Report lauds power-cutting potential of tree planting

Earlier today I mentioned a new consortium of big IT companies and academic researchers working to make computer and telecom networks far less power hungry.

At the same time, a conservation group active in western states is pushing a decidedly low-tech efficiency program.

A new report by Western Resource Advocates calls for a major tree planting program in Phoenix to help cut air conditioning needs.

“Three mature shade trees on the west, east, or south sides of a house would reduce air conditioning load and save on average about 642 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year — approximately what a refrigerator uses — or about 4.6% of average annual household electricity consumption,” the report finds.

Actually the benefits of shade have not gone unnoticed on Capitol Hill.

The big Democratic energy and climate bill the House approved in June authorizes an Energy Department grant program for tree planting. It would provide aid to utilities that work with nonprofit tree-planting groups to increase shade around homes and small office buildings.

The bill notes that tree planting can also help reduce winter energy usage by blocking cold winds.