President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the U.S. Capitol. (White House photo by Pete Souza)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

In his latest State of the Union address, President Barack Obama laid out his energy agenda, which included the strange and perhaps ominous statement, “This country needs an all-out, all-of-the above strategy that develops every available source of American energy — a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper and full of new jobs.”

Given questions regarding reliable sources of energy, the poor economy and the desperate job situation, the call to develop every available source of American energy has a ring of boosterism that could produce a level of energy development that would increase our commitment to fossil fuels, invest heavily in the existing infrastructure and leave in its wake a wide swath of adverse environmental impacts.

Obama’s call to open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas resources for exploration was linked to the importance of breaking the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Even if the combination of offshore oil and oil shale production reaches an expected level of 7 million barrels per day by 2020, it would still fall far short of the 19 million barrels we consume today.

His claim of having supplies of natural gas for nearly 100 years seems overly optimistic, given the Department of Energy’s estimates that Marcellus shale will yield only six years, supply, not the previously projected 17 years. While the federal government provided funding to develop technologies to harvest fossil fuels from shale, no mention was made that it excluded the industry from Environmental Protection Agency oversight of its impact on air and water quality.

While requiring all companies drilling for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use was offered as a reassurance that the resource will be developed without putting the health and safety of our citizens at risk, the impact of existing projects on private lands has already raised alarms. Groundwater contamination throughout the United States, disposal of toxic fracking waste water and reports of earthquakes apparently coming from waste water wells suggest citizen health and safety is not adequately protected.

While boosting the economy, harvesting sand for the fracking industry is raising citizen ire. Hydraulic fracking involves drilling deep wells sunk into gas-bearing shale rock and pumping a pressurized mixture of water, sand and chemicals into the well to fracture the rock and free the gas.

In Wisconsin, at least 20 new sand mines are being proposed, including some approaching 1,000 acres in size. Citizens living near the operations are dismayed over the loss of scenic vistas, blowing silica sand dust, around-the-clock operations of noise, lights and heavy truck traffic and water pollution.

Similar sand deposits are located near Starved Rock State Park and in Ogle County in Illinois; plans exist to expand operations in these areas. Citizens’ concerns are similar to those in Wisconsin.

To be fair, the Obama energy plan does include support for renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. But we will have to wait to see what elements of the plans are put into action and whether the renewable portion is substantial enough to be a major contributor to a clean, sustainable energy future.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

The legal landscape in Illinois includes new provisions that are seen by some as favorable for renewable energy. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard called for 25 percent of its energy coming from renewables by 2025. The law stimulated the substantial rise in wind farms, but was far less effective stimulating other forms of renewable energy.

A 1 percent carve-out provision for Distributed Generation (DG) was added to the state standard. The provision is expected to stimulate individuals and businesses to generate electricity on their sites, sell it back to the utility, and earn renewable energy credits that can be sold to buyers. The most likely choice for rooftops is solar energy.

Net metering provisions have been added that should expand the market for distributed generation as well. The net metering cap has been raised from 1 percent to 5 percent, which is expected to stimulate installations of DG systems. Customers enrolled in real-time pricing programs are now eligible to participate in the net metering program.

A 10-year project through which smart meters will be provided for ComEd customers and the majority of Ameren Services customers has also been added.

Legal provisions allowing for municipal aggregation has, for the moment, stimulated widespread interest in the state. Government officials are legally prevented from openly advocating for the passage of a referendum, but can supply information describing it. By passing a referendum, voters authorize officials to aggregate their collective consumption and shop for a third-party supplier. If officials do not find a lower-cost package for the community than current cost of service from ComEd or Ameren, the bid would be rejected.

More than 100 local governments in Illinois are considering municipal aggregation; some have already implemented such programs. The upcoming March ballot is when most constituents will be asked to decide whether they want their community to be involved in the program. If a referendum passes, officials will have to consider proposals from various third-party providers. The Citizens Utility Board has a page on their website describing the various choices.

The appeal of community aggregation is that customers in the aggregation will pay less for their electrical consumption. Savings ranging from 9 percent to 25 percent have been cited as possible. Some state officials and spokespeople for the Citizens Utility Board have cautioned that the savings are not guaranteed.

For us, the former system of net metering was very straightforward. Any size system could use net metering, sending excess electrical production back to a participating utility and be paid at the same rate as charged for electrical service. The new legislation raises the level of eligibility to a 2 MW system.

A news item in the January issue of Photon describes the new legislation as “As a step backward in the Land of Lincoln.” Madeleine Weil with the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) in Chicago points to language in the legislation that indicates that only customers assigned to a noncompetitive class can use net metering. What is feared is that most residential and non-residential customer classes are likely to eventually fall under the umbrella of a noncompetitive class. A customer class becomes competitive when a third of all rate payers sign up to receive their electricity from an alternative retail electrical supplier.

With the growing popularity of community aggregation across the state, customers could themselves be in the noncompetitive class and no longer eligible for net metering. The ELPC will try to change this situation.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced another opportunity to go greener and cut energy costs with support from the agency’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The program has helped 290 agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Illinois since it was authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill).

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Jan. 20 that USDA is seeking applications for grants and loans for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

“Renewable energy development presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America,” said Vilsack. “This funding will assist rural farmers, ranchers and business owners to build renewable energy projects, providing opportunities for new technologies, create green jobs and help America become more energy self-sufficient.”

REAP is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation’s critical energy needs. This year, USDA will be able to award at least $12.5 million in grant and approximately $48.5 million in loan guarantees. USDA is accepting the following applications:

• renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until March 30;

• renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications on a continuous basis up to June 29;

• renewable energy system feasibility study applications through March 30; and

• energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications through Feb. 21.

More about how to apply for funding is available in the Jan. 20, 2012, Federal Register, pages 2,948 through 2,954. Questions in Illinois can be directed to Mary Warren at Mary.Warren@il.usda.gov or by calling her at (217) 403-6218.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

Iran’s threat to close the Straits of Hormuz would have a major adverse impact on the United States’ economy, which has been built on cheap, abundant supplies of energy. During the 1950s, development of the interstate highway system and federal support for airport development led to a dramatic increase in our oil consumption. It undermined the public transportation system, which had served our society for several generations, and contributed to the dramatic growth of suburbia. In turn, the growth of suburbia increased our oil consumption.

Energy analyst Daniel Yergin is cautiously optimistic about our energy future. He accepts the reality of peak oil in the sense that future supplies will be increasingly costly and involve more political and environmental risks. He remains a technological optimist in that he sees our energy future as based on our ingenuity and creativity. With more costly energy supplies, demand for oil will fall while demand for energy alternatives and efficiency will increase.

Some energy analysts are far less sanguine than Yergin about an optimistic energy future. They fear a false sense of energy abundance is being created in the public by claims that shale gas fracking will provide us with a 100-year supply and that oil supplies are plentiful if environmental restrictions do not block their development.

They believe the current enthusiasm for fracking and shale oil could turn out to be another financial bubble that will burst, leaving us with far less energy than projected, less capital to fund efficiency and alternatives, and higher levels of pollution.

Many projects, such as the development of tar sands, provide very little net energy. It takes the energy equivalent of one barrel of oil to produce three barrels of oil, far below the former ratio of one barrel for 100 barrels. Other projects are not expected to scale up in volume sufficient to meet the 18 million barrels/day characteristic of U.S. consumption.

The fiery loss of the drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico points out the high environmental and economic risks involved in deep-ocean drilling. Oil spills from drilling in the cold Arctic waters could prove more damaging.

If energy supplies prove as abundant as some claim, we will burn more fossil fuels, accelerating climate change while ignoring the need to cut demand.

The Long Emergency author James Howard Kuntsler continues to express disappointment that simple solutions — such as more walkable cities, bike and public transit, more compact communities and increased rail passenger service — fail to draw support from major environmental leaders, whose efforts are focused on finding alternative fuels to continue our car-dependent culture.

Some actions are being taken to move us toward a more sustainable energy economy. Higher standards for more fuel-efficient cars should prove helpful. While not a direct substitute for oil consumption, continuing decline in the cost of solar electric panels should increase their presence in society.

Efforts at the local level to grow food, reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy are positive steps. Put some real power into your life by occupying your roof with solar energy.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

It is estimated the average American family uses about 1,000 kWh of electricity each month. Home lighting consumption is estimated at between 9 percent and 16 percent, and commercial and office lighting can be as high as 24 percent. While estimates vary, they do provide some idea of the importance of lighting in our lives and the opportunities to cut consumption for economic and environmental benefits.

While turning off lights was a common request from parents in American households, its popularity waned in prosperous times but could return with the economic decline. This time, with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), the request should include the modification of “if you plan to leave the room and not return within 15 minutes, please turn off the lights.” A CFL uses a surge of energy when first turned on, which will shorten its life if frequently cycled. With incandescent bulbs disappearing from the marketplace, the 15-minute admonition may prevail. However, LEDs could become the prevailing lighting mode. They can be turned on and off frequently with no impact on bulb life or light quality.

We have all become accustomed to LEDs since they appeared in flashlights. Their use continues to spread as Christmas tree lights, vehicle taillights and headlights, decorative outdoor lighting and traffic control lights.

An engineer friend, Victor Zaderej, informed us that in many areas of China, large steel buildings without windows serve as greenhouses and use LED lighting to stimulate plant growth. Others have informed us of factories, assembly plants and warehouses illuminated by LEDs.

Our demonstration greenhouse is PV powered and lit with LEDs. For the moment, we have the world’s only known installation of an LED grow light system fitted to a metallic power strip that allows bulbs to be shifted to any site desired on it. The new system will hit the market next spring. While of no great significance, it is fun to be able to say we are the only place in the world where light is being provided with this new system.

What is the claim to fame for LEDs? A high-quality LED can last up to 50,000 hours, eliminating the need for frequent bulb replacements, saving both time and money for the user. The disappearing incandescent bulbs only last up to 3,000 hours, while CFLs can last up to 9,000 hours.

In terms of efficient energy use, incandescents only use 5 percent of the supplied electricity to produce light while the remaining energy is dissipated as heat. CFLs have an efficiency of 25 percent while LEDs convert 50 percent of the electricity to light, yet release enough heat to necessitate the use of a heat sink to protect the bulb.

LEDs use direct current, so an electronic device is included in a unit to convert AC power from the grid to DC. Considering the proliferation of DC-powered electronics in homes, at some point it may make sense for buildings to be DC powered to reduce the need for conversion units.

A small percentage of people appear sensitive to a flickering effect from LEDs not visible to the naked eye. According to an article by Brent Polich in Environmental Building News, it results from the 60-hertz cycle characteristic of our AC power. Complaints include eyestrain, headaches and slower reading speed and comprehension.

Since LEDs are electronic devices that include potentially harmful chemicals, they need to be disposed of in the same way as an electronic device.

As costs continue to drop, light quality improves, and applications expand, LEDs will play increased roles in daily lives.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

Capturing the sun’s energy for home or business use is simple — south-facing windows will provide some heat. Adding solar thermal collectors will provide hot water or additional interior building heat. Somewhat more sophisticated is generating electricity with building-integrated PV panels. Adding an appropriate amount of insulation, insulating glass, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances and an energy storage system will make a home or building energy independent.

We know how to do it, but the national commitment to subsidizing fossil fuels, along with low natural gas prices, limits the widespread acceptance of this approach. If concerns over peak oil, climate change and environmental damage from fossil fuel consumption were accurately reflected in the price of energy, the new energy paradigm would be more widely implemented.

Dramatic price reductions in the cost of PV modules occurred this year as the marketplace has been flooded with low-cost panels from China just as other manufacturers were increasing production, forcing a number of solar PV manufacturers to close or cease production. It appeared that some firms were selling panels below the cost of manufacturing them.

According to Solarbuzz, roughly 25 percent of the solar module prices are below $2 per watt. The lowest price cited was for multicrystalline panels at $1.14 per watt. With module costs of 35 to 40 percent of the system costs, PV system costs are at an all-time low.

The World Trade Organization is considering imposing an anti-dumping duty against Chinese modules, which would raise the price of solar modules. According to Chris Brown of Asian Cleantech Gateway, China recently announced a national goal of 15 GW of installed PV by 2015, which represents a 50 percent increase from an earlier plan. China has a production capacity around 40 GW per year while its existing domestic market is about 2 GW. Stimulating domestic demand will reduce exports and may increase the cost of solar panels.

Installed system costs will also rise if federal or state incentives supporting renewable energy were either reduced or eliminated.

Kevin Bullis believes future PV manufacturing competition will focus on upgrading panel efficiency and reducing the cost involved in installing solar panels. Installers in the U.S. point out that eliminating differences in local permitting standards would also reduce costs.

With economic prospects and job opportunities looking bleak, it would seem we could put the excess solar module manufacturing inventory to good use.

Many people can afford solar installations today if they choose them rather than buying larger TVs and fancier electronic gadgets, which increase electrical demand. If people have extra cash and find themselves unsure where to invest it, making a solar investment will provide a measure of energy security for years to come.

Another energy investment is to start replacing incandescent and compact flourescent bulbs with the ever-improving LED lighting systems. Their costs are dropping, and the quality of lighting is improving dramatically. A friend recently calculated that if all lighting in this country were replaced with LEDs, 150 of the 1,000 large utility-scaled generators would no longer be needed.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

If you have ever spent time fretting about the state of the world and wondering why the policies and actions taken by our leaders seldom address the everyday concerns of most citizens, maybe it’s time to decide to do something positive for your community.

About three years ago, two women, Pam Warhurst and Mary Clear, came up with a simple plan to do something positive for their town of Todmorden in the United Kingdom. They initiated a project to rebuild the local economy and asked people to join them in an effort to improve the lives of the people in the former industrial town.

They focused on increasing the available supply of local foods. Using a small amount of their own money to get started, they assumed with success additional funds would become available to support their efforts.

While many communities have initiated local foods projects, what sets their efforts apart is their method of capturing public interest. Their first 18 months focused on planting vegetables and fruits in the town center and placing signs at the sites telling citizens to feel free to take some.

A bed of rhubarb was one of their first plantings, assuming that people were familiar with it and would recognize when it was ripe for picking. Fruits and vegetables were planted on the lawn of a health clinic with the expectation that people would make the connection between healthy eating and healthy living. A pinch of fennel along a route they walked to school provided students with a taste of licorice.

Vegetable beds were planted near the entry to the police station — perhaps to help convince citizens that the signs indicating the vegetables were free for the taking were legitimate.

Eventually, more than 70 large local food beds were scattered around the former mill town, and the movement gained wider acceptance.

The project is in its third year, and goes by the name of the Incredible Edibles. Their goal of being the first town in the U.K. to be self-sufficient in food by 2018 adds another unique element to their efforts. Roughly 6,000 of the town’s 17,000 citizens have signed on to the project.

Planting and tending the gardens has produced 50 new jobs. Two orchards consisting of more than 500 trees have been planted. At 41 homes, chickens are being raised for eggs with the intent of having the community produce 30,000 eggs per week. Students at each of the schools are served locally-produced meat, vegetables and fruit at lunch.

The movement extends beyond beds of vegetables and fruits and includes courses such as gardening and food preservation. A fish farm is being built to provide food and teach high school students the skills necessary to operate it. A 50-meter-long hoop house will produce a larger volume of vegetables for the community.

Local farmers, farmers’ markets and citizens have all benefited from the Incredible Edibles project. For more information, Google Incredible Edibles and Todmorden to check out the range of newspaper articles about it.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

Over the last decade, we have been involved in bringing renewable energy and efficiency to the Rockford area. Of particular interest are developments at the area’s first major renewable energy effort at Freedom Field.

It started at Chicago-Rockford International Airport with an effort to install a few rebuilt windmills and some solar panels on a building. When the cost of refurbishing the building became too expensive, the Rockford Sanitary District made space available.

The initial focus was to create a demonstration site of renewable energy installations, collect data on the performance of each technology, and share it with the public. The vision included a variety of technologies linked together through a computer to maximize the performance of the overall system and obtain live data on each component.

Inherent in creating a model to demonstrate a concept is that developments in the field soon make the model obsolete. We experienced this in Toronto several years ago when a cooperative community effort modified an existing building that became known as the Ecology House. A two-story brick home with a south-facing wall was covered with glazing to absorb the heat of the sun. The home’s insulation was upgraded by adding a thick layer of insulation inside the exterior walls. Efficient lighting and appliances were installed. Rainwater was collected and stored in a cistern in the house to water the organic gardens on an adjacent vacant lot. Faucets to restrict water flow and a composting toilet were installed as well.

Tours of the facility were available for a few years, until visitor interest dwindled.

Freedom Field is nearly fully developed, as only a few odds and ends are left to improve the overall performance of the renewable system. An energy storage unit is being installed that allows the system to function as a micro grid.

Freedom Field has already accomplished its first goal of demonstrating renewable energy technologies. New knowledge and skills gained by those installing and servicing the system are being applied throughout the area.

A newsletter is being developed to provide updates on developments. An expanded education program involving Rock Valley College students will include capstone projects in which students synthesize their learnings. The internship program is being expanded. Upper-level high school students may be involved in renewable energy learnings. A signage system will let the public know the location of Freedom Field.

Additional opportunities to develop energy linkages between Freedom Field and the sewage district may evolve over time. A new water filtering research facility being developed on site reminds us of the strong links between water quality and energy.

The long-anticipated installation of a rebuilt Danish windmill will mark the beginning of efforts to stimulate business and jobs in the area. Other projects focused on business opportunities and jobs are under way.

Much of the credit for what has been and is being accomplished rests with the leadership shown by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) and the support of the Winnebago County Board.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Our economy is based on oil, and our leaders view oil as the key to retaining our global military supremacy. After oil production peaked in the U.S. in the 1970s, attention focused on securing energy supplies from the Mideast and Africa through negotiations, political machinations and wars.

While not abandoning our existing global oil ventures, our interests are expanding to include the vast potential of the Asian-Pacific region, as recently announced by President Barack Obama. Through forming alliances with Asian countries and increasing our naval presence in the South China Sea, the major shipping route of oil to China, tensions between China and the United States are likely to increase.

Within North America, increased oil and gas supplies from Arctic waters off Alaska, deep-water wells in the Gulf and shale deposits have improved the short-term outlook for energy supplies. Securing these supplies in high-risk areas or through the use of risky technologies is likely to produce extensive environmental damage. If successful, efforts to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases will add to the adverse environmental impacts of these efforts to add to our energy supplies.

Energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy sources are frequently promoted as reducing our oil dependence, increasing our energy security and reducing the environmental damage from the use of fossil fuels. Often overlooked in their promotion is that they, too, have adverse environmental impacts. However, during their operation, they do dramatically reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants as compared to those released from the combustion of coal, oil and natural gas.

Mining and processing materials for what are considered renewable or sustainable energy sources, manufacturing the equipment and transporting and installing them at scattered locations all involve the consumption of nonrenewable resources and fossil fuels.

As with other technologies, renewable technologies have a limited life span and will require periodic replacement. At the end of their useful life, they will have to be disposed of or recycled in environmentally acceptable ways.

Solar-powered steam turbines in desert locations rely on groundwater sources to wash reflective surfaces, cool equipment and replace water lost to evaporation. The water is likely to be drawn from depletable underground sources.

Industrial-sized wind generators require a substantial base of concrete and steel rebar to anchor them in the ground. Their production involves energy-intensive processes.

Unfortunately, many of the sites targeted for the installation of renewable energy sources are great distances from the markets for energy supplies. New grid installations and upgrades are required to bring the renewable energy output to the marketplace.

While renewable energy sources are essential to our energy future, we need to consider the possibility they will not provide enough energy to power our existing economy. Given that possibility, redesigning our households and communities to dramatically reduce energy consumption would stimulate employment, strengthen local economies and begin the implementation of a sustainable energy system.

The recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission that Chinese solar panel and cell imports are harming the American solar manufacturing industry could bring a temporary end to the dramatic drop in the prices of solar systems. If so, it would be a good time to install a system.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

Plants in Birgit’s greenhouse. (Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

Each time we visit our brother and sister-in-law in northern Wisconsin, we find a topic for a column. Of course, since our visits are usually in November, we’re already thinking about energy. We’ve visited in the summer, but that was years ago.

They burn wood, use area heating, move the kitchen to the porch in summer, hang laundry and raise chickens and sheep. Their “guest property” came equipped with something we’ve wanted for a long time and have had for less than a year — a greenhouse. It’s a standard greenhouse, similar to our hoop house — a metal frame with a heavy plastic cover.

During this year’s first week of November visit, several varieties of vegetables were poking through the soil. Some were already 6 inches tall and had been covered with a blanket of light plastic for protection from nighttime freezing. They plan to harvest and eat their crops as long as they can into winter.

Last year, Birgit discovered that a swarm of grasshoppers had invaded the greenhouse, so they loaded up their chickens and let them loose until all of the pests were gone. After their feast, the chickens moved back to the coop, where their scratching did not disturb delicate garden plants.

Since we built our uninsulated hoop house in November, we did not plant anything in it last year until the end of February. Except for the corn and peas, our crop was a success. This year, we planted during the last week in September. Beets, radishes, mesclun, carrots, cabbage, kohlrabi, choi, peas, kale and spinach are thriving. We hope to harvest throughout the winter, as do our friends whose hoop house inspired us.

Variety of plants in greenhouse. (Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl)

Last winter, our insulated solar greenhouse grew beet greens and arugula. This year, it is being subjected to extensive experimentation. Our daughter, Lin, moved delicate, hot-weather plants, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, inside. So far, they are growing beautifully. She also moved all of our potted herbs inside. They, too, are thriving. She seeded cucumbers, squash and sweet potatoes, all of which look healthy. We are eagerly awaiting their blooms and, we hope, fruits. The artichokes, which require 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate, are slow.

The energy efficiency of the greenhouse has been increased. Last year’s phase change materials, which require 70 degrees Fahrenheit to melt, were replaced by new ones, which melt and re-freeze between 45 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. We hope this change will collect more daytime heat and release it during the night to regulate temperatures.

Our friend, Vic, added red and blue LED grow lights to the white LEDs used last year. We plan to place half of our swiss chard under the grow lights and half under the white lights and record the results.

The green and hoop houses are exciting experiments in energy independence and sustainable lifestyles. We will continue to report on results so others may learn from our mistakes and successes and help themselves to become self-sufficient throughout the winter.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Dec. 7-13, 2011, issue

Fossil fuel interests and their allies are spending millions of dollars on advertising and publications to undermine support for action on climate change and to assure the public that abundant sources of coal, oil and natural gas are available that will allow society to continue its current level of consumption. This cornucopian thinking is usually linked with a plea to gut governmental regulations aimed at limiting the adverse environmental consequences of increased energy production and consumption.

Ignored in this effort to expand our dependence on fossil fuels and eliminate environmental protections is the key notion of energy return on energy invested. To use energy, energy must be consumed in securing the new energy source and prepare it for use in our society. We used the easy-to-find oil first, and only needed to expend one barrel of oil to provide 100 barrels of useful energy. Oil secured from deep-ocean drilling today only yields nine barrels of oil from one barrel of energy expended. At a 9:1 ratio, it is likely to prove extremely difficult providing the energy needed to operate our existing infrastructure. Oil produced from tar sands only yields five useful barrels, and oil from oil shale only yields three useful barrels. Wind has a 20:1 ratio and solar 10:1.

If we invest in tar sands and oil shale, what energy and money will be left for renewable energy?

Adding to public confusion are the conflicting claims of job losses and gains. Some industry estimates regarding potential jobs coming from the expanded development of the Canadian tar sands project have been as high as 2 million new jobs, while another independently-funded study indicates only 1,500 part-time jobs will be created.

Considering the highly automated manufacturing processes in making solar cells, a relatively small labor force is involved. The installation of solar systems is the labor-intensive side of the industry. Once installed, they are very reliable, and relatively few service jobs are needed. If the country embarks on a major build-out of the solar industry, there would be a substantial number of jobs designing and installing the systems.

Subsidies are seen as essential for its continued growth. While all energy sources are subsidized, the renewable energy industry fears it will suffer the most from the fervor to cut taxes and federal and state programs. The federal 1603 cash grant program that stimulated renewable energy investments will expire at the end of the year, and its chances of being renewed appear slim.

The net effect of these conflicting views and uncertainties is to confuse the public and leave them unsure of what actions to take.

It is time to cut through the confusion and invest in solar energy. Prices are low, and the systems are highly reliable. We can think of investing in solar energy as buying a form of insurance for protection from future blackouts and price increases. The community also benefits if local firms are hired to install systems, as the money spent is recirculated within the community.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2011, issue

A representative from Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet helps SwedishAmerican Foundation Executive Vice President John Mecklenburg “fill up” a Chevrolet Volt at SwedishAmerican Hospital’s new electric vehicle charging station. The SwedishAmerican Foundation installed four electric vehicle charging stations on the SwedishAmerican Hospital campus, 1401 E. State St., for employee and visitor use. The stations, which are on the south side of Camelot Tower, can be used at no charge. Hospital valets will coordinate use of the stations for hospital guests. Installation costs totaled $28,000. (Photo by Brian Thomas)

From the Nov. 23-29, 2011, issue

Last week, we discussed sustainability efforts in Ashland, Wis., with Mary Rehwald, a graduate of Rockford West High School. She has served as the coordinator for the local Alliance for Sustainability.

Her sustainability interests were stimulated by hearing Torbjorn Lahti speak at a conference. She then organized a trip to Sweden for 14 people from the area in 2004. They visited numerous communities that were implementing their versions of sustainable development.

The trip inspired them to stimulate sustainability efforts in Ashland. They organized a study circle in which each week a chapter from The Natural Step served as the focus of the discussions.

Starting with a few thousand dollars and a small group of interested citizens, the organization’s leadership council grew to 24 members and their budget reached $100,000. From 2004 through 2009, they created 200 jobs in the area. Thirty-three municipalities were involved. Their efforts weakened when supportive political leaders lost their positions, grant opportunities dried up and debts accumulated.

Recently, Mary and seven others initiated actions to rejuvenate area sustainability efforts. They held a fall meeting in which they addressed the issues of what worked in their earlier efforts and what should be next. Following the meeting, they sent out a questionnaire asking people what they thought was important to be talking about and what actions should be undertaken. They received 150 responses.

During our stay near Ashland, we were invited to participate in the second meeting of the group. After an overview of survey responses, three key issues were identified for discussion. One was jobs and the economy; another was renewable energy and energy conservation; and the third was agriculture and local foods. Bob participated in the renewable energy and conservation session, and Sonia attended the agriculture and local foods discussion.

Each group was assigned the task of deciding what they wanted to see happen in the area in the next eight years. They were then asked to focus on what they would like to see in the next three years.

Some unique items were provided by the renewable energy and energy conservation group. One participant indicated he has lived off grid for 28 years and recently purchased additional solar panels because the prices were so low he felt it was worthwhile, even though he did not have a project in mind. A second commented that the local cooperative electric power company uses wood chips to meet 50 percent of fuel needs, with the other half from coal. The cooperative looked into the option of using only wood chips, but determined it was not cost effective at the present time.

Another participant from Chicago, a student at Northland College, was interested in locating wind farms in Lake Superior and suggested the group use TED as a means to present their ideas to the Internet community.

Some notable ideas were presented in the food and agricultural session. They considered it important to begin with education — of students, the public and farmers. School gardens were recommended to provide healthy foods and encourage students to eat them. Experienced farmers mentoring young, new farmers and establishing a community machine shed were also recommended.

Next, study groups will develop goals and determine what they need to learn or know to reach their goals. They are also developing a speaking series for the next year.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Nov. 23-29, 2011, issue

As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the SwedishAmerican Foundation has installed four electric vehicle charging stations on the SwedishAmerican Hospital campus for employee and visitor use.

The stations, which are on the south side of Camelot Tower, can be used at no charge. SwedishAmerican Hospital valets will coordinate use of the stations for hospital guests.

Installation costs, which totaled $28,000, were provided by the SwedishAmerican Foundation; the health system did not utilize operational funds for the project. The foundation also will provide funding for the stations’ ongoing operation. Based on demand, an additional two stations may be added in the future at a cost of approximately $3,000.

“This was the right thing to do,” said SwedishAmerican Foundation CEO John Mecklenburg. “The government has done their part by offering consumers tax incentives to purchase electric vehicles. As one of northern Illinois’ largest organizations, we are making the ownership and operation of electric vehicles more convenient by offering the charging stations to our guests and employees.”

According to a September 2011 report from Boulder, Colo.-based Pike Research, sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are expected to accelerate rapidly over the next several years, posting a compound annual growth rate of 43 percent between 2011 and 2017, with annual sales reaching almost 360,000 vehicles by 2017.

From the Nov. 16-22, 2011, issue

Once again, Food for Thought, sponsored by the Northwest Audubon Society, stressed the value of fresh, wholesome food, growing one’s own and retaining the ability to plant favorite foods each year.

A keynote presentation about saving seeds from favorite food plants encouraged participants to consider the value of preserving genetic diversity, not only for the pleasure of eating a variety of foods, but also for food security.

Maintaining numerous varieties of a plant protects against a species- or variety-specific disease wiping out an entire year’s crop. As John Torgrimson, executive director of Seed Savers Exchange, said, “What if the one variety we lose is the one that we need in the future?”

He reminded his audience that each seed has its own history and that saving favorite seeds not only preserves them, it conserves agricultural history. Several stories of heritage seeds delighted his listeners.

Theresa Westaby and her daughter, whose farm is in the Organic Valley Cooperative, related their journey from natural to organic. For their health, the family had used natural practices for several years and found the transition involved only permanently forgoing the “safety net” chemicals they had not used for years. They use crop rotation and homeopathy to control infestations and illnesses. Informative details in their presentation included that organic plants’ higher sugar content discourages insects.

Their contention that organic foods are as profitable as conventional is supported by a three-year study by Rodale Institute, which concluded that after a transition period, organic crop yields equaled conventional and that organic plants were more resilient. The net return for organic farmers also was more than double that of conventional systems. Organic systems also use less energy, have higher production efficiency, increase groundwater recharge and create more rural jobs than conventional.

A United Nations report concluded that agroecological methods, including organic farming, could double world food production in 10 years.

This year’s program also focused on eating locally-grown food. With the average apple traveling more than 1,700 miles from tree to consumer, eating locally not only provides fresher, more wholesome food, it also saves travel time and energy. Lunch and a continental breakfast were prepared from locally and sustainably-grown foods.

Area farmer Tom Arnold discussed his meat-raising and meat-selling business. His operation sells organic and grass-fed products directly to consumers — including individuals, stores and restaurants — across northern Illinois. After the meeting, he sold chickens and eggs directly from his truck. Although they are enjoyed by customers, he calculated that farmers’ markets are a net loss to producers.

Ken Rossman, owner of Famous Fossil winery, partially supports 21 local businesses in his operation. Grapes grown on site and in the region are used in Famous Fossil wines. Local fruits are also used for the locally-sold products.

A highlight for those who pre-enrolled was the cooking session presented by Michelle Princer, owner of Toni’s Restaurant in Winnebago. Delicious dishes using locally-produced seasonal foods were quickly prepared and shared with the delighted audience.

Locally-grown food provides more than just food. A recent release by the National Park Service referred to the advantages of community gardens, which include fresh, healthy food and mental health and social benefits.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Nov. 16-22, 2011, issue

Staff Report

The steps Fridh Corporation took in 2009 to reduce the energy use at its 1111 S. Alpine Road building have reaped big rewards in the form of money saved for the company and its tenants. But it was the positive environmental impact that led them to be the focus of a recent blog post by Nick Magrisso on the Natural Resources Defense Council blog.

Magrisso’s blog explained how Fridh brought their yearly energy usage down from around 1,690,000 kilowatt-hours to 1,178,000. The technology used to accomplish the 30 percent savings consists of monitoring equipment installed throughout the building, which sends data back to a control unit. That unit then sends a signal to operate the actual temperature control device. Having precise data on the temperature of each area in the building prevents wasted energy on overheating or cooling.

“By investing in this technology, we are saving a lot of money in the long run,” said Jeff Holt, commercial property manager for Fridh. “We are able to pass that savings along to our tenants, keeping us all competitive in a rough business climate. When you add in the positive environmental aspects, you can’t help but wonder why every business or building owner doesn’t do this.”

Local companies were brought in to evaluate and implement the project. Alpha Controls and Services of Rockford installed the system, utilizing components manufactured by Schneider Electric of Loves Park. With the help of the ComEd Smart Ideas program, Fridh has already recouped its investment and is able to pass on the savings to tenants. Nick Magrisso’s blog can be found at http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/nmagrisso/one_great_efficiency_program_f.html.

From the Nov. 16-22, 2011, issue

With the recent spate of bad news regarding the bankruptcy of several U.S. solar manufacturing firms, Chris Warren reminds us that American companies participate in other aspects of the solar value chain and have fared better than cell manufacturers.

Hemlock Semiconductor of Michigan, a global leader in the manufacture of polysilicon used in making solar cells, is profitable and sells much of its product to China.

As the price of solar panels continues to drop, the market for panels expands, and jobs in system design, sales and installation also increase, involving many U.S. workers.

Warren believes that rather than subsidizing panel manufacturing, we should subsidize the installation of systems using a feed-in tariff, which contributed to Germany’s becoming the global leader of installed photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu indicates while we invented solar cells, lithium-ion batteries and other components of the solar revolution, we let our early technological lead disappear. Our nation needs to decide whether we will become observers of the clean energy revolution, or increase our efforts to compete in this growing global industry.

U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Efficiency Caucus, has declared, “We can’t compete with China to make solar and wind panels.” He recommended we focus on energy industries at which we can win, which suggests coal, oil and natural gas.

Members of U.S. solar industry are less sanguine about conceding another manufacturing industry to China and have filed a complaint with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission alleging China’s subsidy of the PV manufacturing industry makes it impossible for U.S. manufacturers to compete with them.

The U.S. government program of a 30 percent tax credit for residential and commercial installations is set to continue through 2016. The U.S. Treasury Department program, which provided businesses cash grants in lieu of the tax credits, is set to expire at the end of December, which would slow down the rate of large systems installations.

In a recent report, John Farrell declared that if the U.S. had installed solar panels at the same rate as Germany, most of the 10 western Mountain states would now be entirely solar powered. He indicates that 80 percent of the German solar installations are small scale and installed on rooftops. In addition to rooftop installations, PV systems along the roadside of 10 percent of the existing 4 million miles of U.S. roadways would meet our current electrical demand.

Germany is now reaping the benefits of its PV installations as the price of peak power is moving closer to that of base load generators. They report a growing number of days when solar electric sources produce peak electric power at prices below that of base load power.

With nearly 20 percent of their power needs met by renewable energy sources now, and their continued investment in research and development, the German expectation of meeting 80 percent of their energy needs with renewables may be more feasible than critics claim. If scientific projections regarding climate change and peak oil are met, the German and Swedish models of sustainable energy futures will serve them well.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

The cost of the recent solar installation in Rockford does not reflect current market conditions, as the price of the panels was part of the agreement reached in bringing the Wanxiang solar assembly plant to Rockford.

Solar electrical production is global in scope. In 2005, annual installation of panels reached 1 gigawatt. In 2011, annual installations are expected to exceed 28 gigawatts, with a cumulative global capacity exceeding 40 gigawatts. In a mild climate such as California’s, that 40 gigawatts could power more than 8 million homes.

Photovoltaic (PV) production has been doubling every 1.3 years. Every doubling of production has led to a cost reduction of 23 percent. If the trend continues, three more doublings could lower electric prices to 6 cents per kilowatt in sunny Arizona. Even if the growth rate were cut in half, Tam Hunt estimates by 2030 the world could be producing 16 terrawatts per year, which would roughly equal the estimated global electric demand by then.

Hunt indicates that in California, solar has reached grid parity where electric rates are high and sunlight is abundant. He expects that between 2015 and 2020, grid parity will also be reached in most Western states, Hawaii and New England, even without government subsidies.

His estimates are for utility-scale solar projects only, as installation costs for smaller systems for residential applications do not benefit from economies of scale. For large utility scale systems, installed costs are from $3 to $4 per watt, while residential systems run from $5 to $8 per watt.

Yet, residential customers may continue to invest in solar systems for a variety of reasons. As equipment costs fall, their appeal to home owners increases. Where consumers can sell their excess power back to the utility, rising costs of electricity will help offset the upfront costs of investing in a system. Some customers will seek to become zero-net-energy users, where the power they consume over a year will be offset by the power produced by their home system. A few will seek to become independent from the grid, and either use a battery system for storage or install a small-scale generator for backup power. A new 4.1 kW system with battery backup is being installed near us. It will approach energy independence.

Hunt suggests that projects of 20 megawatts or less targeted for local consumption, rather than sent to distant markets served by the transmission grid, will appeal to local officials. Solar installations can be placed on many roofs and abandoned industrial sites in urban areas, limiting the need to expand the grid. Communities that install such systems will gain a measure of energy independence and security.

Some challenges remain for the solar industry. The economy is not good, debt is high, and capital is scarce. Many economists believe it will take years to recover the slowing demand for electricity. Fossil fuel interests are not keen on losing market share, and will continue to challenge the renewable industry.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Nov. 2-8, 2011, issue

Lidkoping, Sweden’s bioenergy central heating plant. (Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

While many Americans still deny global warming, or at least listen acceptingly to those who do, Europeans believe it exists and are taking action to counter it.

According to Jurgen Lefevere, European Commissioner negotiator at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, “Climate change is now seen as an opportunity to deal with the economic downturn in Europe.”

The consensus in Germany is that renewable energy sources must be drastically increased. Germans expect 50 percent of their electricity will come from renewables in 50 years.

Sweden is an even better example, already producing more than 44 percent of their energy from renewable sources. While the use of biofuels increased, their economy grew 2.8 percent annually. Their success started in 1991, when a carbon tax was introduced. The tax is credited with moving the society into efficient climate-friendly energy solutions. Unfortunately, the U.S. press ignores Sweden’s success story.

Control room at Lidkoping, Sweden’s bioenergy central heating plant. (Photo by Dr. Sonia Vogl)

In his presentation at the recent Bioenergy Conference, Par Holmgren, Ph.D., TV meteorologist and author, discussed global warming, its causes and impacts, and possible ways to deal with it.

NOAA data reveals the top 10 warm years during the period between 1880 and the present were all since 2000. Both modeled and observed climate change most closely aligned with greenhouse gases. He showed a photograph of himself standing on a ship in the Arctic at 82 degrees north, the farthest ever reached by any ship or captain. In 2011 and 2007, the Arctic, which he considers the most vulnerable, had the least summer sea ice ever.

For millions of years, the Earth had between 180 and 280 ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; it now has 390. The planetary boundary is considered to be 350. Earth’s biosphere can accept less than 10 billion tons annually; currently, 33 billion tons are emitted each year.

Engaging the audience, Holmgren asked what percent of global warming was attributable to carbon dioxide. Responses ranged from 80 percent to 100 percent. He countered that the number is 160 percent to 200 percent: warming would be 60 percent to 100 percent higher than it is now if dark particles, such as those emitted by dirty coal, oil and natural gas, were not countering carbon dioxide’s effect. Global dimming may also partially mask it. Greenhouse gases are long lived; dark particles have short lives.

Holmgren believes people in northern lands have a much better chance to adapt to warming than those in China, South America and Africa, where the warmer climate with plenty of food led to large populations. In those regions, it can be disastrous.

Most future scenarios regarding global warming show people doing nothing. As soon as we do something, the risks are decreased. Holmgren posed three important questions regarding consequences, adaptation and mitigation. His three important answers are saving energy (we can save 60 percent of the energy we use with no change in lifestyle); using new technologies (the Earth receives as much solar energy in one day as the entire human population uses in a year); and changing behavior (such as using less energy in food production and vacations). He feels that within 60 years, solar energy will be the major energy source. Bioenergy is transitional only.

His summary statement to the audience was: “Knowledge is important! You are doing something very important right now!”

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2011, issue

The most significant aspect of sustainable development in Sweden is their long-term commitment to the endeavor. It took 20 years to build up the Lidkoping district heating system to meet 90 percent of the heating needs for their businesses and homes. Using garbage as a fuel saves on the cost of energy and reduces the need for landfills.

Another component essential to their success was their acceptance of the need to raise tax rates on gasoline, so they pay more than twice as much as Americans for transportation fuel. Increased revenue from fuel taxes was targeted at programs to improve energy efficiency of their homes and cars, expand the use of public transportation and develop bike paths linked to schools, trains and bus depots to provide alternative means of transportation.

We rode several trains from the airport to reach Lidkoping. They were electric-powered, smooth, clean and fast. Well-mannered passengers and train personnel made travel pleasant. While faced with the normal uncertainties of making transit connections in a new setting, we never felt threatened or intimidated in depots and trains.

At the time of the first oil crisis in the mid-1970s, industrialized countries, including the United States, Sweden and Germany, initiated programs to improve energy efficiencies, curb excessive auto use, employ more mass transit, develop cleaner sources of energy and support research programs to develop technologies and strategies to lessen the industrialized world’s dependence on imported oil.

With the return of cheap energy prices in the mid-1980s, energy programs were dramatically curtailed in the United States, while Sweden and Germany continued their efforts and became leaders in sustainable practices.

Their success in promoting renewable energy, green infrastructure and efficient transportation benefited from supportive government policies. Higher energy prices strengthened their economies, as they provided incentives to reduce energy use and design more efficient energy technologies that reduced and stabilized household energy bills in times of widely fluctuating energy prices.

A few months after oil prices hit $147 in summer 2008, the economic collapse set in. While corrupt banking practices were a major contributor, peak oil advocates warn if an economic recovery does occur, increased demand for oil will send prices skyrocketing again, producing another economic setback.

We know how to reduce our oil and fossil fuel dependence through efficiency and renewable energy. We should design community energy policies that implement what we already know how to do. Wise government policies targeted at achieving long-term sustainability goals would be a sound investment, as Sweden and Germany have demonstrated.

Upgrading lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation efficiency in public buildings is essential. Improving bike paths and lanes, calming streets to make them safe for bikes, having bike racks and changing facilities for bikers in central locations and bike carriers on buses could reduce car use. Policies targeting rooftops for solar installations could help reduce energy costs.

Communities should direct more public investment into energy efficiency practices that benefit the public and keep more of their energy dollars in the community.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Oct. 19-25, 2011, issue

During the first day of the Bioenergy Conference in Lidkoping, Sweden, a speaker reminded us that Sept. 27, the day of the conference, was Earth Overshoot Day. The use of the term by a public official caught our attention.

The purpose of the date is to point out that we are now using Earth’s resources at a rate faster than that at which Earth can regenerate them. Unfortunately, designating a specific day could create the faulty impression that for most of the year we live within the bounds of Earth’s productivity, then suddenly become wasteful. But Earth Overshoot Day points to the date at which we have used the resources that we should have used during the entire year.

For most of human history, people lived within Earth’s bounds, using no more than it could produce or regenerate. Then, during the 20th century, we began using more than Earth could produce. In 1987, the first Earth Overshoot Day was designated.

William Caton, ecological sociologist, first coined the term Overshoot. He felt that ecological collapse caused by overuse was similar to economic collapse. During what he labeled “the age of exuberance” (since 1492), people believed in the limitlessness of Earth’s resources. We now know Earth’s resources are not limitless, but we still behave as though they are.

Human activity now uses the equivalent of one-and-a-half Earths. If current trends continue, we will use the equivalent of two Earths by mid-century and, eventually, the Earth’s biocapacity will collapse.

What the concept of Overshoot calls attention to is the need to lessen both our consumption of natural resources and the rate at which we dump wastes into the environment. Examples include depleting forests, overfishing the seas and adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than it can process.

Sweden made the choice to become sustainable through bioenergy without a drop in lifestyle. Their aim is to create a society that meets its needs without compromising the ability of future societies to meet theirs. They chose to improve technology through supportive renewable energy policies. They place high importance on healthy children; they discourage tobacco and alcohol.

Individual car use is discouraged by having a high tax on gasoline, which roughly doubles the cost of what we pay for gas in the U.S. Their electric rail and biogas-powered buses provide excellent service. They encourage the use of bicycles for local transportation — we counted hundreds of bikes at the city’s rail station and their equivalent of our junior college. They feel they gain significantly from their policies by keeping more money in their communities and providing more jobs by developing local biofuels.

Some people have attempted to reverse the overuse of resources. The late Dr. Wangari Maathai chose to plant trees to counter deforestation; others choose to be sustainable in an individualistic manner through taking personal responsibility to make less impact and by off-grid living.

We can start by taking personal responsibility for our own impact, and from there, move to the neighborhood and community. We can each calculate our own ecological footprint (ecologicalfootprint.org).

We can react to the loss of biodiversity by helping maintain what we have in this area. We can enjoy the simple pleasures of nature without destroying them. Hike, canoe or simply sit and learn to appreciate the parks, forest preserves and natural areas protected by those who strive to maintain the quality of life in the Rock River region.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Oct. 12-18, 2011, issue

Linnea Bengtsson (from left), Chet Kolodziej, Mark Podemski, Sue Mroz, Bob Vogl and Sonia Vogl attend the Fourth International Bioenergy Conference in Lidkoping, Sweden. (Photo provided)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

We, along with Winnebago County Director of Economic Development Sue Mroz, Freedom Field Manager Chet Kolodziej and Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) Vice President for Development Brad Podemski, were fortunate to be part of the Rockford delegation to the Fourth International Bioenergy Conference in Lidkoping, Sweden.

While the role of both the county and RAEDC is to bring businesses to the area, we hope to confirm Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen’s (R) faith in us by bringing back ideas that can help Freedom Field and the Rockford area.

The conference included a variety of ideas and experiences in a surprisingly short time. Presentations by experts in their fields were enhanced by field trips to observe firsthand Swedish innovations in fossil-free energy production.

Swedes take sustainability seriously. More than 31 percent of their energy is from biofuels; 46.3 percent is from renewable energy. One-third of Swedish cars are “environmentally friendly.”

In 2008, a tax credit for green cars was introduced. In Sweden, polluters pay: “The bad guys pay the good guys.” They feel that grants only overbridge the “valley of death”; they are not expected to last forever.

Few direct subsidies exist. In 1990, a carbon tax was placed on fossil fuels. Sweden was accused of being the only country in the world killing jobs because of pollution. But making fossil fuels more expensive opened the way for renewables.

To the questions: Will we sacrifice? Go back to the 18th century with a mule? Experience starvation and misery? Swedes respond that they have doubled the use of energy since 1990. One TW of biomass in Sweden creates 300 new jobs, primarily in rural areas and small municipalities.

The gross domestic product has increased 40 percent. The increase in the cost of some energy means that less of it will be used. Local energy sources means more of the money spent on it remains in the local economy. The result is that half of the money spent on energy is kept by the local area and its citizens.

Lidkoping itself, “the sustainable city,” has green, sustainable guidelines. It uses district heating for its buildings, including homes. Rather than being wasted, trash is burned to produce heat and electricity. Lidkoping does not produce enough trash to supply all of its heating needs, so more is purchased from Norway. Since Norway has its own source of non-fossil fuel energy — hydropower — the trade is mutually beneficial. We observed the massive project that includes separating large noncombustible items from combustible, chopping the remaining fuels and burning them.

Pellets are used in a smaller boiler to produce heat for an elementary school and retirement home.

Fossil energy is replaced by compressed biomethane to fuel cars, also a municipal project. Biomethane production also takes place on farms.

New buildings follow passivhaus standards. Old buildings are renovated to become energy efficient.

Swedes feel all of the side effects of their new energy program are positive. The GDP and jobs are up; money remains local; emission levels are lower; and the economy is more stable in an economic crisis. In summary, one speaker told us that if the U.S. were like Sweden, we would have 25 million new jobs.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Oct. 5-11, 2011, issue

The Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) will be offering a variety of classes this fall. Most will focus on renewable energy; one will focus on food independence. They will be offered at the IREA headquarters and both Rock Valley and Illinois Valley community colleges.

To register for any of the classes at IREA headquarters, e-mail sonia@essex1.com. Advanced registration is essential.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, for those interested in food independence, a class will concentrate on preserving food for use throughout the non-gardening part of the year: freezing, drying, canning and storing. Actual preservation techniques will be taught and tried. The class will be presented at IREA headquarters in Oregon, Ill.

“Small Wind Generators for Homeowners,” offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, will include lecture, discussion and hands-on experiences. Class members will take down, disassemble and reassemble a wind generator that has produced power since spring 2005.

“Build a Hoop House,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, will offer class participants the opportunity to actually build a hoop house — an inexpensive greenhouse that can be used to start plants for early spring planting and also keep greens for salads and cooked vegetables thriving through the entire winter. Information about purchasing the components to build one at home will be provided.

Saturday, Oct. 29, a beginning solar electric class will be held. It will provide a complete overview of solar electricity: what it is, how it works, advantages, components of a system, financial assistance available and how to get started. Participants will also tour a grid-connected system and a stand-alone system. The owners will be available to discuss living with them.

“Make a Solar Collector” will involve participants in actually making and installing a hot air collector that can be used for a home, workshop, shed, etc. This class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 19.

These classes will be at 1230 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon, Ill.

Donations to IREA (a nonprofit organization) for all classes, except Make a Solar Collector, are $20 per class for IREA members and $40 for non-members, which includes membership. Donations for the Build a Solar Collector class are $40 for members and $60 for non-members. Advanced registration is essential.

Rockford and Oglesby: Classes will also be offered by Rock Valley College, Rockford, and Illinois Valley College, Oglesby. Register online or phone (815) 921-3900 for Rock Valley or (815) 224-0490 for Illinois Valley.

Rock Valley classes include “Small Wind Generators for Homeowners” (Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.) and “Basics of Solar Electricity” (Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.).

Illinois Valley classes include “Basics of Solar Electricity” (Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to noon); and “Solar Hot Water Systems (Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to noon).

Visit www.illinoisrenew.org for details.

From the Oct. 5-11, 2011, issue

In 2001, the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) released its report, “Repowering the Midwest,” calling for energy reforms, including the promotion of “sustainable energy strategies by developing clean energy efficiency and renewable energy resources while reducing pollution from coal and nuclear plants that harms our environment and public health … and advocate sound environmental management practices that preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life in our communities.”

At this year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, which was Aug. 13-14, Sarah Wochos of the ELPC updated us on “Energy Policy and Politics in Illinois.” She reminded us of the significant change that occurred when Illinois was deregulated in 1997. The old practice of public utilities both producing and distributing power ended. Now, separately-owned companies produce power and compete to sell it for distribution in Illinois.

However, the current economic downturn has reduced the need for new sources of electrical supply, and only a limited amount of renewable energy is being developed.

In the 1990s, advocates for renewables pushed for state rebates and net metering, which supported local energy production. As small systems on schools, homes and businesses were installed, they were portrayed as insufficient to meet the desired levels of clean energy sources.

The focus shifted to advocating the development of Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards, which created a market for large-scale projects of wind and solar farms. The initial Renewable Energy Portfolio called for 2 percent of electrical energy production in Illinois to come from renewables in 2008 and 25 percent by 2025.

According to Wochos, Illinois now has 2,000 MW of wind power, which has produced 6,000 jobs and $3 billion in economic development. Chicago is home to 13 national and international wind energy companies. Hundreds of firms have benefited from being part of the supply chain for the wind industry.

Renewable energy efforts have also run into some problems. Since power prices have been declining recently, policy makers, legislators and government officials do not want to be locked into long-term contracts that might hurt the state’s economic competitiveness. Following similar reasoning, the Illinois Power Authority authorizes annual purchases of electricity from low-cost producers including those outside of Illinois so competition from sources in Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin is keen.

Banks are unwilling to fund projects — whether wind, biomass, geothermal or solar — if a developer is without a long-term contract. They expect a guaranteed income stream over the project’s 20-year life.

In addition to financing problems, wind farm advocates have run into increasing public resistance to their presence from areas targeted for them.

A solar carve-out in the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard assures that 700 to 750 MW of electricity in Illinois will be provided by solar power. Its presence offers an opportunity to serve distributive needs, as opposed to feeding directly into the grid, as do wind and solar farms.

Such installations primarily serve local demand, involve less line loss, provide power at times of peak demand, benefit homeowners and small businesses, and avoid the controversies associated with wind farms.

Public support will be essential for successful implementation of a distributive energy program. The ELPC once again expects to play a key role in the process.

According to Wayne Hartel of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: “The Solar and Wind Rebate Program is no longer accepting applications. Due to the overwhelming response of applications that the department has received since the program opened on Sept. 9, the program has reached capacity. The department will no longer accept applications at this time for this fiscal year’s program. The program will not reopen until after July 1, 2012. The department is greatly encouraged by the interest in solar and wind generation systems within the state.”

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

Kickapoo Nature Center, 1919 N. Limekiln Road, Oregon, Ill.: Super-insulated “1-watt” building built on German Passivhaus principles; earth tube; heating from roof monitored by Oak Ridge Lab. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

What’s it like to produce your own electricity from the sun and the wind? To live with an independent energy system? Do you need to change your lifestyle? Will the system change the appearance of your home, or can it be blended into the design of your building? What does it cost? How much upkeep is needed?

These — and other — questions will be answered by home and building owners with solar PV and other renewable energy installations during the Tour of Solar Places in north central Illinois.

The free event, sponsored by the Illinois Renewable Energy Association, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1.

Solar tour participants, from south to north, are as follows:

• Victor and Polly Zaderej, 3588 S. Daysville Road, Oregon, Ill.: Super-insulated “1-watt” house built on German Passivhaus principles; solar PV; earth tube.

• Bob and Sonia Vogl, 1230 E. Honey Creek Road, Oregon, Ill., (815-732-7332): Hybrid grid-connected photovoltaic and wind power system with battery backup; stand-alone (cabin-type) photovoltaic installation; solar greenhouse; hoop house.

• Kickapoo Nature Center, 1919 N. Limekiln Road, Oregon, Ill.: Super-insulated “1-watt” building built on German Passivhaus principles; earth tube; heating from roof monitored by Oak Ridge Lab.

• David Merrill, 139 Perene, Byron, Ill. (815-234-2530): Hybrid photovoltaic and wind power system with battery backup.

• Tom Snodgrass, 6618 W. Apple Road, Mt. Morris, Ill. (815-734-4307) has an earth tube, an ingenious culvert that cools his large work shed in the summer and warms it in the winter so he can work year-round without the need for a furnace or air conditioning. (About 7 miles out of Mt. Morris). Also, movable solar heater for calf barn.

• Keith and Mary Blackmore, 9024 W. Grove Road, Forreston, Ill. (815-938-3204): Ground-mounted photovoltaic system, super-insulated house, greenhouse.

• Freedom Field, run by Winnebago County, 3333 S. Kishwaukee St., Rockford: Nonprofit organization formed to facilitate the development and operation of renewable energy center. Integrated systems including solar heating and cooling, solar PV, vertical and horizontal wind generators, green prairie roof and training/experiment stations.

• Lantow Lofts, 502 Seventh St., Rockford (815-964-8280): Complete renovation of century-old building, solar thermal panels used to heat water for domestic use; the largest geothermal heating/cooling system in Winnebago County; many recycled materials used in construction.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

CHICAGO — Be solar inspired! View renewable energy systems in action! The Illinois Solar Tour is a free, self-guided, statewide event that demonstrates how Illinois homes and businesses are using solar, wind, geothermal, passive solar design, and energy efficiency to become energy independent.

Renewable energy system owners and installers will be providing tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1. Tour guides will answer questions about how you can harness the power of the sun and wind to fuel your home and business. Learn how you, too, can reduce your monthly utility bills, increase property values, and be part of the energy solution.

In the Chicagoland area, tour participants will have the opportunity to meet with homeowners who not only power their homes with renewable energy but also have installed electric vehicle charging stations to power their cars!

Area business owners will be interested to see how businesses have reduced their bottom line with renewable energy systems. View a car dealership that is powered by five wind turbines and a solar installation, a Laundromat that pays nothing for its hot water, and a farm that harvests the sun and wind along with its crops.

To register for this free event and download a guidebook, visit www.illinoissolartour.org. Solar Tour guidebooks are also available in the September edition of Mindful Metropolis magazine, available at 600 locations in Illinois, including Whole Foods.

About the Illinois Solar Energy Association

Established in 1975, the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the widespread application of renewable energy through education and advocacy. As the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, ISEA is the local resource for educational classes, events, renewable energy-related policy developments, local news and access to local renewable energy vendors. For more about the Illinois Solar Tour, visit www.illinoissolartour.org.

About the American Solar Energy Society

For more than 50 years, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has been leading the renewable energy revolution to advance the use of solar and renewable energy. ASES leads national efforts to promote solar energy education, public outreach, and advocacy.Visit www.ases.org.

The ASES National Solar Tour is the world’s largest grassroots solar event. More than 160,000 participants will visit some 5,000 buildings in 3,200 communities across the U.S. The event takes place annually during the first Saturday in October, in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month. The National Solar Tour is expected to run in all 50 states this year. A complete list of scheduled events may be found at www.NationalSolarTour.org.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

Greater RMAP Environmental Education Network (GREEN) is creating a Strategy Action Plan meeting, hosted by Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning (RMAP) and Rockford Health Council (RHC), from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3.

The meeting will be at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave. Enter at the east-side entrance and RSVP to RMAP’s Christina Washington at chris.washington@rockfordil.gov by Sept. 29.

As part of the GREEN Strategy Action Plan, this workshop is planned to bring together representatives from the health care, environmental and education communities in a participatory workshop.

Greenway plans traditionally are used primarily in local and regional planning efforts; there is the potential for greater benefit from the RMAP Greenways Plan and ongoing sustainability initiative to engage health care and educational institutions to help implement the plan and raise awareness about the resulting benefits to health, learning, the local economy and the overall quality of life.

RHC just completed a 2010 Healthy Community Study. They currently are prioritizing recommendations from this study for future consideration and action. This initial workshop will provide direction for both RMAP and RHC.

Objectives

• Create synergy between health care, environmental, education, and planning efforts in the region

• Raise awareness about how the health care and education communities can benefit from supporting regional greenway, environmental and sustainability planning

• Showcase how health care and educational institutions can support and promote active and healthy living by participating in the regional and local planning processes

Agenda

• 6:30-6:45 p.m. — WELCOME/CHECK-IN: As people arrive, they will be checked in, fill out a name tag, and see versions of the 2011 Greenway Plan with the map posted in the room.

• 6:45-7 p.m. — INTRODUCTION BY RMAP & RHC: Introduce workshop facilitators; participants introduce themselves, and review workshop objectives and agenda.

• 7-7:30 p.m. — BACKGROUND: Introduce and explain the role of RMAP; discuss the 2011 Regional Greenways Plan and the GREEN Strategy Action Plan for RMAP; present recommendations from the RHC 2011 Healthy Community Study that relate to RMAP Greenway Plan and Strategy Action Plan; explain the RMAP effort to develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD); and summarize how these efforts are tied together.

• 7:30-8:25p.m. — SMALL GROUPS BRAINSTORMING/DISCUSSION: Develop a list of ways that health care and educational institutions and the people they serve can benefit from a regional greenway network as envisioned in the Greenways Plan; develop a list of ways that (1) health care and educational institutions can help support and implement the Greenways Plan and (2) RMAP can support RHC health care issues to improve the quality of life.

• 8:25-8:50p.m. — SMALL GROUP FEEDBACK REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Categorize the list of health care/education, environmental and planning initiatives developed in the brainstorming session.

• 8:50-9p.m. — WRAP-UP: Concluding remarks and feedback.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

CHICAGO — The National Green Museum Exhibition is featuring the National Sustainability Monthly Holidays, which are as follow:

January — National Renewable Energy Planning Month; February — National Sustainable Cities Month; March — National Sustainable Agriculture and Forests Month and National Geothermal Energy Month; April — National Climate Change Awareness Month and National Water Conservation Month; May — National Wind Energy Month; June — National Solar Energy Month; July — National Green Transportation Month and National Energy Independence Month; August — National Water Quality Month and National Hydropower Month; September — National Green Business and Buildings Month and National Sustainable Buildings Month; October — National Green Homes and Schools Month and National Sustainable Education Month; November — National Environmental Stewardship Month; and December — National Green Giving Month.

The National Sustainable Monthly Holidays, endorsed by top environmentalists nationwide, are featured in the National Green Museum Exhibition.

The National Environmental Hall of Fame, an activity of the National Sustainability Association, is now starting National Green Museum Exhibitions in every community. The National Environmental Hall of Fame has given national awards to Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Art Linkletter, Ed Begley Jr. and William McDonough; and locally to Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl, president and vice president of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association; Frank Schier, editor and publisher of The Rock River Times; and Scott Christiansen, Winnebago County Board chairman.

Host a National Green Museum Exhibition

1. Learn how your business can host the National Green Museum Exhibition for free.

2. The National Green Museum Exhibition is the next step in environmental education — allowing for easier implementation of renewable energy and sustainable practices.

3. The National Green Museum Exhibition features Green Megatrends, top trends to help Planet Earth. The Green Megatrends are a holistic approach to renewable energy recommended by five top reports to help reduce climate change, reduce pollution, reduce dependency on foreign oil and increase energy independence.

4. Your membership will provide your business, community and school of your choice with a National Green Museum Exhibition and Green Bulletin Board. Exhibits on the Green Bulletin Board will have information about each monthly trend and rotate monthly.

For more about the National Sustainability Association Green Megatrends program and how to become a member, contact Allen Rubin at (641) 451-5199 or EnvironmentalFame@lisco.com, or visit nationalsustainabilityassociation.net/.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

Last week, the State of Illinois announced two programs in support of renewable energy. One is the Renewable Energy Business Development Grant, designed to encourage the use of renewable energy and support economic development within Illinois. The second is the Solar and Wind Energy Rebate program.

Both programs are restricted to installations within Illinois and customers within the service area of an investor-owned electric or gas utility or a municipal gas or electric utility cooperative that imposes the Renewable Energy Resources or Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge.

This article highlights only some of the expectations of the programs to alert the readers of their existence. In filling out the forms, be aware of the terms and conditions set out in the application guidelines, as they must be met to be eligible for funding.

The submittal deadline for the Renewable Energy Business Development Grant Program is 4:30 p.m., Oct. 28, 2012. It is a competitive Request-for-Application process. Proposed projects are eligible for grants up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with a minimum request of $100,000 and a maximum grant award of $500,000. Applicants must contribute a minimum of 25 percent of the total project costs.

For-profit businesses, governmental entities, colleges and universities and nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding.

Eligible expenditures include purchase and installation of machinery, equipment and new industrial systems, necessary site improvements, technical or engineering services for process improvements in key functions, and/or the conversion of existing processes.

The application form is available on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website: http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy/Clean+Energy/01-RERP.htm. The contact person is Wayne Hartel.

The second program is the popular Renewable Energy Resources Solar and Wind Energy Rebate program. It is designed to encourage the utilization of small-scale solar and wind energy systems in Illinois. Eligibility is limited to costs associated with the purchase and installation of a solar or wind energy system purchased and installed on or after Jan. 1, 2011.

The rebate is based on the actual documented project costs of equipment and installations, up to 30 percent of eligible project costs for a single solar or wind energy system for residential or private businesses, and up to 50 percent of the eligible costs for public-sector or non-profit entities.

All solar and wind energy systems, except those constructed by a homeowner, must be installed by a professional installer licensed to operate in Illinois who maintains the appropriate insurance.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a completed rebate application prior to making any financial investment. If the department deems the project eligible for rebate, the applicant will receive a letter indicating a Notice to Proceed.

Once a Notice to Proceed is received, the funds for the project will be held for 120 days after the date of the notice. Upon completion of the installation, the applicant must submit a letter to the department stating that the project was completed within the hold period.

Although the price of solar electric systems continues to fall, programs such as these have helped renewable energy become adopted in the state.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Sept. 21-27, 2011, issue

The prairie roof at Freedom Field. (Photo provided)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

Little remains of the original prairie vegetation that greeted the Europeans upon their arrival in Illinois. Given their existing knowledge, they saw little practical use in the native landscapes and proceeded to lay waste to them to live as they saw fit. They began building a new society of farms, cities and industries that provided them with many comforts and conveniences unknown to previous generations.

In the process, they destroyed almost all of the existing prairie vegetation that had been thriving with only limited human intervention for nearly 10,000 years following the retreat of the glaciers. Prairies grew on the glacial deposits of rock, sand, gravel and clay. When the plants died and their parts decomposed, they contributed to the development of some of the richest agricultural soils in the world.

The plants adapted to the extremes of weather — floods, droughts, heat waves and frigid temperatures — characteristic of Illinois. They thrived in a variety of settings, including wet, mesic and dry habitats, and benefited from periodic fires.

In the 1930s, Aldo Leopold, through experimentation, successfully restored prairies as functioning communities to preserve local plants and their diversity.

In the 1960s, Ray Schulenberg began growing prairie plants from seeds and rootstock in a greenhouse at the Morton Arboretum. Schulenberg felt it was important to learn how to grow the plants and encourage their use in prairies and prairie gardens to build up broadly-scattered sources of prairie plants and seeds to increase their survival opportunities and to stimulate public interest in prairies.

We continue our involvement in protecting natural areas and prairies, and have two sand remnant prairies and two restored prairies on our farm.

A few years ago, Dave Smith of Simply Prairies designed and installed a prairie roof on a small building on his property. His prairie of potted plants has thrived in a base of aged locally-obtained woodchips roughly 8 to 10 inches deep. While we knew prairies live in a range of soil types, depths and moisture regimes, we were pleasantly surprised by how well his prairie roof grew. We usually think of prairie plants as deep-rooted, but prairies can thrive nested on top of limestone formations in very shallow soils. In such settings, the plants send their roots out horizontally rather than vertically. The plants also flourish in dry, thin, sandy soils overlaying sandstone outcroppings.

Insects feeding on the plants pass on their wastes, enriching the woodchip base. As plants die back and decompose, they, too, enrich the woodchips. The plants attract insects and birds, increasing survival opportunities for these natives.

At our suggestion, the board of Freedom Field agreed to place a test rooftop prairie on their building.

About 1,300 plants of more than 40 species were placed on the roof. Plants with eye appeal were selected as we wanted something of beauty available for showing at last fall’s International Bioenergy Conference in Rockford. Over time, the plant composition may change as the species adapt to the microclimate of the roof.

A prairie roof needs very little maintenance, as the genetics of the plants are well adapted to the rigors of our Midwest climate. Some weeding is necessary; the first year’s plants were periodically watered during this past summer’s heat wave. Limited fertilization may be required. As expected, some plants died, but they were easily replaced. A flexible maintenance plan is being developed.

In addition to the benefits of water retention, reduced summer heat gain, and cleaner air, a prairie roof helps to preserve rapidly disappearing local genetic diversity and offer habitat for insects and birds.

Although beauty could be reason enough for its being, some perceive a prairie roof of limited practical value, which denies the possibility of new understandings that could prove useful to us. For example, the Pacific Yew was seen as useless until extracts from it proved useful in treating breast cancer. Additionally, Wes Jackson’s experimental work on perennial food crops from prairie plants, if successful, could revolutionize agriculture.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Sept. 14-20, 2011, issue

At this year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, a longtime exhibitor from Michigan expressed dismay at economic conditions there and the new threats he perceived to the renewable energy industry. He indicated Michigan has established 17 facilities for manufacturing new lithium ion batteries to power electric vehicles and hybrids. In his view, all of them have expressed concern that in a few years their plants will be closed, and China will come to dominate battery manufacturing, just as it has solar-cell manufacturing.

Michigan has tried to replace its lost manufacturing base through supporting the renewable energy industry with taxpayer dollars. Considering the major job losses Michigan already experienced from outsourcing, the expressed anxiety is understandable.

Our Michigan exhibitor expressed another concern regarding the entire renewable energy industry: the rise in production of natural gas from fracking. He is originally from New York, and had just returned from there driving through Pennsylvania, which welcomes the natural gas fracking industry.

He found numerous drilling rigs, pickup trucks with mounted cattle horns and stories of social stresses when drilling crews arrive en masse, disrupting previously quiet lives of existing cultures, such as that of the Pennsylvania Amish.

The fracking industry could be considered the equivalent of a new gold rush. T. Boone Pickens predicts if his fracking energy plan is implemented by the federal government, the country could replace the oil we import from OPEC members to power our vehicles with natural gas obtained from fracking U.S. gas-holding shales within a decade, and in the process, save billions of dollars now going out for oil imports, restore the American economy and put people back to work.

As Pickens claims, we have no energy plan. Even though every president since Richard Nixon has declared we need to end our oil dependence, imports continue to climb. Noam Chomsky believes our military efforts in the Mideast are driven by a desire to control its low-cost oil, so no other nation can and end our global dominance. Even if the shale gas industry continues to expand rapidly, our costly military adventures for oil are not likely to end.

A recent U.S. Geological Survey report indicates that the amount of gas available from fracking shale is far less than original estimates. In the Marcellus shale, high-end estimates of 410 trillion cubic feet have been revised downward to about 84 trillion cubic feet. While still a sizable number, some experts suggest that natural gas supplies from fracking may only offset the decline in input from traditional wells.

As we learn more about fracking, we recognize that its adverse environmental impacts are substantial, and the need for federal regulations to curb the most adverse effects continues to build. The economics of fracking are seen by some observers as a new bubble — the deposits deplete quickly, and as even smaller deposits are developed, the cost of developing the wells and building the infrastructure to bring the gas to major pipelines could easily double the price of the natural gas.

Given the uncertainties surrounding fracking and the remarkable progress in solar pv technologies in recent years, it remains imperative to press on with the solar revolution.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Sept. 7-13, 2011, issue

Worldwatch report 185 focused on the green economy and green jobs in China. It addressed greening activities in energy, transportation and forestry. China has established a long-term green vision, and is likely to meet or exceed its goals.

The report points out that, in 2008, China became the world’s largest PV manufacturer with about 700 PV companies. By 2010, China had four of the top 10 solar PV cell manufacturers in the world. Employment in China increased from 13,800 workers in 2005 to 83,000 workers in 2007.

PV manufacturing increased a thousand-fold in China from 1990 through 2007, while installed capacity in the country only increased 39 times from a very small base.

With little local demand for PV equipment, China’s expanded manufacturing was targeted at the export market, creating a global glut in the PV marketplace.

The glut is undermining U.S. investments made in manufacturing facilities in the United States. In Massachusetts, Evergreen Solar, once the third-largest maker of solar panels in the United States, benefited from a $43 million incentive from the state government. Last January, it announced it would close its Massachusetts factory, laying off 800 workers and shift production to a joint venture with a Chinese company in central China.

According to Keith Bradsher in an article in The New York Times, the Evergreen CEO indicated Chinese state-owned banks and municipal governments provide large subsidies to their manufacturers, which preclude U.S. firms from building facilities in the U.S. Evergreen borrowed two-thirds of the cost of its new plant in China. No principal and interest payments are due until 2015. In Massachusetts, a state grant only covered 5 percent of the cost of the firm’s manufacturing plant. The remaining funds were sought from private United States banks, which were reluctant to provide the funds, even at interest rates more than double that to be paid in China.

Investment banker Henry C. K. Liu indicates that this form of unregulated global trade is pre-empting economic growth in market economies around the world. He sees it leading to long-term stagnation in domestic economies as wages paid by international capital are insufficient to support consumer demand.

With economic stagnation in the United States, demand for electricity has not kept up with the increased potential for electrical supply. Low natural gas prices stimulate private electrical production for internal use, undercutting demand for traditional utility power.

David Guitiani, of Sauk Valley Media, reports that three potential regional providers of electricity are unable to find buyers for their power. The three projects on hold include a biomass plant, a wind farm and the long-idled Invenergy facility in Nelson.

Given current economic conditions, downsizing the solar farm in Rockford to 3 MW from the original concept of 60 MW is not surprising. The size can be expanded as increased demand warrants. The continued support of the project by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R) is well timed. Secure, environmentally-friendly, long-term energy supplies at predictable prices contribute to a healthy business climate.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011, issue

Paint recycling and document shredding/recycling will be offered at the Northwest Illinois Green Fair Sept. 17. Both opportunities will be available that day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of the Green Fair.

Earth Paints Collection Systems will be on hand to collect and recycle latex paints. A per-container fee will be charged as follows: quart, $1.50 each; 1-gallon, $2.50 each; 2-gallon, $3.50 each; and 5-gallon, $8 each.

Document recycling/shredding will be offered for free up to 100 pounds.

After taking advantage of the recycling opportunities, visit the Northwest Illinois Green Fair, which will be in the Student Conference Center at Highland Community College in Freeport, Ill. The Green Fair will run 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and will feature an exhibitor fair with area businesses and organizations with a focus on sustainability, conservation, preservation, local foods, living well and the environment. The Green Fair will also offer educational workshops and activities for the kids.

Educational workshops that will be offered at the Green Fair and are as follows:

10 a.m. — “Solar Wind Energy for Homeowners,” presented by Dave Merrill, with Sun Air Systems;

11 a.m. — “Hybrid Vehicle Technology,” presented by Jim Palmer, automotive technology instructor at Highland Community College;

12:30 p.m. — Keynote: “What’s on the Horizon for Renewables?”, presented by Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension educator in Environmental and Energy Stewardship; and

2 p.m. — “Opportunities for Local Food Systems that are Environmentally Sustainable,” presented by Maurice Ogutu, University of Illinois Extension educator, local food systems and small farms.

Green Fair is open to the public at no charge.

For more details, visit www.nwil-greenfair.com or web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/, or call the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 235-4125.

From the Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011, issue

Lin Vogl with “Kitty” at her “Chickens, Chickens, Chickens” presentation at the 10th Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. (Photo by Allen Penticoff)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

While renewable energy is an important part of the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair with exhibits and workshops, visitors this year seemed excited by what the presenters had to tell them about self-sufficiency. Sessions about gardening, animal care and lifestyles were well attended.

Many people were focused on what they can do in their own lives and seemed less interested in what they can buy to go green.

Despite having to move as a result of the heavy rain, a good-sized crowd attended Linda Conroy’s “Lessons from Cuba: Sustainability in Action.” She stressed that people there grow fruit in their yards and freely share their bounty with neighbors and tourists; that farmers are high on the Cuban socioeconomic scale; and that a knowledge of herbs for healing is prized.

Conroy’s “Choosing Herbal Remedies for Sustainability” was praised as valuable. Nancy Gouch expended on natural remedies with “Nature’s holistic fist aid kit,” about which many positive comments were heard.

Through relating his own history, John Barnhart’s ”Organic Farming: Dream to Reality” encouraged those who want to try organic gardening but were concerned about how difficult it might be (Barnhart assured them it isn’t).

Mary Eberle suggested that those with little room for gardening consider “Growing Vegetables in Small Places,” such as in square-foot gardens and window boxes. She also helped them consider “Urban Fruit Gleaning and Foraging” for free, delicious food.

Caron Wenzel taught her audience how to save seeds from their prize vegetables, maintain heritage plant varieties, and spend little doing it.

Sherry Piros’ and Lin Vogl’s reprise of their ever-popular “Food Independence” drew a large crowd as Vogl discussed her experiences with canning, Piros expounded on her love for drying foods, and both presented tips on freezing. Both admitted to not being professionally trained in the art, but have engaged in it for years, as our grandmothers had. Much of the audience stayed after the session to ask questions and share their own experiences.

Lin Vogl also shared tips about raising chickens based on her own experiences. A lively presentation supported by props including rat wire: “Do not use chicken wire to keep out predators. Raccoons will destroy it. I know — I have a pet raccoon,” and a chicken waterer that she demonstrated how to set up to not leak. The star of the show was a live 4-month-old chicken named “Kitty” who purrs and coos — the progeny of the late Mr. Peabody. After the session, a friend told her he and his wife were not yet ready to raise chickens, and thanked her for her clear explanation of what is included in chicken care.

Jeff Ludwig discussed “The Honey Bee’s Life and Its Home.” His audience included several who were already raising them, but wanted more information. Christine Wagener explained “What’s Up with Honey Bees?” clarifying mysterious hive collapses.

Tad Vogl spent an entire day teaching how to make a rain barrel “from food-grade barrels” to save water and money on bills and water the garden free. Although no one was pressured to buy a barrel (at a bargain price), more than 30 satisfied visitors went home with a new one.

Still other workshops stressed self-sufficiency to engender a sense of independence and pride.

Major fair sponsors were the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Freedom Field and The Rock River Times.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Aug. 24-30, 2011, issue

The 10th Anniversary Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair is now history. Beginning with inspiration, coordinating 10 annual fairs has been an amazing experience. This one was a landmark in several ways.

When everything is in place for the fair, our attention turns to the weather and its potential impact on attendance. Extreme conditions — whether hot or stormy — translate into smaller audiences.

Friday evening, Aug. 12, we observed a dark cloud to the north. The presence of two trained storm trackers and others with cell phones focused our attention to the huge cloud bank and its potential to wreak havoc on people, property and attendance. Fortunately, as we watched in fascination, the storm passed with no noticeable impact.

Saturday morning, Aug. 13, was clear, cool and pleasant. We were delighted by the fresh start to the day. But by about noon, a severe storm brought a heavy downpour. By afternoon, two more intense storm cells brought strong winds and driving rain. In the evening, one of our storm trackers recommended the amped-up band unplug and head for home.

While the weather resulted in reduced attendance, both exhibitors and visitors spoke glowingly of the event. We can’t speak for all 60 workshops, but they were well attended. Although numbers were down, at least seven states were represented at what has become a regional event.

People thanked us for all of the effort we put into organizing the event, adding that this was the best fair yet. Of course, that thanks extends to the volunteers and presenters who helped make it happen.

A vendor from Wisconsin indicated his honey sales made it a worthwhile venture for him. A nurseryman indicated all he needed to turn a reasonable profit would be another $50 in sales, which was promptly exceeded. Another vendor noticed that people who had visited him in the past returned to add to their supply of garden tools.

Visitors expressed their gratitude for the informative workshops. In addition to bringing new understandings, many presentations were done in an entertaining, stimulating manner, drawing on personal experience. The most numerous favorable comments included those concerning our keynote speakers, Kurt Cobb and Annie and Jay Warmke, and presentations by Lin Vogl and Sherry Piros.

Natural history was covered by Philip Whitford, known as “Dr. Goose.” Many welcomed the trend toward sustainability and self-sufficiency exemplified by the food workshops and the all-day, do-it-yourself sessions by Bob Croteau and Tad Vogl. As one participant commented: “With harsh economic times, people were keenly interested in workshops that addressed money and energy saving and those that helped them think of ways to be more self-sufficient. They brought a wealth of practical information home with them.”

We are fortunate to have generous support from sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors and speakers that have sustained the fair for an entire decade. With the sustainability challenge, another decade of education and action is essential to human and planetary well-being. The presence of Rock Valley College, Elgin Community College, Northern Illinois University and Freedom Field ensures a continued educational effort toward sustainable lifestyles.

Major fair sponsors were the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Freedom Field and The Rock River Times.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Aug. 17-23, 2011, issue

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, we see the impacts of these efforts in the surrounding community. Energy-efficient homes powered by small-scale solar and wind systems, protected and restored natural areas, energy-efficient public buildings cooled and heated by geothermal systems, and an increase in gardens and sources of locally-grown foods dot the landscape. While not on the scale essential for a sustainable society, they serve as examples of how we might achieve such a society.

This year’s fair, Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., is focusing more on what people can do for themselves in implementing both energy savings and sustainable living strategies. It comes from the recognition that the economy is still in trouble, job prospects are not great, and the continued push to cut government spending does not bode well for U.S. job opportunities.

With the global scope of outsourcing, tax breaks given to relocating firms and duty-free imports from new production sites in low-cost labor areas, it is difficult to envision any broad-based growth in job opportunities within the United States.

Austerity programs cutting jobs do not provide citizens with the funds to stimulate consumption, which, in turn, stimulates production, jobs and economic development. For society to become sustainable, demand should be stimulated for sustainable goods and services.

If Canadian economist Jeff Rubin’s energy predictions prove accurate, peak oil and rising oil prices will undermine globalization as energy prices dramatically increase the cost of transportation, offsetting the advantages of low-cost labor.

While efficient use of energy is a top priority, our brightest option remains solar energy. The daily amount of energy reaching the planet from the sun is roughly 10,000 times as great as current global energy consumption. The cost of solar panels continues to fall, making it affordable for more people and applications.

A Wisconsin installer of small wind turbines recently told us he would prefer to install wind systems made in the United States, but the low cost of Chinese systems undermines U.S. manufacturing. He felt some consolation in the fact he was able to provide jobs to those selling, installing and servicing wind systems and providing customers with a measure of energy independence. If Freedom Field’s project rebuilding used turbines is successful, some manufacturing will take place locally.

We welcome the participation of Freedom Field, Elgin Community College’s and Rock Valley College’s personnel and students in this year’s program. They all have a stake in creating a sustainable energy future and have interesting projects to share with participants.

With nearly 60 informative workshops and roughly 100 booths and displays, the fair continues its well-earned reputation as an excellent, low-cost educational event. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore sustainable concepts and technologies and a chance to meet energetic, upbeat and solution-oriented people eager to share their knowledge and experience with others.

Come, and bring friends and family members to enjoy the weekend. We also provide activities for children, food to nourish the body and music to refresh the spirit.

The fair remains a first-rate educational event.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair

Illinois Renewable Energy Association’s (IREA) 10th anniversary Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14, at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.

Gate fees are $5 for adults for one day or $7 for a two-day adult pass; $3 for youth ages 12-16 for one day or $5 for a two-day youth pass; free to children younger than 12 when accompanied by a parent; and free to IREA members.

See related advertisements in this newspaper or visit illinoisrenew.org for more details about the fair.

Ogle County Fairgrounds is at 1440 N. Limekiln Road, Oregon, Ill.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Aug. 10-16, 2011, issue

As usual, some last-minute changes have been made to the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair’s workshop schedule.

Unfortunately, keynoter Fred Kirschenmann encountered health problems that forced him to reluctantly cancel his engagement. However, the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) is fortunate to have a new keynote speaker for Saturday, Aug. 13. The new keynoter, Kurt Cobb from Kalamazoo, Mich., will speak at 2:30 p.m. about “Rating your energy thinking.”

Cobb will focus on four rates he feels are key to understanding our energy future — the rate of extraction, rate of greenhouse gas emissions, the rate-of-conversion problem and the rate of energy consumption. He will explain why understanding these rates is key to understanding our energy future and why we don’t understand them well. The poor understanding includes focus on production rather than extraction, and improper use of resource monitors. He will then discuss what these rates mean.

Cobb’s presentation will provide plenty of opportunities for audience participation. The rate of extraction will cover why current extraction rates are not sustainable and the meaning and impact of peaking resources. Greenhouse gas emissions will include why climate change is a rate issue and a practical illustration of the rate issue. Rate of conversion will focus on whether we can make a conversion before current energy declines, whether we can sustain a conversion, and why the problem seems impossible to solve. Finally, the rate of energy consumption will discuss how Europe manages on half the energy per person as the U.S. and why slashing energy consumption is possible. The audience will be asked for ideas about specific ways in which the U.S. could cut consumption. Discussion will be encouraged.

Cobb is a widely-published author. His work has been featured on Energy Bulletin, The Oil Drum, 321 energy, Common Dreams, Le Monde Diplomatique and EV World, among others. His blog, Resource Insights, focuses on energy and the environment. He is also a columnist for Scitizen, a news site based in Paris, France, and is the author of the “peak oil thriller,” Prelude.

Cobb is on the board of the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions, which focuses on solutions to peak oil and climate change, why the U.S. should reduce our energy consumption and how the world can reduce consumption by 75 percent to maintain a sustainable planet. He is a founding member of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas — USA.

Other changes have been made in several workshops. Anna Wolfson’s “Building with Natural Materials — Clay Plaster” has been canceled. Mel Nickerson’s “Energy Policy and Politics in Illinois” has been moved to Saturday; Mary Eberle’s “Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces and Urban Fruit Gleaning/Foraging” have been moved to Sunday, Aug. 14. Follow changes on the IREA website at www.illinoisrenew.org.

The fair is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14, at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.

Gate fees are $5 for adults for one day or $7 for a two-day adult pass; $3 for youth ages 12-16 for one day or $5 for a two-day youth pass; free to children younger than 12 when accompanied by a parent; and free to IREA members.

Since we’re still faced with an extremely difficult job market and rising prices, threads of self-sufficiency run through the fair workshops.

Major sponsors of the 10th anniversary Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair are the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Freedom Field and The Rock River Times.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the Aug. 3-9, 2011, issue

Economic, social, health and environmental costs continue to mount, indicating our high-energy lifestyles cannot be sustained over the long run. As German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated, “We need an entirely new architecture for our energy systems and energy supply for our electricity of the future.”

Solar electricity, or PV, is unique in that it produces most of its electricity during the hottest part of the day when electric demand is highest and prices spike. Solar manufacturing capacity can be quickly expanded as new factories take about a year to build, in contrast to fossil fuel and nuclear plants, which take years to build.

Solar systems are commonly installed on the rooftops of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and used to directly power the facilities, negating the need for additional and costly power lines. They can also provide energy security for the owners.

Solar module costs have fallen at a rate of nearly 20 percent for each doubling of manufacturing capacity, reducing average manufacturing cost to $1.50 per watt. Prices are expected to continue to fall with expanding manufacturing capacity, improved manufacturing processes and increased efficiency of panels converting sunlight to electricity.

Installation costs are also dropping as web-based design tools, new panel racks, wiring and inverter improvements could reduce installation costs by 50 percent within five years, according to a report from the Rocky Mountain Institute. SunRay indicates variations in local permitting and inspections standards can add an additional 50 cents per watt to the cost of a system. They are seeking a cost-effective, simplified and standardized process to guide installations.

Last year, the Italian government’s support for solar panels declined dramatically at the same time as global manufacturing capacity was increased, leading to a surplus of panels and a drop in the price of solar systems.

The nuclear catastrophe at Fukushima in Japan and Germany’s decision to close down its nuclear facilities and double its commitment to renewable energy sources by 2022 should accelerate demand for solar panels, which could reduce excessive supplies sooner than had been anticipated.

Solar energy will be an integral component of our future energy system. Both displays and workshops at this year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., will provide updated solar energy options.

Rock Valley Professor Steve Fleeman will provide an overview of alternative energy, including solar as well as a session on DC to AC conversion. Aur Beck will discuss advancements in PV, while Dave Merrill will address advancements in PV inverters. Electrical safety with renewable energy systems will be explained by Brian Green.

Inventor Mitch Heldt will demonstrate thermoelectrics, generating electricity by using heat and cold for those who want small-scale generation.

Jim Lamb, energy consultant, will offer tips on using solar energy and conservation for maximum payback with minimal environmental impact. Willem Dijstelbergen will explain how making the transition from nuclear power to renewable energy will help people move from grid dependence to self-sufficiency. Aur Beck will chronicle his 18 years of living off grid, and empower others to do the same.

Major sponsors of the 10th Anniversary Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair are the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Freedom Field and The Rock River Times.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

Interns at Rockford’s Freedom Field Renewable Energy will present reports of their summer activities from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 1, at Freedom Field, 3333 Kishwaukee St., building No. 9. Refreshments will be provided.

The new Sustainable Energy Systems associate degree program at Rock Valley College (RVC) requires each student to work as an intern to satisfy graduation requirements. To meet their graduation requirements as part of the program, 10 summer interns concentrated on alternative energy at Freedom Field.

Each of the 10 teams will provide a 10-minute presentation of their project summary and share their observations for economic development opportunities at the Aug. 1 event. A 2-minute question-and-answer session has been allotted at the end of the presentations. Guests are welcome to ask additional questions at the end of the presentations.

Following are the presentations and presenting interns:

- “Energy Efficiency and Energy Audits” — Gregory Drzymkowski and Johnnie Murwar, work performed at Freedom Field Renewable Energy

- “Smart Grid” — Steven Carmack and David Hill, work performed at Freedom Field Renewable Energy

- “Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Systems with Battery Storage” — Brian Casey and Devaughn Fisher, work performed at Freedom Field Renewable Energy, and Christopher Anderson, work performed at AAA Electric

- “Energy Efficiency and Comprehensive Energy Solutions” — Michael Hull and Aimee Pond, work performed at Gilley’s Heating and Air Conditioning

- “Green Roof Studies and Investigation” — Kathleen Hansen, work performed at Freedom Field Renewable Energy

- “Solar Hot Water Heating” — Ashley Atterberry, work performed at Freedom Field Renewable Energy during spring 2011

Professor Stephen R. Fleeman, academic chairman of Sustainable Energy Systems at RVC, serves as the academic adviser.

Mentoring and assistance provided by Chester Kolodziej and John Sweeney, both from Freedom Field; Dave Martindale, Ballard Engineering; and Ron Gilley, owner of Gilley’s Heating and Air Conditioning.

To register for this event, contact the Engineering & Technology Division office at (815) 921-3101.

Freedom Field is a not-for-profit organization formed to facilitate the development and operation of a renewable energy solutions center. The center is designed to install and characterize renewable energy technologies; produce operational data for analysis; integrate and test complementary technologies as viable systems; optimize for production, installation and service; develop regional projects that use these technologies and systems; and create education and outreach programs. Visit www.freedomfieldenergy.com.

BELVIDERE, Ill. — A Belvidere company is doing its part to help local residents become energy independent.

Beginning Thursday, July 28, EcoHome Expert, Inc., will start installing a 30-panel photovoltaic (PV) solar array at 4633 Adamson Lane in Machesney Park. The system is scheduled to be completed Friday, July 29.

The system will generate most of the home’s electrical needs, uses solar panels manufactured in the U.S. and will produce power for more than 25 years.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), more than 65,000 homeowners added solar power to their homes last year, more than doubling the number of installations in 2009.

“The first time you throw that switch and see that electric meter start spinning backwards, it’s hard not to get excited,” says EcoHome’s President Bob Raleigh.

Raleigh says interest in solar is high, partly because energy prices are increasing.

“When you’ve got the stock market all over the place, it’s easy to see why people want a safe place to put their money, and solar power gives them that,” Raleigh says.

The average cost of a solar electric system is $11,000 for a 10-panel system, after federal tax credits. Homeowners can then sell their renewable energy credits to utilities while still using the power in their homes and cutting their electric bills.

The solar installations are helping more than just their owners, they’re putting money into the local economy. Raleigh says solar could be a big part of their business as consumer interest continues to explode.

Nationwide, the solar industry employs almost 100,000 Americans across all 50 states, and is projected to support more than half a million American jobs by 2016, according to SEIA.

Raleigh says improvement in technology has also helped fuel the explosion of interest in solar.

“Now, we can add one solar panel at a time,” Raleigh says. “So homeowners can expand their system and watch the energy output on the computer, or even on their phone.”

EcoHome Expert is at 2231 Hawkey Drive, Belvidere. Visit www.ecohomeexpert.com, e-mail bob@ecohomeexpert.com or call (815) 544-1100 for more details.

Numerous options exist for building more energy-efficient homes or renovating existing homes, using lower-cost building techniques and using natural materials. Visitors to this year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., will have plenty of opportunities to learn about all of them.

A series of three workshops will present building with natural materials. Natural home design by architect Lou host-Jablonski will explain the use of an ancient technique — straw-clay construction — that uses all-natural, often locally-obtained materials to build an efficient, low-toxin home. Host-Jablonski’s own straw-clay home in Madison, Wis., meets all local building codes. Chemist Douglas Piltingsrud developed the chemical formulas essential to modernizing the straw-clay construction process.

Jim Hutchison used the technique to build a large straw-clay farm shed near Rock City. The building was first framed in with 2- by 6-inch studs on 2-foot centers. The straw-clay mixture was then placed into the forms attached to the framing and compacted by people stepping on the mixture.

Anna Wolfson will make the final presentation about natural plaster. Clay, sand and chopped straw are mixed to form the plaster. Naturally-occurring minerals provide desired colors. The plaster also becomes the finished paint. Natural buildings are labor intensive, but Wolfson believes they are well worth the work. The finished product is healthy; there are no dangerous fumes, and the building can stand many years. Additionally, building materials are often locally available and inexpensive.

The creative use of trash to build a house will be presented by Jay and Annie Warmke, also Sunday keynoters. They will offer a virtual tour of the buildings at Blue Rock Station, as well as basic techniques for those who wish to construct their own. They will include tire pounding for foundations, plastic bottle greenhouse, and building a straw bale chalet.

Mike Dudek, chairman of the Rockford branch of the U.S. Green Building Council, will share his experience with building a LEED home on a budget. He decided the only way for him to understand LEED strategies was to build a house himself. He settled on an existing home in Woodstock, Ill., a “gut-and-rehab” project. He will also discuss the challenge of using renewable energy on a heavily-wooded lot. His conclusion: good planning is important.

Architect Patsy Welch will talk about the process of designing and building an affordable, passive solar, universal design house, including location both for solar gain and access to transportation and amenities. A compact design and use of recycled materials are included. Victor Zaderej helped her with the passive solar aspect and earth tube.

Builders Seth and Rick McCanse, who have years of experience incorporating renewable energy into their work, will hold a question-and-answer session about prioritizing remodeling dollars with an eye toward energy conservation.

A panel of experts, including a certified energy auditor, an architect, a financing expert, a contractor with related experience and a representative of government will hold another question-and-answer session about affordable housing and sustainable strategies.

Deconstruction as an alternative to demolition will be presented by Bill Howard of YouthBuild Rockford.

Additional workshops will focus on powering a home with renewable energy, energy-efficient appliances, heat pumps and geothermal, living off grid and how to cope with being without power.

Major sponsors of the 10th Anniversary Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair are the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Freedom Field and The Rock River Times.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the July 20-26, 2011 issue

With difficult economic times, growing numbers of people are pursuing the goal of increased self-sufficiency. Whether producing food, assuring heating and cooling for a home, or meeting other needs, being able to do for oneself produces a sense of strength and independence.

Several workshops at this year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., will provide thought-provoking ideas about meeting basic needs.

One of the first basic needs people consider is food. Growing food for the family not only can provide a fresh, healthy diet, it can also produce a sense of independence. Mary Eberle will share tips about growing vegetables in small spaces, including containers and square-foot gardens. She will also discuss urban fruit gleaning, including what fruits to find, where to find them, and how to harvest and use them. John Barnhart will discuss the nostalgic American dream of an organic garden. He and his wife, Cindy, have been in the organic farming business, which he explains is not complicated, for six years.

Saving seeds can assure continued growth of favorite plants. Caron Wenzel will not only share techniques for seed saving, she will help participants learn how to use plants for natural dyes. Sherry Piros and Lin Vogl will demonstrate simple methods of food preservation and will share their bounty in an expanded version of their popular workshop.

For those who want to go beyond providing fresh fruits and vegetables, helpful hints on raising chickens for want-to-be small-scale chicken farmers will be offered by Lin Vogl, Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) sustainability coordinator, who began her adventure only two years ago. A portable chicken coop will be available for sale.

Annie Warmke’s “Natural Care for Goats” will provide information about raising goats without chemicals. Her book will be available for purchase and signing.

Jeff Ludwig of Miz Bee Haven will explain the life cycle and how bees are raised and housed. Ludwig offers a course on beekeeping at the Byron Forest Preserve District that has stimulated substantial interest in the activity.

Health maintenance will be addressed by Linda Conroy’s “Choosing Herbal Remedies for Sustainability” and Nancy Gouch’s “Nature’s Holistic First Aid Kit.” Conroy will also offer insights that will help people make informed choices about sustainability.

Two all-day workshops will help participants learn how to make simple, inexpensive, useful products that provide nearly immediate benefits.

Watch as Solar Chef Bob Croteau in his “Solar Hot Air Collector Do-It-Yourself Demonstration” (all day Saturday) whips up an affordable do-it-yourself solar hot air collector. Watch it rise out of a pile of ingredients into a fully functional solar furnace that you can mount on the south wall of your house, garage or workshop. Learn to whip up your own in a weekend.

Glazing will be available for sale. Tad Vogl will lead one-hour participation workshops all day Sunday making inexpensive rain barrels that collect water to use in the garden, avoid runoff and erosion, and save on water bills. Barrels will be assembled on site. Components will also be available to take home for assembly. Barrels and kits will sell for $45 each.

For an interesting, informative look at self sufficiency, attend the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair at the Ogle County Fairgrounds Aug. 13-14.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the July 13-19, 2011 issue

Two interesting events have occurred concerning the perception and reality of solar and renewable energy. The first was a remark made by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at a business conference in New York last May. Gates considered solar and other forms of renewable and energy efficiency to be “cute,” but incapable of addressing the comprehensive issue of climate change. The second was a report by the U.S. Energy Information Agency last June that renewable energy for the first time generated more energy than nuclear power.

These events are interesting indicators of the perception and reality of renewable energy. On one hand, a “visionary” like Bill Gates issues a “damning by faint praise” of renewables, conjuring up solar, wind and other renewables as a niche, a “petting zoo.” One pets the cuddly little solar panels and feeds the cute little wind turbines on the way to the serious, grownup stuff. And yet, we have these cute little systems, along with hydro and a variety of other sources that pollute less or not at all overtaking a massive infrastructure that received tens of billions of dollars of financial and regulatory support like clockwork for over a quarter century.

This report (http://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/mer.pdf) is a relative snapshot, and one swallow doesn’t make a summer, or a Cubs’ win salvage a lost season. But it shows that the growth of renewable energy (and the growth rate was mostly from wind and solar) has become a major energy source, not just something “cute” to refer to in a CEO or politician’s Earth Day speech. This growth occurred in spite of the “stop and go” modest support for renewable energy, and the still continued hostile or patronizing attitude toward these ever growing multi-billion dollar industries.

It is interesting that Bill Gates scorns solar and other green applications, a classic example of yesterday’s revolutionaries becoming today’s conservatives. One would think Mr. Gates would be a little more sensitive to innovation.

When the personal computer was gaining traction, one of Gates’ role models, Ken Olsen of Digital Equipment Company, scorned that revolution with the 1977 remark, “There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.” Years later, learning too late, the remnants of Digital disappeared into the scrap heap of companies and people who didn’t get it.

Companies like Google are investing in solar, wind and other renewables. Those technologies get incentives, to be sure, but so too nuclear, and Google isn’t touching investments in nuclear with a ten kilometer pole.

Nearly all of the investment community avoids nuclear investment like, well, radioactivity. Only governments or government regulated utilities and corporations are “investing” in nuclear power, leaving the risk to tax payers and rate payers. Meanwhile, renewable energy will continue to “cute” its way to energy mainstream of the U.S., and the world.

From the July 13-19, 2011 issue

Rich Boris, Village of Lee president, stated: “It appears appropriate to pass [this information] on to other counties in Illinois and other states; please send it to others that may benefit from it.”

Prepared by Les Cady
Cady Aerial Spray, Deer Grove, Ill.

Section 1

Changes Pertaining to Wind Turbines

During a recent conversation I had with a County Board member, I was asked, “Why should the county deny a landowner’s right to have a wind turbine installed on their property?” I responded with a question of my own.

Why should landowners who choose not to have a wind turbine installed on their property be allowed to lose their right to treat their farmland by aerial application?

The Whiteside County Wind Power Generating Facility Ordinance was adopted in part to protect landowners who choose not to participate in a wind farm. As an aerial applicator, I can tell you that in my professional opinion, the current ordinance falls far short of protecting a landowner’s right to have their crops treated by aircraft!

The many thousands of acres of irrigated farmland in Southeastern Whiteside County are an enormous asset. Every growing season, local farmers contract to grow for companies such as Del Monte and Seneca Foods to grow vegetables. Also, Monsanto (DeKalb), Du Pont (Pioneer), Mycogen, Ag Reliant, and Wyffels to grow seed corn. Farmers in Whiteside County play a direct role in growing vegetables that end up on our store shelves and producing the seeds that grow corn throughout the Midwest.

Many of these companies rely heavily on aerial application to produce these specialty crops. If wind turbines are allowed to be built in Whiteside County without proper protection to non-participating landowners rights, tens of thousands of acres of farmland may be rendered untreatable by agricultural aircraft. Many of these companies, no longer being able to utilize aerial application, would likely move their production elsewhere. That would be a terrible loss to the farmers who contract to grow for these companies, and to the local economy.

To properly and sufficiently protect the right of non-participating landowners’ to have their crops treated by air, I propose the following changes to the ordinance:

- To allow unrestricted access by air to neighboring fields and allow agricultural aircraft to safely navigate, a setback of 1 statute mile from each turbine.

- Said setback shall be from the neighboring property line, not the “primary structure.”

- “Wind Company” shall reimburse all landowners or tenant farmers for any and all surcharges incurred from aerial applicators due to increased time to treat fields, increased insurance costs, and increased hazard to pilots.

- “Wind Company” shall provide exact location including GPS coordinates and height of each wind turbine structure to the county, all local Aerial Applicators, and the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association before turbines are erected.

- “Wind Company” shall in good faith consult each local aerial applicator and the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association as to the location and layout of wind farm.

- “Wind Company” shall provide means of contact and shall turn off within a period of one hour’s notice any and all wind turbines deemed necessary by aerial applicators for safe treatment of any farmland.

- “Wind Company” shall provide from the months of May through September 24 hours notice to local aerial applicators of any construction or maintenance crew which will be working at a turbine site. Wind Company shall within one hour evacuate all workers deemed necessary by aerial applicators for safe application.

Les Cady can be reached at 8(15) 590-2239 or lescady@yahoo.comlescady@yahoo.com.

From the July 13-19, 2011 issue

Annie and Jay Warmke, keynote speakers for the 10th Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill. (Photo provided)

By Drs. Robert & Sonia Vogl
President and Vice President, Illinois Renewable Energy Association

This year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, Green Journeys, Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., will feature speakers who address their own journeys into sustainable living.

Keynoters will set the stage. Sunday’s major speakers will be Annie and Jay Warmke, founders of Blue Rock Station, a sustainable living homestead. Seventeen years ago, they left behind the “American Dream” to move to 40 rural acres in southern Ohio. They consider themselves pioneers in their journey from corporate America to natural living, and now offer many programs throughout the year to help people learn how to live in the post-fossil fuel economy.

Jay has received several awards including the 1998 “10 Most influential People” in telecommunications. Annie received the JC Penney Award, the Melitta Award for Business Woman of the Year and others. Both Annie and Jay received the Tampa Bay Business Journal-Price Waterhouse Up & Comers Award.

Their presentation, “Drinking Rain Water,” will share their philosophy as they journeyed into sustainability through building their house made of trash and the programs they offer. Their home, “Earthship,” which is “always under construction,” is built of tires, cans, old barn wood, bottles and mud. It is heated by the sun, the earth and wood. It incorporates techniques written about in their textbook, Green Technology.

They will also offer two other workshops. “Natural Care for Goats” will be based on Annie’s book, Naturally Healthy Goats, which describes pasture management, herbs and nutrition, which help them maintain health without vets or chemicals. The book will be for sale at the fair. “Natural Building” will offer a virtual tour of the buildings at Blue Rock including trash, straw bale and others. All of the Warmkes’ presentations will be Sunday, Aug. 14.

Another couple who made the journey from corporate America to rural sustainability, Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko, will return to the fair to present “Powering Your Homestead with Renewable Energy.” Kivirist and Ivanko will help those who want to go off grid or supply it with renewable energy and make energy a positive cash flow for their business or homestead explore the many options to power up with renewable energy including wind, solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, wood heating and others. Their home in southern Wisconsin, Inn Serendipity, is a bed and breakfast that offers organic foods and other aspects of sustainable living.

Their publications include ECOpreneuring: Putting Purpose and the Planet Before Profits (New Society), Edible Earth: Savoring the Good Life with Vegetarian Recipes from Inn Serendipity (Paradigm Press Ltd.) and Rural Renaissance: Renewing the Quest for the Good Life (New Society). Books will be signed after their Saturday, Aug. 13, workshop.

Birgit and Roland Wolff also left the fast-paced life for the rhythm of country living. Retired from Colorado State University, they now live in a century-and-a-half-old home in northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior where they raise chickens and lambs. Having experienced several-day power failures without much stress, Birgit will speak about “The basics of being without electricity during a power outage.” She will offer tips about meeting the challenge of being prepared to live comfortably, safely and healthfully without electricity, including staying warm, preparing food and dealing with the special needs of infants, the handicapped and pets.

These pioneers should help others navigate their journey to sustainability.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the July 6-12, 2011, issue

We spent a few days in Madison, Wis., for medical care on the way to the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, Wis.

Our hotel was across the street from the capitol and the Walkerville encampment. Many of its supporters were there, so we spent some time listening to speakers and discussing concerns with the protesters.

Protesters characterized Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) as using the state’s budget woes to destroy the role unions play in countering the political power of corporations and the wealthy, cutting support for education, medicine, elderly and the poor, and privatizing government services. They fear privatization emphasizes profits for shareholders over using taxpayer money to provide essential public services.

Some elements of the conflict were evident at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair as concerns were expressed about the $20 million cut of the state’s Focus on Energy program, which reduced its budget to less than $100 million and eliminates the anticipated budget of $256 million by 2014. The program helps fund energy initatives, including efficiency, solar power installations and lighting upgrades. The funds come from a 1.2 percent tax on utilities, and each dollar invested through Focus on Energy saved consumers at least $2.50 while providing thousands of jobs and cutting fossil fuel consumption.

The program has been privatized, and it will now be reviewed by the legislature rather than the Public Service Commission.

The fair itself was well designed and well worth attending. Given the weak economy, there seemed to be increased interest in workshops, technologies and tools supporting self-sufficient living. A presentation about living off the grid by Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) Board member Aur Beck drew a large crowd that overflowed the large tent set up for it.

The theme of the Aug. 13-14 IREA fair, Green Journeys, is intended to direct attention toward changes individuals are making in their lives to adjust their lifestyles to the economic, energy and environmental challenges we are facing.

For those who intend to get off the grid, as Aur Beck suggests, Jeff Green’s presentation about batteries should prove helpful since battery storage will be needed. Brian Green’s session about electrical safety is important whether on or off grid.

Gardening and food preservation are of growing interest to many who seek independent, sustainable lives. Caron Wenzel will demonstrate seed saving, helpful to growers of heritage plants, and using plants for dyes. Tim Lewis of the Wild Ones will explain using native plants for landscaping and rain gardens, helpful in flood prevention.

Sherry Piros and Lin Vogl will return with new material to enhance their popular food preservation workshop. They will demonstrate simple methods of food preservation and share the bounty they have including fruit leathers and veggie chips.

Lin Vogl will also discuss the joy of raising chickens and share helpful hints to chicken farmers who want to be small scale.

Jeff Ludwig will present a look at honey bees, their life cycles and commercial hives that beekeepers use for those interested in beekeeping. Based on the concern about the decrease in honey bee hives, Christine Wagener will present some of the research that may answer questions about what is happening to them.

Linda Conroy will help visitors learn to choose herbal remedies close to home that enhance sustainability of the environment and human health.

The 10th Anniversary Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair will be helpful to those who hope to attain sustainable lives.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the June 29-July 5, 2011 issue

Some simple understandings quickly return when raising animals. When the weather is hot, animals move less, seek cool spots, drink more, eat less, lose weight and in the case of chickens, lay fewer eggs. Before air conditioning, humans also ate less during hot spells, were less active and often lost weight. Some of the weight loss can be attributed to higher activity levels in summer.

While air conditioning offers many benefits, it is responsible for the dramatic increase in electrical consumption on hot summer days. It also encourages young people to stay indoors and play with all the energy-consuming electronic gadgets available to them.

In our youth, we had to be reminded to take it easy on hot days and be sure to drink enough water. On hot evenings, we sat out on the front porch or lawn and often slept there. Inside, we turned off incandescent lights as they produced heat, shared the benefit of a fan or two in a selected room, and talked or listened to the radio for entertainment.

As a culture, we seldom address the possibility of using less electricity unless forced to by rising costs or the temporary loss of grid power. In the industrial world, we use as much electricity as we can afford to buy and seldom consider the immense size and inefficiency in current patterns of its generation, distribution and use. The distinction between its essential, efficient use and its inappropriate use is lost in the modern world.

With the loss of 9 million kilowatts of power generation, Japan will relearn the lessons of efficient electrical use this summer and for years to come. Electric fans could again become common household fixtures as they only consume about 30 watts in contrast to the 500 watts or more to power an air conditioner. A sharp increase in the demand for LEDs could dramatically cut electrical consumption for lighting. The daily hot water shower might give way to spot washing, a cold shower or a weekly one.

At this year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, several presentations and displays will highlight electrical efficiency. Commonwealth Edison personnel will discuss their energy savings program. Art Meyers will demonstrate the role of solatubes in cutting lighting demand. Victor Zaderej will explain the exciting project he is involved in that allows LED lamps to be attached along a low-current carrying bar to provide extremely energy-efficient lighting where it is needed. Another approach to electrical generation and possible energy savings will be presented by Mitch Heldt, who will focus on using waste heat to produce electricity.

In response to their nuclear accident, Japan is intensifying efforts to move green innovation beyond the suppression of climate change and energy conservation and have it serve as the basis of a sustainable socioeconomic system.

While our nation’s commitment to a sustainable socioeconomic system is less than robust, the energy fair is one event dedicated to keeping that vision alive and growing. Attend the 10th Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, Aug. 13-14, at Ogle County Fairgrounds; have a good time learning some new ideas and interacting with others committed to a clean energy future.

For additional information, visit illinoisrenew.org.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the June 22-28 issue

John Foster Dulles, former Secretary of State, once commented that he was not worried about inconsistencies in the Warren Commission report since, in his view, Americans did not read. For those who do read, what they read can have a tremendous impact on their thinking, which, in turn, can influence our cultural and political policies. Reading is essential to staying informed about forces affecting our lives and livelihoods.

During the Jimmy Carter administration, a book of choice among aspiring political leaders and thinkers was Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered, by E.F. Schumaker. In it, the author criticized orthodox economics and big projects and argued for a more holistic approach to how we live and govern ourselves. He advocated that our economic and technological choices should reflect the long-term interests of our communities. While not opposed to technology, he called for appropriate technologies that would be simpler, cheaper and widely available.

A May article in opendemocracy.com calls attention to Schumaker’s thinking and the need to make the right choices, which are in the long-term interests of communities and will benefit the many rather than profit the few. With continued scientific and technological development, our power to manipulate nature intensifies, but has yet to yield a sustainable society. Doubt remains that an unfettered market system will ever provide it.

The article calls for a new social contract that could reassert some measure of social control over corporate-driven scientific and technological development.

In marked contrast to the concerns raised in Small Is Beautiful is Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel, Atlas Shrugged. It has become the book of choice for leading conservative thinkers.

According to Jeff Spross, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), author of the Republicans’ new budget plan, indicated Rand’s writing is the reason he entered politics and recommends his interns read the book.

Rand’s work of fiction explored the consequences when people “of the mind” go on strike and refuse to allow the outcomes of their creativity and effort to be taken from them by government. The strike leads the nation and government to the point of collapse, and the novel’s hero, Galt, emerges to reconstruct society based on individual achievement and enlightened self-interest.

Rand’s novel divides humanity into productive achievers and those who demand the earnings of others. Government intervention in society is seen as fatally flawed. Science and technology are seen as leading to improved quality only if their practitioners are left free to conduct business as they see fit.

The novel endorses laissez faire capitalism and rational selfishness, and ignores the adverse consequences of concentrated economic wealth and economic power for a democratic society.

Reading these books will provide a perspective on the two different views of the role of government and help clarify the likely political struggles ahead in environmental and energy policies.

Being informed about the origins of conflicting views is essential in a democratic society, but it is important to not become immobilized by them. Conservation, efficiency and renewable energy sources give individuals and their communities a measure of energy independence and contribute to rebuilding the local economy. Attending the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., will provide additional ideas, stimulation and interactions with knowledgeable individuals.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the June 15-21, 2011 issue

Enjoy a full weekend of information, education and entertainment at the tenth Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 & 14 at the Ogle County Fairgrounds west of Oregon.

Major speakers are Fred Kirschenmann, organic farmer and former director of the Leopold Center at Iowa State University; and Jay and Annie Warmke, authors of Green Technology Practices and owners of Blue Rock Station, an experiment in green living.

Exhibits will include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and healthy personal, home and yard care products. Organic produce, native plants and other environmentally sound products will be for sale.

Free workshops all day both days.

Informaton: www.illinoisrenew.org

From the June 15-21, 2011 issue

Representatives of Winnebago County, Freedom Field and Lidkoping, Sweden, recently signed an agreement to collaborate on the development, exchange and implementation of renewable energy technologies. Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen (R), Freedom Field President Dr. Robert Vogl and Lidkoping’s International Business Development Director Linnea Bengsston represented their organizations at the event.

They have cooperated on two Bioenergy Days in 2009 and 2010 in Sweden and Rockford. Area high school students showcased their energy-efficient house built on Swedish principles at the 2010 Bioenergy Days. Sweden will host this year’s conference Sept. 27-29.

International cooperation enriches all involved. Each can learn from and build on experiences of the other. Freedom Field’s mission is “to increase awareness of renewable energy opportunities and to facilitate development and commercialization of renewable energy solutions.” Installations include a solar pv system, wind generators, a hot water heating and air conditioning system, and a green roof.

Lidkoping has been noted many times for its successful advanced work in sustainability. Swedish communities assign high priority to environmental issues and have developed standardized environmental management plans. Lidkoping’s major goal, to become fossil fuel-free, focuses on producing and using biogas from a variety of sources including household refuse, food industry byproducts and agricultural waste.

In the 1980s, Saskatchewan, Sweden and the U.S. were leaders in energy-efficient housing. Many houses in this area are built on those principles. When federal support for energy efficiency waned, Germany took over where the U.S. left off and developed their Passivhaus design.

Sweden continues to build energy-efficient homes, most of which are first constructed indoors and later assembled on site for quality control and avoidance of extreme weather conditions.

The “One-Watt-House,” a modification of the German Passivhaus, was showcased at an early Illinois Renewable Energy & Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. Both the originator of the concept and the designer of Midwest Passive Houses made presentations at fairs. Dr. Berndt Steinmuller, an internationally renowned leader in energy-efficient housing, made a presentation at the fifth fair.

Several presentations at this year’s fair, Aug. 13-14 at Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Ill., will focus on efficient building. One of the earliest local builders of efficient homes, McCanse Builders, will hold a question-and-answer session on prioritizing remodeling dollars with an eye toward energy conservation. A panel assembled by Michael Rohrbeck will approach energy efficiency in building from several perspectives, including energy auditing, tax credits and architectural design.

Illinois Renewable Energy Association board member Victor Zaderej, an active builder of houses that cut energy consumption by 80 percent, will team with architect Patsy Welch to discuss their plans for an energy-efficient home in McHenry County.

Representatives of the northern Illinois branch of the U.S. Green Building Council will be available to discus green and efficient building in the Rockford area.

While new home construction is down, architects and builders continue to explore techniques of sustainable building. This year’s Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair will continue to provide ideas for interested homeowners.

Winnebago County and Freedom Field look forward to a long and productive partnership, following up and building on the ideas already designed, with Lidkoping.

Drs. Robert and Sonia Vogl are founders and officers of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) and coordinate the annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. E-mail sonia@essex1.com.

From the June 8-14, 2011 issue