Energy Conservation

1. Energy Conservation: Key Concepts

Definition: Reducing energy use through efficiency, habit changes, and technology.
Strategies to Incentivize Conservation:

1. Increasing Efficiency:

   • Examples:

     • Incremental: Better insulation, higher MPG vehicles.

     • New Tech: LED bulbs, EVs, smart grids.

   • Limitations: Jevons Paradox (efficiency → lower costs → increased consumption).

2. Changing Habits:

   • Make conservation seamless (e.g., smart meters, apps).

   • Avoid framing reductions as sacrifices (e.g., promote carpooling as convenient).

3. Policy & Design:

   • Subsidies for energy-efficient tech (e.g., tax credits for solar panels).

   • Urban planning that reduces energy demand (see below).

2. Urban Planning & Sustainable Design

Why It Matters:

• Cities account for ~70% of global energy use. Design shapes consumption.

Key Principles:

• Density:

  • Compact cities reduce travel distances, infrastructure costs, and land use.

  • Example: Mixed-use zoning (homes + shops in one area).

• Transportation:

  • Prioritize walking, biking, and public transit over cars.

  • Energy cost per mile: Walking < Biking < Public Transit < Personal Car.

• Resource Efficiency:

  • Water/energy-efficient buildings (e.g., green roofs, recycled materials).

  • Reduce sprawl to cut construction/maintenance energy.

Examples:

• Sustainable Urban Designs:

  • Bike lanes + pedestrian zones.

  • High-density housing near transit hubs.

• Indirect Conservation:

  • Reduce material consumption (e.g., reuse/recycle programs).

3. Key Terms & Potential Exam Questions

Memorize:

• Jevons Paradox: Efficiency gains may increase total consumption.

• Mixed-Use Zoning: Combines residential/commercial spaces to cut travel.

• Tragedy of the Commons (from prior lectures): Overuse of shared resources.