Energy Efficiency
Level 14-Guiding Question: How can we make sure there is enough energy for the future?
Most of the energy consumed in the United States today comes from fossil fuels — coal, petroleum, and natural gas, with crude oil-based petroleum as the dominant source of energy. Renewable energy resources supply only about 8% of total U.S. energy consumption, a relatively small amount (EIA, website). In the late 1950s, nuclear fuel began to be used to generate electricity, and in recent years has surpassed renewable energy sources. Energy production has changed over time from wood burning to coal and then petroleum based products by the mid 1900s. Natural gas consumption experienced rapid growth in the second half of the 20th century, and coal use also began to expand as the primary source of electric power generation (EIA website).
The electricity we are using to light and heat/cool our homes, schools and businesses is produced at power plants. What supplies these power plants is a mix of renewable and non- renewable resources which varies from state to state. Each of these sources used to make electricity emits varying quantities of greenhouse gases and specifically CO2.
The electricity we are using to light and heat/cool our homes, schools and businesses is produced at power plants. What supplies these power plants is a mix of renewable and non- renewable resources which varies from state to state. Each of these sources used to make electricity emits varying quantities of greenhouse gases and specifically CO2.
California uses a mix of fossil fuels (non-renewable resources), and renewable resources (e.g., wind and solar) to supply the state’s electricity.California uses approximately 265,000 Gigawatt-hours of electricity per year. Electricity consumption in the state is growing at an annual rate of 2%.
How does the U.S. consume its electricity? Most electricity used in homes is consumed by appliances and lighting: air conditioning, refrigerators, space and water heating, lighting and powering appliances, and equipment. Although electricity demand tends to fluctuate up and down in the U.S. in the short term (due to business cycles, weather conditions, and prices), in the long term electricity consumption has steadily increased. However, demand for electricity has slowed since 1950, from 9% per year in the 1950s to less than 2.5% per year in the 1990s. From 2000 to 2008, increases in electricity demand averaged only 0.9% per year. Projections for demand in growth are anticipated at about 1% per year through 2035
How does the U.S. consume its electricity? Most electricity used in homes is consumed by appliances and lighting: air conditioning, refrigerators, space and water heating, lighting and powering appliances, and equipment. Although electricity demand tends to fluctuate up and down in the U.S. in the short term (due to business cycles, weather conditions, and prices), in the long term electricity consumption has steadily increased. However, demand for electricity has slowed since 1950, from 9% per year in the 1950s to less than 2.5% per year in the 1990s. From 2000 to 2008, increases in electricity demand averaged only 0.9% per year. Projections for demand in growth are anticipated at about 1% per year through 2035
The share of major electricity
consumed by sector is:
Blog Alert: According to the article and graphs why do Californians need to conserve energy? |
Level 14-Investigation: Energy Efficiency Lab
How much energy do common household appliances use?
After you have click on the button below type the kind of appliance you are researching.
Level 14-Videos: Energy Efficiency
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Level 14-Elaborate:Use iMovie Trailer or your phone camera to make a tutorial video on how to use a Kill A Watt meter.
Level 14-Review: Watch the video, it is effective in terms of getting the message out to have an audit? What would you do to advertise the importance of home energy audits? |
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Level 14-Summary: Complete your own audit of your bedroom or a room at your home or the school. Check out a Kill A Watt meter and an appliance meter and use the instructions below. Complete the spread sheet and calculate your electrical usage for the day, week, month and year. Use the videos in the video section to help you operate the meter.
Home Audit Spread sheet - upon completion please email your results to your instructor.