|
In 2008, the United States consumed an estimated 99.2
quadrillion BTUs of energy. 99.2 Quadrillion.
That's 99.2 thousand million million. 99,200,000,000,000,000. 9.92 x 1016.
For perspectives sake, one BTU is 1,055 joules - the amount of energy needed to heat 1 pound of water from 39°C to 40°C.
That's a lot of energy. [Add Bill Nye intonation] a lot of energy.
(Thanks Bill Nye. Credit:
portlandmercury.com)
About 40% of this consumption came from the residential and
commercial sectors. This is a fairly large chunk of the energy market, and it
is distributed over a vast number of businesses and households. This means is
that there is a lot of potential to reduce energy consumption through the
impacts of small changes across large populations.
(2008 U.S. Energy consumption chart. Credit: Energy Information Administration)
In other words, even small changes in energy efficiency can
mean big energy savings when implemented on a national scale. But what types of
changes are we talking about, and which ones will make the most difference?
Well, for starters, construction of the building itself is
perhaps the most fundamental and important energy-saving factor. Since space
heating and cooling tend to be the biggest consumers, properly insulated walls,
double-paned windows, and draft-seals for door will pay for themselves over
time.
More efficient and better regulated HVAC systems can
also reduce heating and cooling utilities by up to 30%. I stress 'better
regulated' because I can't emphasize how often I experience extreme
temperatures in a room or office for no other reason than poor control of the
building's air conditioning and heating.
Technologies such as solar water heaters, solar panels, and
wind generators can also replace or be used in conjunction with standard
residential or commercial systems to save energy. The effectiveness of these
systems tend to vary by region based on climate.
In addition, buying and using smarter appliances and
electronics that draw less power can also reduce energy consumption. For appliances
that draw standby power, smart power strips, switchable electronics, and low-standby
devices can help reduce phantom loads.
(Credit: Moneycrashers)
Smarter energy practices can also have an impact. In
addition to simply remembering to turn the lights out and turn the water off,
passive devices such as energy monitors can help businesses or households gain
perspective on how much energy they use. More active devices such as smart
thermostats can help give user's more control of their heating and cooling
needs while making the programming process less painful.
The benefits of reducing consumption and being energy
independent are simple - when less energy is used, less energy needs to be
supplied. Lowering energy demand will put less stress on the country's
available resources and curb the effects that come with a growing population.
In the end, many of these changes come down to affordability.
Any new or existing technology looking to make a notice impact on the nation's overall
energy consumption needs to reach a noticeable portion of the nation's
consumers. This can't be done unless the "solution" provides economic incentive
for the average household or business (unless of course the government pushes
it, as was the case with the CFL vs. the incandescent).
Unfortunately, many current energy-saving solutions are just
too cost-prohibitive for the average consumer to afford or invest in. The hope
is, however, that time and progress will allow more efficient living to become
the status quo.
What energy-saving technologies or practices have you
implemented in your home or business?
| 
2
Re: Small Scale Solutions – Big Potential Impact
Comments rated to be Good Answers:
Comments rated to be "almost" Good Answers: