Mitigation Strategies and Solutions: Energy Conservation - Case Study Example

Mitigation Strategies and Solutions: Energy Conservation” In today’s scenario energy conservation is the priority of many countries in the world. It is austere to trust that the world’s population can sustain on non-renewable resources forever, as these resources are constantly being used and will soon meet their termination point. It becomes imperative to develop and implement various strategies to ensure energy conservation for our environment and population. This mitigation plan will focus on a wide-ranging assessment of the existing strategies in addition to an evaluation of pioneering strategies not yet implemented. Introduction It is crucial to curb the over use of non-renewable resources as these are non- replaceable. A constant use of these non replenishing resources until exhaustion will bring a situation of dire environmental and economic problems (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). It is the need of time to understand that human race altogether needs measures for energy conservation to save life on the Earth. This understanding is imperative as it can save not only household and business money but also the savings in terms of energy for tomorrow! Life in today’s scenario is upon speed, demand and the power of energy. Human beings consume energy in almost every aspect of day-to-day activities like transport, heat and electricity. It is therefore essential that these basic activities must be diminished to ensure the conservation of energy and reduction or exclusion of unnecessary energy use and wastage. This requires individual and government efforts to make healthier living beings because human endeavor is imperative to deal with the burning problem of misuse of energy and resources. For this, human console, individual security, national security, environmental value, and financial capital must be taken into prime consideration (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). There are numerous actions that can be adopted to safeguard energy and prevent the environment around. It is important to conserve energy because most of our current energy sources are non renewable and have a finite quantity. They encompass all the nonrenewable resources such as coal, petroleum, natural gases, and nuclear power. These resources took millions of years to reform and again are going to take the same duration for its formation. Exhaustion of these resources will deprive the human civilization from the energy resources (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Consequently, search for better options for the energy resources is essential. It is apparent that renewable resources such as biomass, water, geothermal, wind, and solar energy serve as better options for the energy resources releasing fewer pollutants in the air (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Various nonliving factors that play crucial role in consumption of energy are sunlight, temperature, precipitation, water, and soil. Sunlight and temperature contribute to energy consumption. It is understood that like sunlight and temperature other renewable resources can also be used as sources of light and energy and also as an alternative to the nonrenewable resources that are currently being used (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Apart from nonliving factors, living factors that may contribute or be affected by energy consumption are herbivores (plant eating animals or grazing animals), carnivores (flesh eating animals or they feed on other animals or matter of animal origin), and omnivores (they thrive on both plants and animals) (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). The energy flow in the ecosystem as: Sunlight  Plants  Herbivores  Carnivores  Decomposers (Energy flow in Ecosystem). This displays the information that plants are the sole trappers of solar energy and they are the ultimate providers of energy to the entire ecosystem and animal world. If plants are affected by energy consumption, by deforestation, by utilizing them for various products, to get land for construction of industries, buildings, dams or use plants for household items; their number is going to be reduced subsequently and less plants will be available for the herbivores to eat and stay alive. When these herbivores do not get food to eat and stay healthy they will die and thus entire food chain is affected leading to the decline in the living species (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). It is perceptible that interaction of both biotic and abiotic factors play crucial role in controlling the energy flow in the environment. Organisms play the role of physical ecosystem engineers and directly or indirectly control the availability of resources to other organisms. They bring about changes in the physical states through biotic or abiotic materials. Any direct change in the physical state creates nonfood resources such as living space, directly control abiotic resources, and indirectly modulate abiotic forces that, in turn, affect the resources of other organisms (Jones, 1997). Human interference in the natural environment does affect this trophic interaction and resource competition between the organisms. Models of the population dynamics of organisms, both plants and animals, suggest that the engineer/habitat equilibrium is often, but not always, locally stable and may show long-term cycles, with potential implications for community and ecosystem stability (Jones, 1997). Conversion of forest area into concrete construction is not only providing alarming situation to human survival but also causing tremendous energy related disturbances in terms of global warming, scarcity of rainfall and also changing temperature of the planet. The flow of energy is obstructed due to reduced forest area causing prime ecological alterations (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). It is true that energy is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of human civilization. Energy is consumed by all human activities and this heat is essential for human body, animal body and vegetation to a sustainable degree of temperature. On evaluating the current sustainability conditions it is observed that works of electricity can assist in the production of heat and distributing it in a conventional heater or furnace. It is observed that in the infrared Processing and Analysis Centre, energy is formulated and transformed into thermal energy to provide humans, animals and vegetation alike with assistance (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Human beings use luxury to their highest limits; heat to cook food, animals may be provided with electric heaters in the winter to provide warmth in their kennels and some vegetation may require some electrical energy to grow in a greenhouse to produce heat to prevent freezing (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Electricity provides visibility on earth for both day and night use and keeps our world constantly working in terms of business or household activities. Transportation is the life line in present era. It is manifested by Research and Innovative Technology Administration, United States and China are transporting their products across the world and for this transport services are playing key roles. The rising demands are to be fulfilled and therefore more investments are made on the transport services to keep a fast pace (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). It is proved through various researches carried out across the world that consumption of non-renewable resources does release toxic gases. These gases are also released by various electrical appliances resulting in the deterioration of natural environment of the Earth. These factors do play crucial role in the global warming. To combat this heat air conditioners and cooling devices are used, which in turn consumes energy. It is manifested that Americans contribute to 4% of the world population. This small fraction of population consume 25% of the fossil fuel, also it imports 63% of its oil and estimate suggest that it is going to import 95% of its oil resources in next 10 years i.e. by 2020. This is an indication, for conservation of energy the consumers will have to reduce at least 50% of their energy consumption in order to conserve fossil fuel (Pimentel, 2009). Curbing the use of renewable energy sources is the need of time, as many emissions that energy resources contribute to the earth’s atmosphere can cause major health concerns in humans, animals and vegetation. It is of much concern as nuclear energy creates radioactive waste that can cause health problems in living organisms. Additionally, because of global warming, the ice in the northern hemisphere is depleting immensely paving the way for the big ships for trading (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). On the other hand, it is obvious that oxygen is essential for combustion and therefore it is being replaced by the carbon-monoxide, this reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood leading to various dreaded diseases. Electrical energy sources cause cancer, leukemia and radio wave sickness. It is essential for the citizens of the world to understand that governments across the globe receive most of their endorsements from energy providers as well as all the economic stimulates that are connected with dominion of energy (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). The advent of industrialization and globalization has made the competition much stronger and everyone wants to capture the market with its products and gain maximum profits. Therefore, the uses of vehicles, airplanes, and ships, have assisted consumers with providing sufficient transportation to fulfill destinations for their needs and wants. This simple demand is a pivotal point in human life and has created a pollutant that contributes to various health effects and monetary damage. This is bringing an alarming situation which may culminate into a detrimental situation. It is must that all human beings need to realize the adverse health issues that are amongst our future generations. Energy conservation is compulsory to help preserve natural resources and to save the environment. Many people are not aware of the crucial need to find ways as individuals to conserve energy. Conserving energy is an overwhelming challenge, but if everyone was educated and found ways to cut back on energy use the environment would be in better condition. it is essential to find and strictly follow the ways of energy conservation to reduce the amount of energy that is not needed and wasted (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Conclusion There are many ways to accomplish efficient energy use and finding ways to reduce the consumption of wasted and unnecessary energy as it not only helps the environment, but cuts back on the amount of money individuals and businesses spend on gas and electricity. Energy is defined as “the ability to do work.” Work encompasses moving, lifting, warming, or lighting. Different types of energy transform energy into heat and power. The non-renewable resources encompass fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas and they are limited. Renewable sources of energy are wind power, hydropower (water), solar power (sun), biomass fermentation (vegetation), and the internal heat from the earth (geothermal) (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Energy conservation includes methods to decrease the quantity of energy used. It can be accomplished by efficiently using what energy we have with us. Wastage of energy is the cause of air pollution. It is reported that sixty percent of the air pollution caused each year in America is caused from the goods and services that we buy (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Any kind of pollution in the natural environment leads to health hazards. It disrupts the daily activities of humans in households, offices, factories, etc (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). Currently, electricity is generated with the use of both renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Hydroelectric power is mostly used. The use of solar energy and wind power are as well showing some progress. With the issues of global warming and other associated issues such as the environmental costs of hydroelectric dams, the hydropower resources are greatly affected which causes shortage of power (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). The issues revolving around the electricity have both positive and negative human impacts. It is essential to have public awakening to protect the society and environment through electrical powers conservation. One must understand that currently pleasurable life is not lasting if due care is not implemented. Upon realization of this issue, people will learn how to contribute in energy-saving strategies even in simplest ways. This issue will also lead to divert the attention on the use of renewable energy resources such as use of wind turbines and windmills, solar electricity, and biomass (Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions). One must initiate load reduction measures this is done to reduce lighting, personal computers and appliances electricity use. Emphasis should be given on the utilization of sunlight. Lights and appliances must be switched off when not in use. This not only reduces electricity bill but also aids in the conservation of electricity. Secure operational or unused energy saving equipment, such as photovoltaic panels, to prevent theft, vandalism or cannibalism for parts (Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies). Lighting Measures-It is essential that fluorescent lights are not used. One must take care not to use lights during day when sunlight is available. Minimize the use of display and decorative lighting (Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies). Personal Computers and Appliance Measures- Monitors and printers should be turned off when not in use. Personal appliances such as coffee pots and radios must be turned off when not in use. Emphasis should be on use of energy efficient task lighting (Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies). Air Conditioning Measures- The buildings must be pre-cooled below normal temperature settings prior to onset of peak demand period. Allow casual attire, to make higher temperatures more acceptable. It is important that duty cycle air handling units be turned off. One must ensure that ventilation grilles and fan coil units are not blocked by books, flowers, debris, or other obstructions. This will improve air conditioning system efficiency and improve comfort (Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies). Long Term Solutions- Consider purchasing interruptible power for selected loads with high electrical demand, and which will not suffer adverse consequences in the event of the utility turning off power. The cost savings from the lower rate may far outweigh the inconvenience of power being turned off within the interruption limitations agreed to in the utility contract (Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies). One must consider installing sub-metering to identify high intensity loads to be shed during emergencies, installing real time energy monitoring systems, investigate thermal storage systems or alternative energy sources for air conditioning. Installation of motion sensors, dimmers, and separate lighting circuits to allow turning off unneeded lights should be done. Installation of an energy management and control system to allow shedding and monitoring loads from one central location need to be done. If non-critical loads are not separately switchable, systems to allow termination should be modified. Adding on-site generation using micro-turbines, fuel cells, combined heat and power, renewable, or other appropriate technologies must be taken into consideration (Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies). It’s been manifested that “Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another”. Everyone wants to enjoy prosperity of health and wealth then it is essential to save for tomorrow also and for these measures should be in terms of saving and conserving energy. It is imperative that human efforts should be in the direction of conserving as much energy as possible to preserve life on the planet. References 1. Energy Conservation Strategies and Solutions http://www.oppapers.com/subjects/energy-conservation-strategies-and-solutions-page1.html 2. Energy Flow in Ecosystem http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/CURR/science/sciber00/8th/energy/sciber/ecosys.htm 3. Jones, C. G., Lawton, J. H., Shachak, M. (1997). Positive and Negative Effects of Organisms as Physical Ecosystem Engineers. http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs 4. Pimentel, D., Gardner, J., Bonnifield, A., Garcia, X., Grufferman, J., Horan, C., Schlenker, J., Walling, E. (2009). Energy efficiency and conservation for individual Americans. Environ Dev Sustain, 11, pp 523-546. 5. Recommended Energy Conservation Action Strategies http://www.doi.gov/pam/enerconactions.html Read More