About Us
Renewable Elemental Energy Law
Renewable Elemental Energy Law offers a fundamental framework for advocacy of renewable energy and stewardship of natural resources.
We acknowledge that the condition of life on Earth is sustained by the Sun, embodied in the four elements earth, water, air and fire. These elemental energies are also represented in the material world by wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. We understand that elemental energy is derived from the Sun. It stands to reason that our existence requires our service as stewards of Earth. Therefore, we share the responsibility to sustain, safeguard and develop the five renewable elemental energy sources: Biomass, Solar, Geothermal, Wind, and Water.
The five renewable energy sources correlate to the five elemental energy phases of "Wu zhong liu xing zhi chi", also referred to as Wu-Xing in Chinese philosophy. The five elemental energies of Wu-Xing are represented in the material world by Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each of the five renewable elemental energies are exemplified chronologically through the four calendar-based temperate seasonal cycles. As we work to sustain the five renewable energy sources throughout the year, our understanding, advocacy and stewardship are enhanced by focusing on the temperate season that embodies the principle of the associated renewable energy source.
In terms of renewable energy advocacy campaigns, we apply the following guidelines in the Northern Hemisphere:
• Spring (March 20-June 19) is the season to advocate biomass energy and educate stewards about ways to renew biomass fuels
• Summer (June 20-August 19) is the season to advocate solar energy and educate stewards about ways to replenish solar cells
• Late Summer (August 20-September 19) is the season to advocate geothermal energy and educate stewards about ways to reuse geothermal heat
• Autumn (September 20-December 19) is the season to advocate wind energy and educate stewards about ways to remove energy from wind
• Winter (December 20-March 19) is the season to advocate the potential energy of water and educate stewards about ways to reserve water sources.
RENEW Biomass Fuel
In the spring, warmer weather and increasing daylight help to renew the growth of flora and fauna. Springtime produces bioenergy fuel (biomass) in the forms of plant cellulose (including wood), ethanol, methanol, and biological waste (biogas). The different forms of biomass are collected through various methods and then burned to produce biomass energy.
REPLENISH Solar Cells
In the summer, farm crop production reaches peak levels as energy from sunlight is absorbed by plants through photosynthesis, helping plants to grow to maturity, and allowing us to replenish our food supply. In a corresponding manner, sunlight is also absorbed by photovoltaic cells (solar cells) that capture solar energy and convert it to electricity and heat.
REUSE Geothermal Heat
In late summer to early autumn, cultivated crops are harvested from the earth and much produce is stored for use through fall and winter. Thermal energy is stored in the earth's core and rises toward the surface in different forms, some of which are in the form of heat energy harvested from geysers, hot springs, and steam vents (fumaroles). A geothermal heat pump system transfers heat to or from the ground by using the earth as a heat sink in the summer and a heat source in the winter.
REMOVE/REDUCE Wind Velocity
In the autumn, days are shorter and sunlight is greatly reduced. Influenced by the effects of the sun's heat around the earth, the circulating winds help plants disseminate their seeds and shed their leaves in preparation for the winter season of rest (dormancy). Wind energy is redirected by wind turbines as turbine blades remove energy from the air, thereby reducing the velocity of the wind. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy, then into electrical energy.
RESERVE Water Sources
In winter, energy is conserved as most plants are dormant, many animal species hibernate, and insects enter diapause. The great potential power of water is conserved as water condenses, crystallizing into ice and snow. On the land, water energy is stored in natural reservoirs such as lakes, rivers, and glaciers. The water cycle tends toward a state of stillness and rest during winter as its energy is condensed, conserved, and stored. Water is a highly concentrated element containing great potential power awaiting release in Spring.