This online engineering PDH course describes how local governments can advance climate and energy goals by procuring or purchasing green power to meet their electricity needs.
This online engineering PDH course describes how local governments can advance climate and energy goals by procuring or purchasing green power to meet their electricity needs. Green power is a subset of renewable energy that is produced with no greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, typically from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, or low-impact hydroelectric sources. It includes three types of products: utility products (for example, green power purchased from the utility through the electricity grid), renewable energy certificates (RECs), and on-site generation. The course outlines how local governments can work with utilities, local businesses, nonprofit groups, residents, state agencies, and green power marketers and brokers to purchase green power. The course describes the benefits of green power procurement; measures for purchasing green power; policy mechanisms that local governments have used to support green power purchases; and implementation strategies for effective programs. Two case studies of local governments that have comprehensive programs in place for purchasing green power are presented.
Topics: Saving energy and reducing emissions of GHGs through the use of green power Increasing energy security through energy portfolio diversification Navigating the green power marketplace Understanding RECs Understanding utility products Implementing on-site generation Negotiating terms of green power purchases.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, electrical, environmental, mechanical, and municipal engineers concerned with reducing the environmental impact of their local government through the introduction of sustainable technologies.
Publication Source: This course is based on the Environmental Protection Agency document, “Green Power Procurement, A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs” 2014, from the EPA’s Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series.
Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years
Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.
