Indianapolis and Purdue Partner in Hestia(posted Oct 31) The City of Indianapolis and Purdue University announced their partnership in a project called Hestia to quantify scientific data to better understand the carbon emissions foot print in Indianapolis. The October 30 announcement indicated the City would be a pilot project that would later be taken to national and international levels. The pilot project is a one to two year data collection process that begins in Indianapolis. 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Kevin Gurney, who is leading the project, explained data collection is very detailed and will use satellite surveillance, 3-D computer modeling and on the ground data to better understand Indianapolis' socio-living and economic habits, and how that interfaces with the amounts of carbon emissions created. This means the project will study individual neighborhoods, roadways and businesses to quantify the emissions effect. Gurney said the project was named after the Greek goddess Hestia, goddess of Hearth. Gurney said the project is not to be one of politics but one of science to help guide the implementation of environmental policies at the local level. Gurney is not limiting the project to Indianapolis. He has ambitions to take the project to a national and international level. He said there are concerns about India, China and Brazil's carbon footprint as they become more industrialized. Felicia Robinson of the Office of Environmental Services said her department has already been in discussions with Gurney about supplying air quality data to the project from the air permitting process that must be filed by companies during the compliance process. She said the OES does source inspections that will further provide more detailed information. She said the OES started its own greenhouse inventory program about six months ago to monitor carbon emissions. Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell indicated the City will lead by example to create a better sustainable community. The project is funded by Purdue University, but even if it wasn't Campbell contended using public dollars would be well worth the cost because of the importance of having a greener and sustainable community. Campbell explained that improving mass transit and developing rapid transit system are critical components to reducing the carbon footprint. Mayor Bart Peterson created the Indy Green Commission in August 2007 to develop policies on expanding recycling efforts, energy conservation, and green buildings. The project is a natural fit with the Green Commission's endeavors. |
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