Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

Trees are Good, But Can They Solve the Energy Crisis?

Summary

Short supplies and escalating costs are driving forces behind renewed interest in energy conservation. For over ten years, utilities have demonstrated that investment in strategically placed shade trees is cost-effective. In California alone over 200 million existing trees produce substantial shade and summertime cooling. We estimate that another 100 million tree planting sites exist on the east and west side of buildings with high energy saving potential. The purpose of our research is to quantify the 15-year stream of benefits and costs associated with investment in programs to strategically plant new trees and conserve existing shade in California and the West.

Years of Research:  1999-2003

Funded by:  USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research, Center for Urban Forestry, Davis, CA.

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