6.13 Energy Conservation

small scale energy conservation

lowering thermostat, use less heat/AC, conserve water with native plants, low flow showerheads, efficient toliets, dishwashers, dryers, energy efficient appliances, better insulation

large scale energy conservation

improving fuel efficient (fuel economy) standards (MPG), subsidizing (tax credits for) electric vehicles, charging stations and hybrids, inc. public transport buses and light rails), green building design

sustainable home design

ways to either block out or take advantage of sun’s natural heat, or keep in heating/cooling to dec. energy required

deciduous shade tree for landscaping

leaves block sun in summer, but allow it in during winter

using passive solar design concepts

to trap sun’s heat and dec. energy from heating system (heat absorbing walls, triple or double paned windows)

well insulated walls/attics

trap heat in winter in cool air from AC system in winter and cool air from AC system in summer; dec. electricity used by AC unit and energy used by heating system

water conservation

native plants require less watering, low-flow showers, toliets, and dishwashers do the same job with less total water, rain barrels allow rain water to be used for water plants or washing cars

CAFE (Corporate Average fuel economy) standards

regulations set in US to require auto manufacturers to make cars that meet certain MPG standards, or pay penalties

sustainable building design

green roofs or walls that dec. runoff and absorb sun’s heat, dec. energy needed for cooling building and surrounding area (lessens heat island effect); sunlights on roofs, or windowns on sides can dec. electricity used for lighting, recycle materials can reduce energy required to produce new ones

variable price model

users pay a higher rate during peak demand hours or events to discourage use, users pay a lower rate/kWh when using a lower amount of energy (incentivizes lower overall use)

smart grid

idea of managing demand and energy sources in a more varied way