Thursday, April 9, 2015 Lake Erie Issues Energy Issues In 2012, the average U.S. residential utility customer used 10,837 kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity a year, an average of 903 kWh per month. To ensure an adequate energy supply is available to heat and cool homes, power electronics, and light homes, U.S. energy production is derived from a variety of sources. Stormwater Runoff. Nutrient Loading. Harmful Algal Blooms. A number of issues face Lake Erie. Although Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes, the US EPA has identified Lake Erie as the most stressed from urbanization and agriculture. Researchers and educators from The University of Toledo’s Lake Erie Center will present topics facing Ohio’s Great Lake. The Lake Erie Center is an interdisciplinary research and education center dedicated to solving environmental problems at the land/water interface and bay/lake exchanges in the Great Lakes—the world’s largest fresh water ecosystem. Join experts in the field of energy as they discuss topics that include energy production, conservation as well as present concepts important for every energy consumer to know. Highlights Include The Bowling Green Wind Farm is Ohio’s first utility-sized wind farm. The turbines generate enough power to supply electricity for approximately 2,500 residential customers. Bowling Green State University’s Oaks Dining Center is a LEED Certified Gold building. The dining center includes glass exposures for natural light, solar arrays, as well as bike racks and other enticements to promote commuter alternatives. Homeowners can implement a number of practices to make their homes more energy efficient. The energy forum will end with a tour of an alternative energy designed home that has implemented practices to increase energy efficiency and technology to generate energy. Research at the Lake Erie Center explores the linkages among land use, aquatic resources, water quality, sustainable living and human health. Highlights Include Tour of the Lake Erie Center and Laboratory Hach Kit Water Quality Demonstration Tour of Wetland Restoration Site at Maumee Bay State Park Panel Discussion on Lake Erie Water Issues Each forum cost is $50 and includes lunch. Register online at www.eeco.wildapricot.org
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