In this way, I can be completely objective, and absent of prejudice. By now, you know everything here is based upon science, and public record, so I will share the knowledge available to, but ignored by, our legislators. Please keep in mind that my campaign is now in it's 8th. year, so I have more than a cursory knowledge of these affairs.
U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu has ordered all DOE structures to be roofed with "Cool" roof systems. Your local government hasn't the slightest clue, nor interest, in anything to do with roofing. Roofing is not exciting, by a long shot, but is a CRITICAL energy reduction component of all structures.
First, I will show an article by the Department Of Energy (U.S.), and then I will illustrate how unresponsive your local jurisdictions are in implementing it. They actually do the exact OPPOSITE, of what Physicist, and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Chu suggests. Certainly you will ask WHY?, and I will address that near the end of this post.
December 14, 2010
Energy Department Completes Cool Roof Installation on DC Headquarters Building to Save Money by Saving Energy
In new video, Secretary Chu discusses the benefits of cool roofs
Washington - Secretary Steven Chu today announced the completion of a new cool roof installation on the Department of Energy's Headquarters West Building. There was no incremental cost to adding the cool roof as part of the roof replacement project and it will save taxpayers $2,000 every year in building energy costs. Cool roofs use lighter-colored roofing surfaces or special coatings to reflect more of the sun's heat, helping improve building efficiency, reduce cooling costs and offset carbon emissions. The cool roof and increased insulation at the facility were installed as part of the federal government's commitment to lead by example in increasing energy efficiency, reducing carbon pollution and demonstrating the benefits of clean energy technologies.
The Department of Energy also released today a video with Secretary Chu that shows the installation of the roof and explains some of the benefits that come with this important technology. The video is available on the Energy Blog.
"The Department of Energy is leading by example, demonstrating how cool roofs can help achieve significant energy and cost savings. This is a simple, low-cost technology that can provide tremendous benefits for government, businesses and homeowners across the country," said Secretary Chu.
Earlier this year, Secretary Chu directed all Department of Energy offices to install cool roofs, whenever cost effective, when constructing a new roof or replacing an old one. The Department's new cool roof on the West Building covers approximately 25,000 square feet. In the spring, DOE will also install a cool roof on the Headquarters' South Building, covering approximately 66,000 square feet. As a result of the new cool roof installations on both buildings, taxpayers will save a total of $8,000 per year in energy costs.
Roofs and road pavement cover 50 to 65 percent of urban areas. Most traditional dark-colored roofing materials absorb 80 to 90 percent of incoming solar energy, increasing temperatures on the surface and in the case of roofing, heating the building, which in turn requires additional air conditioning. White or special "cool color" roofs absorb less than 50 percent of solar energy, reducing the roof temperature and decreasing the energy used in air conditioning.
A dark roof can reach temperatures above 180F on a hot day, while a cool roof can stay 50 degrees cooler. A study by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) found that using cool roofs and cool pavements in cities around the world can help reduce the demand for air conditioning, cool entire cities, and potentially cancel the heating effect of up to two years of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions.
Consumers can find Energy Star cool roofing products for homes and businesses at EnergyStar.gov.
Follow the Department of Energy on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Flickr. Follow Secretary Chu on his Facebook page.
Media contact(s):
202-586-4940
Sounds fabulous, doesn't it? Well it is, until your local leaders get involved, and allow "both "Single Source", or "Proprietary Specifications" to take over Dr. Chu's very rational observations. At this point, it is no longer a matter of simple physics, and reduction of energy costs borne by the taxpayers. It becomes a matter of graft, collusion, and outright fraud, perpetrated upon "We The People". As I mentioned, I've been at this for 8 years, and nobody except the Private Sector cares, as they are spending their own money, not the taxpayers money. I find these so called "Officials" in contempt, because the knowledge, and data are in front of them, but they will not act upon it, for fear of disrupting a revenue stream. Want proof? Here are actual court proceedings, documents, and the felonious behavior of those involved. Still going on today, and it is absolutely unacceptable.
My city (Tampa) has mandated all structures over 5,000 sq. ft. be LEED Silver Certified (a bit excessive perhaps). But the actual Building Department has a "Sole Source" agreement with a boutique manufacturer, not locally stocked, and certainly not anything close to a "cool roof", and I've proven it to them. Like ostriches, they place their head in the sand, and hope I'll go away, but I won't.
They recently roofed a water treatment plant here in Tampa, and put a heat absorbing, petroleum based roof on it. A polluting roof, on a water treatment plant is the height of stupidity, and the definition of "Ignorance". No amount of science, or practicality, could convince them to even consider a synthetic cool roof.
They LIED to me regarding the components being "Energy Star" (what a joke), and I revealed their lies through their preferred manufacturer's OWN LITERATURE.
Folks, I would ask you to help me, but frankly would not wish this torture upon anyone. Contrary to popular belief, I am not a masochist, but my advocacy is perfect for anyone who is. The only thing I can hope for is getting through to just one of them through the law of averages, but so far, I haven't had much luck at that slot machine.
It is absurdly simple to reduce our energy demands by 20%, saving precious taxpayer dollars. If any of you are tired of this nonsense, I would suggest you start with your school district, or you are always welcome to contact me at RobertRSolomon@aol.com and I will help you. I've also written a paper that illustrates the issue in great detail. Please ask, and I will send it to you.
I am very thankful for the time you so graciously spend with me here.
Please reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".
Very Respectfully,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620
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