Welcome to the Green Wing
Sustainable Fuel Research
 In 2008 we took a vehicle and converted it to ethanol fuel. We volunteered our time, expertise and assumed all expenses to provide an independent evaluation of the value of using such a fuel.
In our testing we found that it required a 28% increase in fuel usage and produced 12% more horsepower. At this point we can deduce that unless the price of producing ethanol comes down tremendously, this is NOT a viable fuel option. Some of the other things we observed were the ethanol (E85) increased corrosion and wear to the fuel system. It has less BTU’s than gasoline thus causing a lower MPG. The higher octane rating of ethanol (E85) allows a power plant designed and tuned to optimize the uses of E85 to produce more power.
Energy Conservation Research
In 2008 we began researching optimum solar and wind technology to be implemented here at the New American Castle Museum.
Some of things we are working on in 2009:
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Obtaining and conserving land primarily to promote old growth forests. (We have seen the forestry in our area and it is maximum yield harvesting with little or no thought for the future).
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Investigating more energy saving, green technologies and water conservation. (Even though we are in a remote area our water supply is threatened by man-made pollution).
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Designing a solar powered charging station for an electric vehicle.
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Measuring wind velocity and duration to determine the feasibility of wind power in our area.
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Researching new technologies and training for law enforcement and security.
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What is GREEN?
Green Home
A green home minimizes impacts on the human and natural environment. This includes actions to boost energy efficiency, reduce construction waste, improve indoor air quality, and using water wisely, among other considerations.
Energy Efficiency
Green building rating programs include energy efficiency as a primary category for earning points. Potential actions involve the right HVAC equipment sizing, improved insulation, installing Energy Star-rated appliances and lighting.
Sustainable Building / Green Building
Sustainable means meeting the needs of the present while reducing negative impacts to future generations. Sustainable building addresses environmental, economic, and social goals.
Carbon Footprint
The total carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with a product or service. This includes all CO2 emissions from manufacturing, transportation, heating and cooling, etc. as well as discharge resulting from products and services purchased from others.
Embodied Energy
The total lifetime energy required for a given building material. This consists of energy for raw material extraction or harvesting, manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance and disposal.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
An LCA evaluates all environmental impacts from a product or service throughout its life. The overall goal for a green building is to reduce a home’s total lifetime impact on people and nature. |
