What are the solutions of Smart Thermostats, Home Water Savings and Distributed Solar Photovoltaics? Smart Thermostats Drawdown explains that, “Thermostats are mission control for residential energy use for heating and cooling—9 percent of energy consumption in the United States. At present, the majority of thermostats require manual operation or preset programming, and studies show people are notoriously unreliable in doing either efficiently. Smart thermostats eliminate the capriciousness of human behavior, thereby driving more predictable energy savings. Smart thermostats detect occupancy, learn inhabitants’ preferences, and nudge users toward more efficient behavior. The newest technologies also integrate demand response; they can reduce consumption at times of peak energy use, peak prices, and peak emissions. The net effect: Residences are more energy efficient, more comfortable, and less costly to operate.” Distributed Solar Photovoltaics Rooftop solar is spreading as the cost of panels falls, driven by incentives to accelerate growth, economies of scale in manufacturing, and advances in PV technology. Innovative end-user financing, such as third-party ownership arrangements, have helped mainstream its use. Yet, costs associated with acquisition and installation can be half the cost of a rooftop system and have not seen the same dip. In grid-connected areas, rooftop panels can put electricity production in the hands of households. In rural parts of low-income countries, they can leapfrog the need for large-scale, centralized power grids, and accelerate access to affordable, clean electricity—becoming a powerful tool for eliminating poverty. Who is Larissa Johnson? For the last fifteen years, Larissa Johnson has dedicated her life to working with and for communities; helping people create sustainable, walk-able, bike-able, healthy neighborhoods that cultivate and invigorate the communities’ livelihood. Prior to receiving her MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, she worked predominantly in the field of nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention and what she gleaned through her work is that the environment is at the center of literally everything we do in life. Without clean air to breathe – how do we stay healthy and combat preventative illnesses? Without clean water – how do we grow nutritious, locally produced food? And without green spaces – how do we learn to play and enjoy the outdoors again the way it was intended? She is a huge proponent of working smarter, not harder and the only way to accomplish big things with limited funds and limited time is through partnerships. As a leader within the Climate and Energy Savings Movement in Maryland, she hopes to cultivate meaningful relationships that will benefit Marylanders from the mountains to the coast and across political and socioeconomic subgroups. To find out more, check out her website: www.MontgomeryEnergyConnection.org
