Ideas from other students
Electric vehicle taxi services
by Mariana Alvarez
We can offer the residents of Ashfordton funded taxi service that uses electric vehicles, exclusively. It can be a non-profit organization or state funded service. With it being inexpensive, many residents can enjoy car-pool rides and express lane access all while in an electric vehicle.
Fines for overuse of energy
by Mariana Alvarez
We can establish regulations within the town of Ashfordton that would make residents conserve energy. There can be a certain amount of energy used for a month and if that energy goes up the limit, residents would have to pay a fine. This idea, I believe will lead to residents not only watching their energy intake but to purchase light bulbs, power strips, energy efficient appliances, etc.
Tidal Power
by Madelyn Torres
Since the city is near an ocean coast using either tidal turbines or a tidal fence can be used to generate energy from the ocean.
Assisted Loans for Electric Cars
by Madelyn Torres
It is possible for banks to offer loans in order to persuade people to switch over to either hybrid or electric cars. Or if there are assisted programs to help as many people as they can to make the switch. Similar to the housing idea there could be low-interest rates on these loans in order for more people to be involved.
Ashfordton can offer tax credit or reduced property taxes for life to homes that rebuild to zero energy homes. Local banks could also offer reduced rates for refinancing existing loans with cash out needed to tear down and and or remodel to meet the zero energy home model. This would eliminate carbon emissions from older existing homes that are not energy efficient and raise property values in general.
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by Diana Reyes
City Electric Transit System
by Michael Hatton
Use funds to create a fleet of electric-powered transit systems in the city to reduce the number of natural gas emissions in the region around the city. The costs can be subsidized through transit cards which will further encourage the uses of public transportation in urban areas.
Smart Power Strips
by Kaylee Boone
Placing all electronics on a smart power strip can reduce the waste of energy along with saving money. These can be set to turn off after a specific time instead of possibly forgetting to unplug before bed.
Creating Wind Turbine Fields in different areas of Ashfordton. With putting in Wind Turbines it will produce energyand then power plants will burn less fossil fuels. The Wind Turbines can be linked into the electric lines to feed the power they produce to the residents and businesses and this will also lower their cost they pay each month.
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by Bradley Keen
A way to conserve energy is to install natural light systems in all buildings that are located in Ashfordton. Many businesses have light's on during business hours and these businesses cause a substantial amount of wasted energy. The natural light systems during the day time can lower the need to use artificial light.
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by Michael Haler
I would recommend that we require that all new homes built or new buildings must be zero energy. Zero energy homes and buildings are air-tight, well insulated, and energy efficient that they produce as much renewable energy as they consume over the course of a year, leaving the occupants with a net zero energy bill, and a carbon-free home or building. This will benefit the environment, lower costs to the owner and provide a healthier family and employee home and working place.
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by Diana Reyes
A Sustainable energy source that can be used is hydrokinetic technology. By placing turbines in the Bridgepoint river, power will be produced from the natural current of the river turning turbines that are connected to generators and these generators will produce power for the city.
by Michael Haler
I would start with placing solar panels on all residences. The solar panels will produce energy that can run the residence. In some instances, if they are over producing energy it can be feed back to the electric companies. When the energy is feeding back to the electric company the electric company would be paying that resident for the power it is producing. By placing the solar panels on the residences, it will be a way to reduce what they pay and save them money as well as make money off their energy they are selling back.
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by Bradley Keen
Hydroelectric Power
by Michael Hatton
Have funds distributed into building a hydroelectric powerplant along a portion of the Bridgepoint river while leaving an area undisturbed for wildlife and relief flow. This source of power is generated from turbines moved by falling water and functions like a gateway. This will impede the natural flow of water minimally and provide a constant source of renewable energy for city and household infrastructure in order to reduce the uses of natural gas.
Conserve hot water
by Kaylee Boone
When each resident takes the small steps to conserve the use of natural gas, these steps include turning down the temperature of the water heater, along with using low-flow showerheads and faucet.
Minimize Driving
by Michelle Wilsey
Walk, ride a bike, or try to carpool as often as possible. Also, consider purchasing an electric car. This will help reduce the carbon footprint.
Solar Panels
by Michelle Wilsey
Solar panels are great for reducing the energy that we use. They help with all the footprints and once installed don't require a lot to maintain.
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Ideasfromotherstudents.docx
