Let's Make Conservation Sexy

I was reading about "grassoline" this morning and it really intrigued me. Grassoline referred to the ethanol resulting from cellulosic fermentation of switchgrass. This is typical of the information I come across on renewable energy - it is smart, interesting and compelling - it really grabs you.

Information on energy conservation and efficiency...well not so much. This information is often technical, detailed, and hard to digest. An engineer friend of mine said that conservation just isn't sexy - and I agree, we are almost programmed to consume to reflect our prosperity and rich is sexy. How can we change our view on conservation?

2% Biofuels Mandate by 2011

I was reading an article in http://www.biofuels-news.com/ about the Canadian Trucking Alliance reaction to a 2% bio-diesel requirement for heavy trucks in 2011. Although some comments are valid, their attitude leaves something to be desired. Demonstrated in this comment made by their president: "The impetus for such a policy is really to create a new market for farmers."

This comment inspired me to take a little look at the efficiency of trucking versus other forms of freight transport. I found some numbers in Wikipedia from the US Transportation Energy book (for 2004) which gave a breakdown as follows:

Class 1 Rail 341 BTU/short ton mile
Domestic water borne 510 BTU/short ton mile
Heavy trucks 3357 BTU/short ton mile
Air freight (approx) 9600 BTU/short ton mile

Here lies the attitude problem - it is a real leap to embrace renewable fuels when conservation and efficiency have not been a priority.

Renewable Energy & Conservation the Perfect Couple

I firmly believe that conservation & renewable energy go hand in hand - with carbon sequestering on the side you have me (multi-tasking is a weak spot). I guess that is why I find biochar such an intriguing prospect. It is a potential renewable energy source, conserves and recycles nutrients (in some cases for hundreds of years) and has potential to sequester billions of tonnes of carbon annually.

Why haven't I heard of it before? Lots in the news about biofuels and turbines, hmmm.
Is multi-tasking still over-rated?

CONSERVATION FIRST

I first started writing about renewable energy about four years ago and have heard from numerous experts that conservation first before engaging in renewable energy is an essential policy. To me it is a common sense approach.

Yet 99% of reports on activities related to energy are focused on renewables and it seems government policy points this way as well. Recently applications for support under EcoEnergy, a federal conservation initiative, were unaccepted.

In Ontario the province has purchased thousands of megawatts of renewable power yet there seems to be a gap in programs for conservation.

What do you think, conservation first or fast track to a green energy production emphasis?

Why blog on conservation and renewable energy?

Why a blog on conservation and renewable energy? Over the past 3 years we have reviewed programs, done the analysis, networked with industry, attended conferences and meetings, read the research, produced a website...and though all this have seen the need to actively connect with Canadian farmers on the business of conservation and renewable energy. In future blogs you can expect to see:

• news from home and abroad


• program and resource information and analysis


• conference and meeting coverage


• opportunities and ideas exposed and


• reports on "lessons learned" from other farmers

We will present the highlights and let you decided if you wish to take it further.