What's New in 2010
AEA strives to be good stewards of our earth's environment and its resources and sensitive to the people in these uncertain economic times. The Urban Forestry Program and the renewable energy projects highlighted here demonstrate our commitment to our mission to fund projects and programs that deliver positive results and sustainability.
Your pennies create potential for rapid progress in protecting our planet!
AEA Urban Forestry Program
The AEA Urban Forestry Program provides communities an opportunity to recover costs associated with their current urban forestry program or receive funding to implement a new program through the validation, verification and purchase of the associated carbon credits earned. Technical assistance is also available to manage the trees and related resources as needed to restore and sustain the health and vitality of the resource.
AEA recognizes the diverse needs of each community, and through an integrated approach of assessment, and validation endeavors to improve the environmental, social and economic condition of a community.
Benefits
According to the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, a community with a well managed urban forestry program will receive the following:
Environmental benefits
- Improved soil and water quality
- Improved regional air quality
- Habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
- Reduction of storm water runoff
- Reduction in stream channel erosion
- Reduction in summer air and water temperatures
Those interested in learning more about how this program can benefit their community can contact AEA for information.
Renewable Energy Project Portfolio
Waste Heat Energy Recovery
Waste heat energy recovery and conversion is one of the simplest and most compelling renewable energy sources for the following reasons:
- Waste Heat Energy is free
- Waste Heat Energy has zero pollution
- Waste Heat energy recovery is very profitable
- Waste Heat recovery can be utilized on existing infrastructure
AEA will help fund and promote waste heat recovery projects with the goal of decreased dependence on fossil fuel.
Combined Solar Heat Energy Generation
Combined solar heat energy generation will create emissions free renewable energy. Based on the latest technology, solar heat generation is becoming more efficient and cost effective. AEA will help fund and promote combined solar heat energy generation.
Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Biomass
The recovery of methane from agricultural animal waste and waste produced by the food processing industry through anaerobic digestion creates a potential of converting substantial amounts of carbon to biogas. The benefits are two-fold:
- Utilizes a byproduct considered a nuisance and provides protection of our environment
- Creates a renewable energy source
Biofuel Derived from Algae
Algae absorbs CO2 and sunlight during photosynthesis then coverts it to oxygen and biofuel. Petroleum extracted from the ground was once algae. Microalgae grows at a very rapid rate and generally has a very high oil content. Existing infrastructures such as sewage treatment plants with open pond systems are capable of cultivating large amounts of microalgae used to produce biofuel. The benefit of biofuel from microalgae is:
- CO2 emissions from burning biofuel is neutralized by the amount of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere by the microalgae
- Renewable source of energy using existing infrastructure
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuel
