HYBRID - WIND - SOLAR - ALTERNATIVE FOSSIL FUEL - GREEN DEVELOPMENT

HYBRID:

Recently, EnCo has invested in this not so relatively new technology. The idea and experimental hybrid technology started in the mid 1600's and produced its first hybrid vehicle in the early 1800's!¹ Today hybrid technology is being used to help counter-act the human-influenced global climate change. Hybrid and electric cars and SUV's have been known to reach around 200 mpg! Want to know how this technology works? Click here.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

WIND:

Although wind is generally not a sole source of power, it along with solar power can produce enough energy your household easily. A wind turbine takes its energy from air by slowing wind down and transferring that energy which eventually turns an alternator (or generator) to produce electricity. Washington state has several sites where windmills are located. For a great packet of information put together by the US Department of Energy, click here (PDF).

Combine Hills wind farm near Walla Walla, Washington: Photo by Krazy Kyles

SOLAR:

There are several different uses for solar energy. The most commonly known is using cell that react to light (photovoltaic). This is the beginning of a process that converts the sun rays into energy for something like turning your lights on. In areas such as Washington state, this method is generally supplemental to regular utilities since the sun rays are weaker here compared to places closer to the equator, but it is still not a waste of money. In the long run, the cost of installing panels for your house can be cheaper as it cuts down your reliance on utilities. Other forms of solar energy include greenhouses, daylighting (EnCo has this in their office!), thermal masses (to collect heat), and evaporation ponds (harvesting salt).

Solar panels from a solar-wind plant in Central Washington utilized by Puget Sound

Energy. Photo by: KRIS HOLLAND/Yakima Herald-Republic

ALTERNATIVE FOSSIL FUEL:

The most popular alternative fuel is biodiesel. Most biodiesel is produced using a mix of regular diesel and easily renewable resources such as vegetable oil or fat. The process of getting methyl esters (what you need to mix with the diesel) is called transesterification. It's other product is glycerin which is commonly used for household items like soap! This is a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline or diesel and comes from a renewable resource (in which petroleum is not)². Much of this can be done in the United States and decreases our independence on foreign nation's oil and the environmentally damaging act of ocean drilling.

A biodiesel service station pump located in the Port of Tacoma, WA.

GREEN DEVELOPMENT:

A green development is not just including solar panels on your next remodel. Like the seafood industry, there are sustainable and unsustainable practices that can effect the quality and availability of products. It could also be as simple as using different products to build your house. This could be things like bamboo for wood floors, paint with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are hazardous, protecting your topsoil from erosion, pervious paving (like brick), green roofs (especially for you green thumbs!), and energy efficient appliances. For a longer list and to find builders in your area visit Built Green Washington.

Martha Rose Construction in Seattle, WA. Follow this link to read about

why this home is so energy efficient!

¹ www.hybridcars.com

² www.biodiesel.org