Renewable Energy: Clean and Local Sources
of Energy
Reducing energy use through energy efficiency and conservation is one of the most cost effective and fastest ways for any organization to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Municipalities should always make efficiency and conservation the first priorities for meeting energy needs, so as to minimize the need for new generation. But efficiency will not take us all the way. The second key response to fighting climate change is energy substitution - decreasing reliance on imported, fossil-fuels and increasing the use of local, renewable energy sources. Renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, tidal, hydroelectricity, and geothermal energy generate power without burning fossil fuels, avoiding the pollution that causes climate change, acid rain, and smog. However, investing in indigenous, clean energy not only reduces harmful emissions, it can also provide a reliable and stable source of energy in times of high fuel costs and unstable energy supplies.
The Nova Scotia government made a commitment in 2007 to generate 18.5% of the Province's electricity through renewable energy sources by 2013. The UNSM supports the move to increase renewable energy, and believes that Nova Scotia must create a renewable energy menu that includes a variety of sustainable energy systems. Municipalities have a role to play in accelerating the use of renewable power to reduce the production of greenhouse gases, and improve their energy future. This component of the website will provide resources on renewable energy that will be of interest to municipalities.
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