Delmarva Power and the Arbor Day Foundation Provide Free Trees for Energy-Efficient Living
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Insights
An initiative like the Energy-Saving Trees program presents several economic and environmental benefits. From an environmental economics perspective, the distribution of 600 trees to residential customers is a strategic move that can lead to significant energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions over time. The program is expected to save nearly 26.34 million kWh of energy, which translates into substantial cost savings for consumers and reduced demand on the power grid.
Furthermore, the trees' ability to absorb over 195,072 pounds of air pollutants contributes to the public health benefits by improving air quality. This is a classic example of a positive externality, where a private transaction has beneficial side effects for third parties. Additionally, the nearly $10 million in combined energy and community benefits underscores the tangible impact of such environmental initiatives on both individual and societal levels.
However, it is essential to consider the long-term growth and maintenance of these trees, as well as the potential for urban forestry management challenges. The success of the program hinges on proper planting and care by the homeowners, which requires ongoing education and support from the company and its partners.
The partnership between Delmarva Power and the Arbor Day Foundation, now in its 12th year, is a testament to the growing importance of corporate sustainability efforts. As a Sustainability Analyst, it's clear that Delmarva Power is aligning its business practices with broader environmental goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and enhancing community resilience.
The Energy-Saving Trees program is particularly impactful as it offers a direct, consumer-facing approach to sustainability, engaging customers in energy conservation efforts. By providing interactive tools to help customers plant trees effectively for energy savings, the program also empowers consumers to take part in environmental stewardship.
Delmarva Power's broader commitment, as evidenced by its Sustainable Communities Grant Program and Climate Commitment and Path to Clean goals, indicates a strategic approach to sustainability that goes beyond one-off initiatives. This may enhance the company's reputation and could potentially attract environmentally conscious investors and customers who are increasingly looking for companies with strong sustainability credentials.
Integrating tree planting within urban environments, as seen with Delmarva Power's initiative, is a critical component of urban planning aimed at creating sustainable cities. As an Urban Planning Expert, the significance of this program lies in its dual impact on energy efficiency and urban livability.
The selection of native tree species is crucial for the success of such programs, as these species are more likely to thrive and require less maintenance, which is beneficial for both the homeowners and the local ecosystem. The program's emphasis on calling 811 to have utility underground lines marked before planting is a critical reminder of the importance of planning and coordination in urban settings to avoid damaging existing infrastructure.
Additionally, the program's potential to reduce energy bills by 15 to 30 percent as trees grow demonstrates how urban greenery can be a cost-effective measure for energy conservation. The role of trees in breaking up winter winds and providing shade during the summer is a classic example of natural climate control, which can reduce the urban heat island effect and improve overall community well-being.
Company to make 600 trees available to residential customers, in turn reducing costs, improving energy efficiency and furthering sustainability
NEWARK, DE / ACCESSWIRE / February 21, 2024 / Delmarva Power customers can now request a free tree to plant at their home as part of the company's partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's Energy-Saving Trees program. Residential customers can reserve a complimentary tree on a first-come, first-served basis and reap the energy-saving benefits that trees provide.
Delmarva Power will make 600 free trees available to customers throughout its Delaware and Maryland service areas. Customers can choose their tree from several types of species native to the northeast region, such as Baldcypress, River Birch, Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood and Red Maple. Trees will be delivered by mail by the end of May. Visit arborday.org/delmarva to reserve a tree while supplies last. Delmarva Power reminds customers to know what's below and call 811 to have utility underground lines marked before they begin planting.
"The trees planted under this program enhance our communities while providing numerous energy-saving and environmental benefits to our customers," said Doug Mokoid, Delmarva Power region president. "In our 12th consecutive year of partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, we feel incredibly grateful for their collaboration to foster a program that aligns with our dedication to addressing environmental challenges faced by our community members. Together, we'll create a path toward a cleaner energy future for all."
When planted properly, trees provided through the program have the potential to reduce energy bills by 15 to 30 percent as they grow. Trees also play a critical role in protecting homes from the summer sun and breaking up winter winds for better energy efficiency, in addition to improving the air we breathe. Customers can find interactive tools online through the Arbor Day Foundation to help them determine where to plant their tree for energy savings.
"We are proud to continue an over decade-long partnership with Delmarva Power, whose dedication to the Energy-Saving Trees program only echoes the company's larger commitment to improving their communities," said Kristen Bousquet, program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees provided through our program can help reduce carbon emissions and filter storm water while also providing critical energy savings, benefiting both the environment and Delmarva Power valued customers."
The trees distributed by Delmarva Power since beginning its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation are expected to absorb more than 195,072 pounds of air pollutants, save nearly 26.34 million kWh of energy and provides nearly
Delmarva Power is committed to powering a more sustainable future for our service area by engaging in several programs that better our communities. The Sustainable Communities Grant Program provides funding to open space projects, community resiliency programs, environmental conservation efforts and improvements to parks and recreation resources. Furthermore, our Climate Commitment and Path to Clean goals align our operations, grid investments and customer product offerings to enable the company to meet the climate change and clean energy goals of the communities in which we operate.
Delmarva Power has also been a Tree Line USA member for more than 20 years. Tree Line USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters that recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate America's urban tree canopy. Learn more about urban planting work done by the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.
To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DelmarvaPower and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/DelmarvaConnect. Delmarva Power's mobile app is available at delmarva.com/MobileApp.
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SOURCE: Delmarva Power
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
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