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How Sustainable is my Hometown? Burlington Vermont By Brooke Smith, Key:…
How Sustainable is my Hometown? Burlington Vermont By Brooke Smith
Housing (materials, insulation)
Very specific requirements for R rating for insulation R-10 for common wall insulation
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/VTRES2020P1/chapter-4-re-residential-energy-efficiency
Every building must be inspected for insulation and fenestration requirements and building a thermal envelope
Transportation
Transportation accounts for 38% of the total energy consumed in Vermont
Contributes approximately 40% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—more than any other sector.
VT's scattered, low-density development patterns can create a challenge for crafting effective, appealing and affordable solutions and alternatives to driving alone
transportation is essential to daily life for VT residents who need convenient access to work, shopping, and socializing
Some solutions include
Taking the bus or train: Transit systems throughout Vermont, are expanding each year
Carpooling, combined with transit: Carpooling and taking the bus from a local park and ride is another option
Land use planning that promotes transportation choices- “smart growth” development approach offers an energy-efficient alternative to scattered, low-density living
https://vnrc.org/community-planning-toolbox/issues/transportation-and-energy/
Energy Sources
In 2020, renewables accounted for almost one third of all energy consumed in the state.
Vermont's overall energy goals are to meet 25% of all the state's energy needs from renewable sources by 2025, 45% by 2035, and 90% by 2050.
VT does not have any coal mines or coal reserves.There are no coal-fired power plants in the state.
More than half of Vermont's electricity supply now comes from out of state. The largest share comes from hydroelectric power, most of it generated in Canada.
The residential sector accounts for 35% of Vermont's energy consumption. The transportation sector follows at 31% of state energy consumption. The commercial sector uses 20% and the industrial sector accounts for 14%
https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=VT#:~:text=Vermont's%20overall%20energy%20goals%20are,%2C%20and%2090%25%20by%202050.&text=In%202020%2C%20renewables%20accounted%20for,energy%20consumed%20in%20the%20state
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https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/states/vermont/#:~:text=Vermont%20uses%20nuclear%20power%20for,of%20its%20non%2Dnuclear%20electricity
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Vermont uses nuclear power for a larger proportion of its electricity than any other state.
Waste Disposal/Recycling
The Universal Recycling Law in Vermont
Trash collection sites must also collect blue-bin recycling & food scraps
Trash pick-up companies must offer recycling pick-up & charge customers a combined fee for trash & recycling
Waste collectors charge for trash based on volume/weight
Similar to paying for the amount of electricity used instead of a flat fee, people in Vermont can pay less if they produce less trash
Any trash container in public space needs to be accompanied by a recycling container
Businesses and institutions that produce large amounts of food scraps were required to keep their food scraps out of the trash
Starting July 1st, 2020, everyone in Vermont had to start keeping their food scraps out of the trash
https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/universal-recycling
Key: Yellow: Social Impact Orange: Economic Impact Turquoise: Environmental Impact