Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Offsets

Carbon emissions, produced by the combustion of fossil fuels by power plants and automobiles, have been identified as the main human driver of climate change. As carbon emissions accumulate in the atmosphere, they produce a greenhouse warming effect that raises the mean global temperature. Over the next century, the atmosphere could warm up to 6.4 degrees Celsius, leading to potentially catastrophic environmental consequences. There are three main methods for reducing carbon emissions and limiting the possibility of destructive climate change:

Efficiency

• The easiest and most effective method for reducing carbon emissions is by reducing energy consumption.
• Commute by Bike!
  • Automobiles are the second largest source of carbon emissions in the World. Commuting by bike reduces "miles driven" and might also be the fastest for those who race!
  • Save Energy and Money at Home!
• There are numerous methods for reducing the energy expenditure of your home. Please visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer for ideas on reducing your home energy use.

Renewable Energy

• Represents the cleanest source of energy available.
  • Solar Power – powered by sunlight, solar panels provide electricity for free. Colorado provides some of the highest subsidies for residential solar panels.
    • 5430 hopes to partner with Namaste Solar to provide solar power for its future triathlons. So, keep your eye out for solar powered triathlons.
  • Wind Power - as a cyclist, you know how much energy it takes to ride into the wind.
    • 5430 is harnessing the power of the wind by supporting large-scale wind turbines, such as those on Native Energy’s Rosebud St. Francis Wind Farm.

Offsets

• Even with a focus on efficiency and renewable energy, it is difficult to completely reduce your carbon footprint. Offsets provide the last part of the strategy for achieving carbon neutrality.
  • Offsets provide a means for eliminating another source of carbon emissions.
    • For example, ClifBar Cool Tags provide funds for renewable wind farms. These wind farms eliminate the carbon emissions that would have otherwise been produced by coal-fired power plants.

Local (Eat Local, Race Local, Live Local)

• Eat Local
  • Brief overview of energy that goes into transporting food.
  • Beauty of local agriculture – good food and local open space.

• Race Local
  • No need to travel to the race = more time to train and compete
    • 5430 local running races and triathlons

• Live Local
  • Support local business and communities.
  • Place based ethic.