nice move

A few weeks ago, Los Angeles Mayor Villarigosa announced city wide plans to increase the source of power from traditional energy methods to solar. As if Burbank was waiting for the announcement, today it unveiled the very first solar airplane hangar.

The new 60,000-square-foot structure at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank is believed to be the industry’s only solar-powered airport hangar. Its rooftop photovoltaic panels provide enough juice to operate the building’s lights and to recharge electric-powered ground equipment such as forklifts and tow vehicles. The array can also keep an airplane’s electrical system humming inside the hangar while mechanics perform their chores.

Airlines are a leading cause of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere accounting for 12% of emissions from all U.S. transportation. While this hangar does little in terms of reducing airplane emissions, it is nice to see an airport trying to offset the damage done by its industry. Especially when you consider that buildings, and all things involved making a building, account for 33% of U.S. emissions.

All in all, it appears as though Los Angeles will be a leader in dictating how cities are becoming sustainable. You can read the whole article HERE, via the Los Angeles Times.

surprises me

The Vatican installed solar panels yesterday!

According to the workers involved in the project, a total of 2700 panels will be placed to provide 300,000 kilowatt hours which will be used to illuminate, heat or cool the building where the pontiff holds his general audiences in the winter and in bad weather.

The Pope seems to be a man who walks what he talks. Now… if we could just get him to change his mind about abortion and gay marriage……