6.13 energy conservation

Energy conservation small scale vs. large scale

Small:

-lowers thermostat (less heat)

-low flow shower heads

-efficient dish washers, dryers, toilet

-energy efficient appliances (better insulation)

Large:

-improves fuel efficiency

-subsidizing electric cars, charging stations, hybrids

-increased public transportation

Sustainable home design

Ways to block/ take advantage of suns heat, or keep in heating/ cooling to decrease energy required

Ex:

-deciduous shade trees (blocks sun in summer, allow in winter)

-passive solar design to decrease heating system

-well insulated walls (decreases electricity)

Water conservation examples

-plants require less watering than lawns (increases biodiversity)

-low-flow showers, toilets, dishwashers → same job with less total water

-rain barrels

Sustainable building design

Decreasing amount of energy required to build large building & heat/ cool them

-green roof walls → decrease runoff

-sun lights on roof

-recycles material → reduce energy to make new ones

Managing peak demand & smart grid technology

Peak demand: time of day/ year that elesgriciy demand is highest

-if demand exceeds supply → rolling blackouts

Manage: variable price model

Smart grid: idea of managing demand & energy sources in a varied way

Ex: using smart meters for variable price models → allow rooftop solar to direct electricity to grid