Energy Crisis: Reducing Rising Energy Demands through Tree-Based Conservation Programs

Energy Saving Trees began as a pilot program in 2011 in which the Arbor Day Foundation works with public and private utilities across the nation to advance utility investment in urban tree canopy to reduce the demand side of electricity. Much research documents the energy conservation benefits of strategically placed trees—according to the U.S. Forest Service, trees properly placed around houses can reduce energy bills up to 30 percent. Other benefits include improved air quality, stormwater runoff retention and carbon sequestration. At the core of the program is an interactive online tool that uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USFS iTree software to select the right tree and location for planting to yield the greatest energy savings.

Electric utility companies spend billions of dollars annually on energy conservation programs aimed at reducing consumer demand through providing or defraying the cost of energy-efficient light bulbs, window insulation, heat pumps and more. Each state has a public utility commission that determines which programs qualify to use these funds. Unfortunately, few utility commissions currently allow these funds for tree planting programs as an approved energy efficiency alternative. We have a working model with Arizona Public Service to operate the Energy Saving Trees program as a viable energy conservation program and would appreciate the opportunity to work with a group of students to review and pursue policy alternatives for all state utility commissions to accept strategic shade tree planting for energy conservation.