Networking the Green Economy
This report from the Blue Green Alliance, the Sierra Club, the Communications Workers of America and the Progressive States Network, explores how technologies including smart buildings, smart grids, teleconferencing and digital education opportunities can cut carbon emissions and create and retain green jobs in the United States.
From the introduction to the report:
Broadband and information communication technologies have the potential of revolutionizing energy management and economic development. With less than 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States accounts for about a quarter of the world’s energy consumption. A poor communications infrastructure underlies much of our wasted energy use. In order to reduce energy, we must install new technologies that can monitor and more effectively use natural resources. Advanced communication will play an essential role in facilitating and integrating these technologies.
Policies that support broadband technology can reverse the projections showing that energy consumption is likely to rise and that greenhouse gas emissions will increase. With coordinated research, support and action from consumers, advocates and federal and state legislators, broadband and related communication technologies can pave the way for a greener and more robust economy. By transforming the way people and businesses use technology, the United States can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 13 to 22 percent by 2020 — and potentially see gross energy and fuel savings of $140-240 billion, according to an estimate by the Climate Group, an international organization of business and government members. This paper sets forth ideas, research and recommendations to achieve this goal.
Information Communication Technologies Are Key To a More Efficient Coordination of Energy Supplies and Distribution: A smart grid better manages the distribution and consumption of energy that can facilitate more efficient energy use, integrate various sources of renewable energy into our power system, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and increase grid reliability.
