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Economic Development and Quality of Life for People and Communities
Operation Cool Shade
Issue
Studies show that proper shading of the home can reduce energy consumption
by as much as 20 percent. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
in Pima County joined with Tri-Co Electric Cooperative to distribute
shade trees to residents for energy conservation.
What has been done?
Tri-Co Electric Cooperative and Pima County Extension provided trees
and training, respectively, to interested residents. A requirement of
the program was that trees be planted in locations around the house
to ensure maximum shading. The residents received training from Extension
on correct placement, planting and care of trees. Master Gardeners were
trained to conduct training for program participants on the correct
selection, placement, planting and care of shade trees. Four programs
were conducted in 2002 with 117 participants, by 8 Master Gardener volunteers.
An additional four Master Gardeners staffed a tree planting and care
answer booth at the tree distribution day conducted by TriCo Electric
Cooperative's headquarters in Marana. Tri-Co employees conducted follow-up
inspections to ensure that trees were planted in the pre-determined
locations and that the trees remained in good health. (Follow-up information
and assistance with tree care is provided by the Pima County Cooperative
Extension.)
Impact
As a result of Operation Cool Shade, in 2002, 1,469 trees were distributed
to 509 electric cooperative customers. Since 2000, a total of 5,081
trees have been distributed to 1,790 customers. Studies have shown that
proper shading can reduce home energy consumption by as much as 20 percent.
Thus given the average peak household consumption (July, August and
September) of 7,263 kilowatt hours and the current rate of $0.0953 per
KWh, the average projected savings for individual households participating
in Operation Cool Shade for the three-month period is 1,453 kWh, with
a dollar savings of $138.47 during that time. In terms of all 509 participating
households, the projected savings is 883,424 kWh and $70,481 for the
peak three-month summer period.
Funding
TriCo Electric Cooperative
Contact
John Begeman, urban horticulture agent
Pima County Cooperative Extension
The University of Arizona
4210 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719
Tel: (520) 626-5161, FAX: (520) 626-5849
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