homes become more energy efficient, as lost or wasted energy is minimized/eliminated.
When thinking about weatherizing your home, an energy assessment is a great first step. Additionally, expanding your knowledge of ventilation, moisture control, insulation, and air sealing topics.
For more information, visit www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherization.
If you are interested in an energy assessment, visit www.peco.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/Assessment.

Energy Audit Report

Haverford Township contracted Practical Energy Solutions (PES), a division of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM), to perform energy assessments of several Township facilities and identify opportunities to improve energy performance.
The findings were compiled in an Energy Audit Report (Pending Link) that provided a number of energy conservation and renewable energy measures. The Township is now working to implement the Energy Audit Report’s recommendations at its many facilities. This work supports the Township’s commitment to greenhouse gas reduction and clean energy.

Planting of Shade Trees

Shade trees offer many benefits, even in the energy sector! Shade trees help to manage stormwater, soak up carbon dioxide, emit oxygen, and provide shelter for birds and small wildlife. They also provide cooling shade, which can reduce surrounding air temperatures and deter AC use!

Solar

Solar power helps to benefit the environment. Adopting renewable energy sources like solar allows us to transition away from fossil fuels. In doing so, we can help to improve air and water quality as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Additionally, solar power has the potential to:

Create household savings,

Generate economic opportunities,

And maintain power through and when recovering from extreme weather and disruptions to the grid.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office is working to connect people with the most up-to-date information surrounding solar energy. Specifically, their SolSmart program is working with communities that want to support more people and businesses on their journey to go solar. As communities work to encourage solar energy use at the local level, they can receive a SolSmart designation. In 2020, Haverford Township received a Bronze designation from SolSmart for creating an online permitting checklist and reviewing local zoning codes and identifying restrictions that prohibit solar photovoltaic development. To view Haverford’s designation, visit Solsmart.org Haverford Township.

For more information about solar energy, visit:

- Energy.gov - Solsmart.org

Direct links about solar incentives, visit:

- Energy.gov Solar Incentives - Peco Energy Solar Incentives

And for information about renewable energy and electricity, visit Energy.gov:

- Renewables and Electricity - Renewable-Energy