Fairborn commencement
Badin graduation
Division I regional track finals
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day!
Today is the 38th annual celebration of the planet we call home, and a day to step back and think about things we can do to preserve and restore our natural resources…
So that’s the official line on Earth Day, but I want to know: what do YOU think about Earth Day?
Is it a time to reflect on accomplishments?
A time to call for more action?
Or something in-between?
Send a post, let us know, then go outside and do something good for the planet.
Home > Blogs > Living Green > Archives > 2008 > August > 28
Thursday, August 28, 2008
VOA Museum considering renewable energy plans
One of the more visible community projects in West Chester Township is the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. If you’re not from the area, you may not know that VOA’s Bethany Station on Tylersville Road was once one of the most powerful transmitters on the planet, broadcasting Voice of America programming across the globe during WWII and the years that followed.
The township is working on restoration of the building with the eventual plan of creating a museum of broadcasting. An interesting aspect of the initial plans is that they include a heavy dose of renewable energy to provide power while keeping costs reasonable.
Here’s an outline of the renewable energy systems being considered for the site:
A geothermal HVAC system would cots an estimated $300,000. It would produce a 40% annual savings versus conventional HVAC, and would pay back the cost in 8 to 10 years.
A solar power array would cost $340,000, but it would be eligible for a $150,000 incentive credit and would save an estimated$5,000 a year on energy costs.
Members of the museum’s board are talking with the Ohio Office of Efficiency and the green energy program at Cincinnati State about conducting a wind study at the site as well. Although southwest Ohio is typically not the best spot for large-scale wind farming, VOA’s micro-climate may be an exception (just ask the PIGS Aloft kite club, which flies there every other Sunday).
One thing that intrigued me about these possible plans is the money analysis. Yes, they’re big investments, but it looks like they can indeed pay back the expense.
So what do you think? Does it sound like the VOA museum is on the right track? Are there other renewable or cleaner energy sources they haven’t investigated? Share your thoughts.
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