Energy Conservation

ENERGY CONSERVATION
TEJAS PINGALE
E-Mail: tejas.pingale@gmail.com
Abstract:
Energy conservation refers to efforts made to reduce energy consumption. Energy conservation can be achieved through increased efficient energy use, in combination with decreased energy consumption and/or reduced consumption from conventional energy sources.

Presently energy demand is outstripping the supply & increased energy generation is depleting the natural resources & degrading the environment by greenhouse gases, rising sea levels, deforestation etc. The energy & environment both stand opposite side of each other.
Introduction:
Recently there has been wide-spread public and official concern about energy crisis, both present and future. The fundamental problems of decreasing supply of traditional energy sources are of global concern, but there are significant contributions which can be made by local governments. Land use patterns, air quality programs, growth policy, transportation, and residential densities all directly affect local energy consumption. Conservation of existing energy, both by actions and by all end users, is also within the scope of local authorities. This paper concentrates on effective ways to save energy by improving development of cities by designing it in an environment friendly manner and also by using alternative energy sources, like renewable sources to provide for at least part of its needs. Since abundant supply of non renewable resources and their availability can no longer be taken for granted.

Energy conservation:

The major consumption of natural resources is the electricity production by Power Plants; which also has a major impact on micro climate as it emits carbon dioxide by the combustion of oil, coal, and gas in power stations, heating systems, and car engines along with ash production which adds to the damage. Carbon dioxide gas emitted in the atmosphere acts as a transparent blanket, which contributes to the global warming or “greenhouse effect.” It is possible that this warming trend could significantly alter our weather. Possible impacts include a threat to human health, environmental impacts such as rising sea levels that can damage coastal areas, and major changes in vegetation growth patterns that could cause some plant and animal species to become extinct.
Sulfur dioxide is also emitted into the air when coal is burned. The sulfur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the clouds to form precipitation known as “acid rain.” Acid rain are a major threat to aquatic and plant eco-systems and also a damage to the built forms.

A balance should be maintained between energy production, demand, energy supply and environmental protection. Use of alternative energy sources should not conflict with standards of air quality or other environmental pollution; wherever possible, both conservation measures and alternative sources that environmental impacts should receive priority.

• The most desirable energy conservation and production tactics are those which have no significant adverse social, economic, or environmental impacts and which have minimum impact on the quality of life.

• City energy planning programs should be coordinated with federal, state and regional policies and goals.

• Sustained efforts should be directed toward elimination of wasteful and inefficient uses of energy: these conservation measures have the least effect on the quality of life.

• Priority should be given to energy conservation measures that also function to further the goals of other General Plan elements: Conservation Element concerns with water supply and use; efforts of the Growth Management Element to control urban sprawl and inefficient use of capital improvements; the Cultural Resources Element goal of continued reuse of quality structures.

Ref: Sandiego energy conservation policy

GUIDELINES

Guide for developing into land-use patterns that make the best use of available energy, both by minimizing transportation and by making use of existing capital improvements.

• Power plants supported with renewable sources with supportive development of local non-depleting energy sources: solar, geothermal, biomass, wind, hydroelectric, tidal and ocean current movements.
• Form clusters of cities & form power plant near to them which will reduce losses of electricity while transporting as well as will reduce the load of demand.
• Use various techniques for recovering useful forms of energy from solid waste. Which include burning trash to produce steam, for heating or electricity production; Pyrolysis plants to produce fuel oil from waste; and recovery of methane gas from either sanitary landfills or wastewater solids.
• The recycling of specific clean materials, such as aluminum, copper, steel and paper. Metals can be recycled by a small fraction of the energy to process raw material. Recycling paper requires a much higher relative amount of energy, but still can be done cost-effectively and energy-efficiently.
• Development of rapid transit systems which will reduce wastage of fuel in traffic jams & saving of time by tremendous amount.
• It is undeniable that low-density urban development increases travel distances, street and highway requirements, public utility extensions, and public service costs. All of which is increased energy use. Grouped structures and high-rise development have recognized energy savings.
• In addition to the location of development, the design can be oriented toward better use of energy. Narrow streets reduce horizontal spread, construction energy and material, and reflected summer heat. Deciduous street trees allow summer shade and winter sun on buildings and streets, with landscape pockets reduce heat island effect and make walking and bicycling more attractive. More extensive walks and bicycle paths reduce auto use. Smaller minimum lot sizes reduce travel and utility and service distances.
• Implement the innovative building and site design and orientation techniques which minimize energy use by taking advantage of sunshade patterns, prevailing winds, landscaping, sunscreens, and choice of materials.
• Create commercial zones with their own energy generating unit from the waste they have produced. This will reduce demand on power plant.
• Energy conservation is also called as an “ energy resource”, if energy requirement of household is 200 kWh/m2 can be reduced, say by 50% by using passive climate responsive design strategies, it will make 100 kWh/m2 of energy to another household “ Without having to produce it”
• Reducing heat island effect Using cool roofing materials, such as reflective, low heat retention tiles, membranes and coatings, or vegetated eco-roofs to reduce heat which will reduce HVAC consumption.