Station 1: Why Is Energy Efficiency an Important Energy Resource? Improvements in energy efficiency could save at least a third of the energy used in the world and up to 43% of the energy used in the United States We have a variety of technologies for sharply increasing the energy efficiency of industrial operations, motor vehicles, appliances, and buildings

Station 1: We Use Energy Inefficiently Energy efficiency How much useful work we get from each unit energy Advantages of reducing energy waste Usually the cheapest way to provide more energy Reduces pollution and degradation Slows global warming Increases economic and national security

Station 1: We Use Energy Inefficiently (cont’d.) Four widely used devices that waste energy Incandescent light bulb Motor vehicle with internal combustion engine Nuclear power plant Coal-fired power plant

Station 2: We Can Improve Energy Efficiency in Industry and Utilities Cogeneration Combined heat and power (CHP) Two forms of energy from same fuel source Replace energy-wasting electric motors Recycle materials Switch from low-efficiency incandescent lighting to higher-efficiency fluorescent and LED lighting

Hidden prices in gasoline Station 2: We Can Improve Energy Efficiency and Save Money in Transportation Hidden prices in gasoline Should be $12/gallon Car manufacturers and oil companies lobby to prevent laws to raise fuel taxes Build or expand mass transit and high speed rail Encourage biking

Station 2: More Energy-Efficient Vehicles Are on the Way Superefficient and ultralight cars Gasoline-electric hybrid car Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Energy-efficient diesel car Electric vehicle with a fuel cell

Station 2: Why Are We Still Wasting So Much Energy and Money? Energy remains artificially cheap Government subsidies Tax breaks Prices don’t include true cost Few large and long-lasting incentives Government rebates Low-interest loans Lack of education

Station 3: We Can Design Buildings That Save Energy and Money Green architecture Creating buildings with the environment in mind Living or green roofs With specially designed soil and vegetation Superinsulation No need for heating system

Station 3: We Can Save Money and Energy in Existing Buildings Conduct an energy audit: Insulate and plug leaks Use energy-efficient windows Stop other heating and cooling losses Heat houses more efficiently Use energy-efficient appliances Use energy-efficient lighting Use motion sensors to turn lights on and off

Attic • Hang reflective foil near roof to reflect heat. • Use house fan. • Be sure attic insulation is at least 30 centimeters (12 inches). Outside Plant deciduous trees to block summer sun and let in winter sunlight. Bathroom • Install water-saving toilets, faucets, and shower heads. • Repair water leaks promptly. Other rooms • Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs or LEDs and avoid using incandescent bulbs wherever possible. • Turn off lights, computers, TV, and other electronic devices when they are not in use. • Use high efficiency windows; use insulating window covers and close them at night and on sunny, hot days. • Set thermostat as low as you can in winter and as high as you can in summer. • Weather-strip and caulk doors, windows, light fixtures, and wall sockets. • Keep heating and cooling vents free of obstructions. • Keep fireplace damper closed when not in use. • Use fans instead of, or along with, air conditioning. Kitchen • Use microwave rather than stove or oven as much as possible. • Run only full loads in dishwasher and use low- or no-heat drying. • Clean refrigerator coils regularly. Basement or utility room • Use front-loading clothes washer. If possible run only full loads with warm or cold water. • Hang clothes on racks for drying. • Run only full loads in clothes dryer and use lower heat setting. • Set water heater at 140° if dishwasher is used and 120° or lower if no dishwasher is used. • Use water heater thermal blanket. • Insulate exposed hot water pipes. • Regularly clean or replace furnace filters. Figure 16-10: Individuals matter: You can save energy where you live. Question: Which of these things do you do? Stepped Art Fig. 16-10, p. 411

Station 4: What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy? Passive and active solar heating systems can heat water and buildings effectively The costs of using direct sunlight to produce high-temperature heat and electricity are coming down

Station 4: We Can Heat Buildings and Water with Solar Energy Passive solar heating system Absorbs and stores heat from the sun directly within a well-insulated structure Active solar heating system Captures energy from the sun in a heat- absorbing fluid

Passive or Active Solar Heating Trade-Offs Passive or Active Solar Heating Advantages Disadvantages Net energy is moderate (active) to high (passive) Need access to sun 60% of time during daylight Very low emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants Sun can be blocked by trees and other structures Figure 16-14: Heating a house with passive or active solar energy system has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 16-2). Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Do you think that the advantages of using these technologies outweigh their disadvantages? High installation and maintenance costs for active systems Very low land disturbance Moderate cost (passive) Need backup system for cloudy days Fig. 16-14, p. 415

Station 4: We Can Cool Buildings Naturally Technologies available Open windows when cooler outside Use fans Superinsulation and high-efficiency windows Overhangs or awnings on windows Light-colored roof Geothermal pumps