Made in the Shade: Planting More Trees
A new research study at the Western Center for Urban Forest Research
and Education (WCUFRE) looked at the effects shade has on energy
use and found that if citizens planted just 50 million more shade
trees in strategic energy-saving locations, the energy saved would
be equivalent to seven new 100MW power plants.
Are Trees Really the Answer?
"It will take about 5-15 years for trees to fully contribute
to the energy conservation process," said Dr. Greg McPherson
of WCUFRE. "However, if we don't invest in energy conserving
trees now, they will not be available in 15 years when the demand
for energy will be even greater."
Shade Trees and Energy
 There
are approximately 177 million trees in energy-conserving locations.
Most are around homes where substantial energy savings are the greatest.
As a result:
- California utilities already save $500 million annually in
wholesale electricity purchases and generation costs.
- Customers already save about $1 billion in retail expenses
for air conditioning.
- Peak load demand is reduced by about 10%.
- Energy savings equate to 7.3 100 MW power plants.
These trees also provide many other benefits that make them an
invaluable component of every community's green infrastructure.
McPherson points out that "since upfront costs to establish
these trees have already been made, keeping them healthy and functional
is one of the best investment communities can make."
More Tree Benefits
If Californians establish just 50 million more trees in strategic
locations on the east and west sides of residential buildings, in
15 years the annual energy saving will be 6,100 GWh. That means:
- At least seven 100 MW power plants will not have to be built.
- California utilities will save an additional $462 million annually
in wholesale electricity purchases or generation costs.
- Residents will save an additional $1 billion annually in retail
energy costs.
- Peak load demand will be reduced another 9%.
More than Just Planting Trees
Since the 50 million trees represent only 21% of the potential
planting sites, it is critical for Californians to select sites
with the best potential for trees to conserve energy – in regions
with the hottest summers and the biggest need to use air conditioners,
such as deserts, the Inland Empire, central valley, and south valleys.
It's A Long-Term Solution
"We'll still need power plants but we won't need as many"
said McPherson. "Shade tree programs can be a very cost-effective
measure for conserving energy, especially peak load demand. Strategically
locating tress to shade west walls and windows in regions where
the benefits are highest will save energy dollars and postpone,
if not eliminate, the need for some power plants. Although shade
trees do not curtail peak loads immediately, they do promise reductions
that will increase as trees grow larger. Planting trees now for
future peak load reduction, and improved air quality and climate
is a sensible way to lessen the impact that California's growing
population will have on limited energy resources and quality of
life."
Call the WCUFRE's Greg McPherson or Jim Geiger at (530) 752-7636.
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