Environment

Renewable Energy

Shifting from using fossil fuels, like coal, oil and natural gas, to using renewable energy is critical for protecting communities from the effects of climate change. When fossil fuels are burned, they emit high levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere, warming and creating instability in the earth’s climate. Renewable energy, on the other hand, has zero or very low emissions. Distributed renewable energy systems – such as rooftop solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, small wind, and geothermal energy systems – are particularly beneficial because they save residents (and local governments) money, create good local jobs, and improve the region’s energy security. 

COG is working closely with local governments and public agencies in the region to install solar energy systems, and to reduce the price of solar in their communities. COG helps local governments develop renewable energy plans, policies, and initiatives, and helps them install renewable energy systems on municipal facilities, which contributes directly to the growth of this local industry.

 

News & Multimedia

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    Regional Sustainability One Building at a Time

    April 20, 2011

    Last week MWCOG released a report on LEED certified green building from 2003 through 2009 in metro Washington. The report Green Building Trends demonstrates...

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    The Morning Measure: Think long-term on renewable energy in metro Washington

    March 24, 2011

    We know that we need to diversify our sources of energy. Whether or not you think that climate change is a problem shrinking fuel supplies political turbulence...

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    The Morning Measure: Sustainable living

    March 10, 2011

    We need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions if we want to avoid the worst effects of climate change. That’s fairly straight forward and is a tangible...

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