Unit 2: Life Style for Environment

Session 2: Save Energy

Department of Civil Engineering, MVGR College of Engineering (Autonomous)

Introduction to Energy Conservation
What is Energy Conservation?
• Definition: Efforts made to reduce energy consumption through efficient
use and managing waste.
• Importance for Engineering: Engineers design systems that reduce
energy demand.
• Energy Conservation Pyramid:
• Reduce: Minimize unnecessary energy usage (e.g., using natural light).
• Improve Efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient systems (e.g., LED lights, efficient
HVAC systems).
• Renewable Sources: Shift to solar, wind, and other renewable resources.
• Example: Use of natural light, energy-efficient systems, and renewable
sources.
Why is Energy Conservation
Important?
• Environmental Benefits:
• Reduction in CO2 emissions (Key contributor to climate change). Decreased
reliance on fossil fuels.
• Example: U.S. households emit approximately 5,000 kg of CO2 per year
through electricity use alone. Reducing energy consumption by 10% can save
about 500 kg of CO2 annually.
• Economic Benefits:
• Lower energy bills for consumers and businesses.
• Reduced infrastructure costs for energy distribution.
• Example: Energy-efficient appliances (Energy Star) can reduce electricity bills
by up to 30%.
 The Global Energy Demand
• Energy Consumption Trends:
• As economies grow, energy demand increases. By 2040, global energy demand is
expected to rise by 30% compared to today.
• Rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing countries like India and China
are major contributors.
• Energy Mix:
• Fossil fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas) account for ~80% of global energy consumption.
• Renewable energy sources (solar, wind) are growing but still form a small
percentage.
• Example:
• India's energy consumption in 2021 increased by 10% due to economic recovery
post-pandemic
Energy Conservation in Households
• Energy Use Breakdown:
• Heating and cooling (45% of household energy).
• Water heating (14%).
• Lighting and appliances (33%).
• Miscellaneous (8%).
• Example: Replacing old light bulbs with LEDs can save $75/year.

• Potential Areas for Savings:

• HVAC systems, insulation, and replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs.
• Example: Insulating walls and ceilings can reduce heating costs by up to
20%.
Insulation and Weatherproofing
• Proper insulation reduces energy use by maintaining stable indoor
temperatures.
• Types: Fiberglass, spray foam, double-glazed windows.
• Example: A well-insulated home can save 40% on energy costs.
 Assessment
• Sample Questions:
• Define energy conservation and explain its significance for engineers.
• What is the global trend in energy demand, and how do fossil fuels compare
to renewables in today’s energy mix?
• Explain how insulating a home can reduce energy consumption and costs.
Primary Methods of Energy Conservation in Households
Insulation and Weatherproofing
• Concept: Proper insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling
by maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
• Types of Insulation:
• Fiberglass insulation: Used in walls and attics to trap heat.
• Spray foam insulation: Seals gaps and prevents drafts.
• Double-glazed windows: Reduce heat loss through windows by creating an
insulating air layer.
• Example: A well-insulated house can save up to 40% on heating and
cooling costs.
 Energy-Efficient Appliances
• Concept: Appliances with better energy efficiency consume less
electricity while performing the same function.
• Common Examples:
• Refrigerators: Energy-efficient models use up to 40% less energy than those
manufactured 15 years ago.
• Washing Machines: Front-load washers use about 50% less water and 25%
less energy than top-load models.
• Lighting: LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and
last 25 times longer.
• Example: Replacing five of the most frequently used light bulbs with
LEDs can save $75 per year in energy costs.
 Behavioral Adjustments
• Concept: Small changes in how we use energy can have a significant
impact on overall consumption.
• Common Practices:
• Turning off unused lights and appliances.
• Setting thermostats to optimal temperatures (68°F in winter, 78°F in
summer).
• Using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning where possible.
• Example: In Japan, the government’s “Cool Biz” campaign encourages
setting the air conditioner to 28°C (82°F), reducing energy
consumption by 2 million barrels of oil annually.
 Smart Home Technologies
• Concept: Smart home systems use sensors and automation to
optimize energy use.
• Technologies:
• Smart Thermostats: Automatically adjust heating and cooling based on
occupancy and preferences (e.g., Google Nest).
• Smart Plugs: Schedule and monitor the power usage of devices remotely.
• Smart Lighting: Adjust brightness or turn off lights based on natural light and
room occupancy.
• Example: Smart thermostats save an average of 10-15% on heating
and cooling costs, translating to ~$150/year.
 Assessment
• Sample Questions:
• How does insulating walls and ceilings reduce energy consumption?
• Compare the energy use of LED bulbs with incandescent bulbs.
• What role do smart home technologies play in reducing household energy
consumption?
Impact of Energy-Efficient
Technologies
Role of Energy-Efficient Technologies
• Definition: Energy-efficient technologies perform the same tasks as
traditional devices but use less energy.
• Examples:
• HVAC systems with variable-speed compressors.
• Induction stoves that use electromagnetic energy to directly heat cookware.
• Solar water heaters.
• Example: An energy-efficient HVAC system can reduce electricity
consumption by 20-50% compared to older models.
Reducing Energy Consumption with
Technology
• Savings Analysis:
• Lighting: LED lights consume 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• HVAC: Energy-efficient systems can reduce electricity bills by 30%.
• Water Heating: Solar water heaters can cut water heating costs by 50-80%.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis:
• Initial costs of energy-efficient appliances are higher but are offset by long-
term savings.
• Example: A $1,500 investment in a solar water heater can lead to savings of
~$350 annually in energy costs.
Long-Term Economic and
Environmental Benefits
• Economic Benefits:
• Lower energy bills.
• Increased property value due to energy-efficient installations.
• Reduced maintenance costs for high-efficiency systems.
• Environmental Impact:
• Reducing energy consumption helps reduce CO2 emissions.
• Example: Replacing a standard central air-conditioning unit with an energy-
efficient model can reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 tons per year.
Real-World Examples
• LEED-Certified Buildings:
• Use advanced energy-efficient designs to minimize heating, cooling, and
lighting energy consumption.
• Example: The Empire State Building retrofit led to a 38% reduction in energy
use, saving $4.4 million annually.
• Government Programs:
• Many governments provide incentives like tax rebates for energy-efficient
home upgrades.
• Example: The U.S. Department of Energy’s "Energy Star" program has saved
consumers $430 billion in energy costs since 1992.
 Assessment
• Sample Questions:
• How do energy-efficient technologies contribute to reducing household
energy consumption?
• What are the long-term economic benefits of investing in energy-efficient
appliances?
• Describe a real-world example where energy-efficient technology significantly
reduced energy consumption.
Barriers to Adopting Renewable
Energy in Urban Areas
 Common Barriers to Renewable
Energy Adoption
• High Upfront Costs:
• Solar panel installations, wind turbines, and other renewable technologies
often require significant upfront investments.
• Example: A typical rooftop solar system costs around $10,000-20,000.
• Lack of Awareness:
• Many consumers are unaware of the potential savings and environmental
benefits of renewable energy.
• Technical Limitations:
• Urban infrastructure may not be well-suited for renewable energy systems
(e.g., limited roof space for solar panels).
Financial and Policy Barriers
• Limited Funding and Incentives:
• In many regions, access to affordable financing for renewable energy projects
is limited.
• Lack of government support or subsidies can deter adoption.
• Example: Countries like Germany have strong incentives (e.g., feed-in tariffs)
for renewable energy adoption, whereas others lack comprehensive policies.
• Regulatory Challenges:
• Local zoning laws and building codes may not support renewable installations
(e.g., restrictions on rooftop solar panels).
Space and Infrastructure Limitations
• Urban Constraints:
• Dense urban areas have limited space for large-scale renewable energy
installations (e.g., wind farms).
• Retrofitting existing buildings to support renewable technologies can be
costly.
• Example: In New York City, high-rise buildings present significant
challenges for installing rooftop solar panels, limiting adoption despite
strong incentives.
Solutions to Overcome Barriers
• Government Subsidies and Tax Credits:
• Governments can promote adoption by offering financial incentives to reduce
the upfront costs of renewable energy systems.
• Example: The U.S. government offers a federal tax credit that covers 30% of
the cost of installing solar energy systems.
• Community-Based Projects:
• Shared solar or wind projects where residents invest in a larger, communal
renewable energy system.
• Example: The "Solar Gardens" initiative in Colorado allows individuals to buy
shares of a larger solar farm, enabling urban residents without suitable
rooftops to access solar energy.
 Assessment
• Sample Questions:
• What are the common financial barriers to renewable energy adoption in
urban areas?
• How can government incentives overcome the high upfront costs of
renewable energy installations?
• Describe how urban space limitations impact the feasibility of renewable
energy in cities.
Activity
End of Session 2