Green Future Don’t Publish

Cutting edge environmental technology will be incorporated into the new “Green Tech” building planned at Pierce according to M.B.A. Jose Luis Fernandez, dean of academic affairs.

The building is designed to be a laboratory that will house: environmental technology and science, architecture, advanced manufacturing, engineering design, residential and commercial energy audits and building technologies including solar and wind energy.

The building will be constructed with recycled materials and will have more efficient heating and cooling systems, according to Fernandez. He said more efficient lighting and water system will be installed.

The building will be completed in four years, said Fernandez.

“Cutting edge technology gives you a competitive edge.”  He continued, “There are always risks that should be considered.” He said the risks vary according to sustainability, reliability, maintenance and support.

According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica the building of shelter used more than half of the earth’s resources. It sites that 16% of freshwater supplies, more then 30% of the energy supplies and half of all the raw materials of the earth are used in buildings.

Greenpeace activist Billy Dooley was on campus yesterday. He said a green building in the long run pays for itself. He sited the example of solar energy users who are getting paid for the electrical energy they supply to the city.

Solar energy cost 15 cents a kilowatt while coal is one-third the price. He said coal produces 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions, said Dooley.

Pierce physics and astronomy Professor Don Sparks said, “The physics of PV (photo voltaic) is solid in my opinion.”  He has cut his electric bill in half by using solar energy at home.

Dolley noted that 40% of the L. A. County energy supply comes from two coal plants. They are located in Utah and Arizona. He said much of that energy is lost in transmission. He also noted that the green campaign has suffered because of the economic downturn and that the environment is being sacrificed for the sake of jobs.

This weekend the Green festival will be held at the L. A. Convention Center. The environmental event will feature 125 speakers and 250 exhibitors. The event is free for students, youth, Seniors, bicyclist, Metro Pass holders, and Union members. There will be a Green Building pavilion were you can work with experts on home sustainability. Web site: greenfestivals.org

Related Stories:

• No Related Stories