Our Environment: Part 17 – Energy Efficiency

Over the last couple of articles, we have seen how humans moved from a wood-based energy source to coal and from coal to oil.  With the onset of the industrial revolution, new innovations such as electricity and transportation, our energy needs have increased – along with our population.

In Part 16 we looked at the advantages and disadvantages of continuing using fossil fuels for our energy needs.  We also looked at nuclear energy.  Many feel that these pros and cons are sufficient enough to continue with fossil fuels – for now.  Others, including some energy companies, believe it is time to look for other alternatives.  It is estimated that fossil fuels will last another 200-500 years, and as we get closer to those deadlines, prices will go up.  And then there is the concern surrounding the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels.  Enter the renewables.

Miller and Spoolman¹ begin their chapter on this topic but discussing energy efficiency – the idea of using our current energy sources more wisely and, possibly, extending the deadline.  Many of us already use energy efficient appliances, energy efficient building designs, and energy efficient cars.  Some of this is forced on us.  Some are to help us reduce our energy costs.  But this movement has already begun.  Data from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2011 stated that fossil fuels accounted for 85% of our energy input.  84% of that energy became unavoidable energy waste (41%) and unnecessary energy waste (43%).  Only 9% were converted into useful energy.  The incandescent light bulb uses only 5-10% of its energy to produce light, the rest is lost as heat.  94% of the energy in the internal combustion engine is lost as heat.  Only 34% of the energy used to burn coal actually becomes electricity.

In 2011 industry accounted for 30% of the worlds, and 38% of the U.S., energy consumption.  Miller and Spoolman provide methods in which industry can become more energy efficient.

1. Replace energy-wasting electric motors.
2. Recycle materials like steel and other metals.
3. Switch from low-efficient incandescent to fluorescent or LED lighting.

Many industries have already made such changes.

In 2011, transportation accounted for 67% of the oil consumption in the U.S.  During the 1970s the federal government began requiring fuel efficient cars and trucks.  Fuel efficiency increased until about 1985 were it peaked – it has remained at this level since.  Though vehicles are more fuel efficient than they were in the 1960s, U.S. consumers still prefer large trucks and SUVs to more fuel-efficient vehicles.  There has been recent interest in electric vehicles.  But recent reports suggest some automakers may be reducing their inventory of such cars and trucks.

There is a whole new industry in energy efficient buildings – “green buildings”.  Most of our buildings were not designed with energy efficiency in mind.  For those there are some things we can do to improve energy efficiency.

1. Insulate and plug leaks. Over 30% of American homes lose their heated air through holes, cracks, and single paned windows.
2. Energy efficient windows. This can reduce heat/AC loss by over 50%.
3. Use more energy efficient appliances.
4. Use more energy efficient lighting.

Other suggestions within the home include;

1. The attic. Hang reflective foil to reflect heat. Use a house fan. Be sure attic insulation is at least 12 inches thick.
2. Install water saving toilets, faucets, and shower heads. Repair water leaks.
3. Use microwave as much as possible. Run only full loads in the dishwater and use low – or no-heat – drying. Clean refrigerator coils regularly.
4. Other rooms. Use compact fluorescent lighting and LED lighting. Turn off lights, TV, computers when not in use. Set the thermostat as low as possible in the winter, and as high as possible in the summer. Weather strip and caulk doors and windows. Use fans.
5. Plant trees to shade/cool house.

In our next article we will begin looking at new forms of energy that could replace fossil fuels.

References

 

Miller, G.T., Spoolman, S.E. 2011. Living in the Environment. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Belmont CA. pp. 674.