Energy Conservation and Efficiency Tom Manning

“Relying solely on a cheap, painless technological fix to conquer oil addiction is like relying solely on methadone to conquer heroin addiction. Abstinence is needed, too. The energy equivalent is conservation, which is superior in every way to substitution.” Hendrik Hertzbert, New Yorker, February 2006

“Ritualistic calls by utopians, moralists, and environmental absolutists for energy conservation are utterly inadequate and doomed to failure.” Robert Zubrin, “An Energy Revolution”, American Enterprise Online

“Energy efficiency measures can reduce the need for additional generation and transmission resources…. At times of peak demand, energy savings are estimated to exceed 4,000 MW (approximately eight mid-sized power plants). However, these savings would require significant additional investment in energy-efficiency programs… Additionally, this would require increasing residential and commercial building energy codes as well as energy efficiency appliance standards.” New Jersey Blue Ribbon Panel on Development of Wind Turbine Facilities in Coastal Waters, November, 2005

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular? Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product We’ve come to accept a faulty logic

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular? Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product We’ve come to accept a faulty logic We think technology got us here

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular? Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product We’ve come to accept a faulty logic We think technology got us here It suggests the possibility of change

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular? Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product We’ve come to accept a faulty logic We think technology got us here It suggests the possibility of change How can less be better? (It’s not sexy)

What is our situation?

All of our major fuels are mined, then refined

What is our situation? All of our major fuels are mined, then refined High density chemical energy (fuel) starts with photosynthesis

What is our situation? All of our major fuels are mined, then refined High density chemical energy (fuel) starts with photosynthesis We convert mined fuels into electricity or other energy forms (mechanical energy, heat)

What is our situation? All of our major fuels are mined, then refined High density chemical energy (fuel) starts with photosynthesis We convert mined fuels into electricity or other energy forms (mechanical energy, heat) Renewable energies require energy conversion

What are the implications of a transition from energy mining to energy conversion?

Refining is cheap, conversion is costly

What are the implications of a transition from energy mining to energy conversion? Refining is cheap, conversion is costly The lower the quality of the source, the more costly the conversion

What are the implications of a transition from energy mining to energy conversion? Refining is cheap, conversion is costly The lower the quality of the source, the more costly the conversion The less energy needed, the less equipment needed

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits)

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources Maintain equipment and facilities

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources Maintain equipment and facilities Increase production

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources Maintain equipment and facilities Increase production Pick good sites

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources Maintain equipment and facilities Increase production Pick good sites Use efficient architecture

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources Maintain equipment and facilities Increase production Pick good sites Use efficient architecture Adopt efficient technologies

Some Conservation Strategies Understand the problem (audits) Size equipment and structures appropriately Share resources Maintain equipment and facilities Increase production Pick good sites Use efficient architecture Adopt efficient technologies Insulate

Efficiency in Architecture Passive Solar

Efficiency in Architecture Passive Solar Daylighting

Efficiency in Architecture Passive Solar Daylighting Natural Ventilation

Efficiency in Architecture Passive Solar Daylighting Natural Ventilation Evaporative Cooling

Some efficient technologies Lighting –HID –Fluorescent –LED Heat Recovery Efficient Equipment –Refrigeration –Hybrid Vehicles Automated Controls –Lighting –Heating –Cooling

What to insulate Buildings (caulk) Refrigeration Piping Water Storage Dryers/Ovens

Incentive Programs New Jersey Clean Energy Program (BPU) NRCS Conservation Security Program (CSP)

Most importantly… Understand your energy needs Investigate options for energy conservation and efficiency first