Thermography is a tool that makes a huge difference in reducing costs, minimizing waste, helping us make more efficient use of energy. All of these will become more and more critical in the years ahead. Regardless of your political affiliation or beliefs, most people I know are interested in at least saving money by buying less energy or making things last longer.
Bill McKibben is a Vermont author and activist who has often powerfully stimulated my thought processes. He was one of the early promoters of "eating locally" and is also in the forefront of educating people about global warming. A new website, http://www.350.org, that he and his associates created is well worth a visit. The name comes from the notion that 350ppm is the CO2 limit that life on Earth can tolerate.
Vermont made history last year by becoming the first state to reduce peak loads, in large part though efficiency efforts like using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and efficient electric motors. One of the things I've always loved about infrared is the powerful visual message it packs, like the attached image comparing the two so you can SEE the difference in how much energy is converted to light (both bulbs produce the same light output but vastly different amounts of heat).
I'm proud to say that rather than needing to build more electrical generation capacity, we created a "mega-watt" utility that invested in efficiency. In fact we've trained dozens of the staff of both Efficiency Vermont and the state's Weatherization Program to incorporate infrared in their building analysis and quality control work. I don't know how far we can push peak reduction or control but, having looked at hundreds of Vermont buildings, I'm sure there is more room to reduce usage and especially peak usage.
I'm hoping people will respond to the "350" campaign and learn more about the situation and, if they so chose, take actions appropriate to their circumstances. I'm also excited about the roles that thermography can play, especially with regard to education.
Thermally Yours,
John
ASNT NDT Level III #48166
The Snell Group
www.thesnellgroup.com
www.thermalsolutions.org
800-636-9820