1. Renewable Energy Resources13
Renewable Energy Resources
Photo © Borut Trdina/iStockphoto

2. Section 1
Energy Efficiency
Photo © Borut Trdina/iStockphoto

3. 13.1 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.

4. 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 atmospheric warming
Increases economic and national security

5. We Use Energy Inefficiently (cont’d.)
Daily activities that waste energy
Living/working in buildings with poor heating/cooling
Commuting to work alone
Driving vehicles that use gas inefficiently
Widely used devices that waste energy
Incandescent light bulb
Motor vehicle with internal combustion engine
Industrial motors

6. 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 LED lighting.

7. Saving Energy and Money with a Smarter Electrical Grid
Current electrical grid system—outdated and wasteful
Smart grid
Ultra-high-voltage
Super-efficient transmission lines
Digitally controlled
Responds to local changes in demand and supply
Easier to buy renewable energy

8. 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.

9. 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 hydrogen fuel cell
Fuel cell: uses hydrogen as fuel to produce electricity when it reacts with gas in the atmosphere and emits harmless water vapor

10. We Can Design Buildings That Save Energy and Money
Green architecture
Living or green roofs
With specially designed soil and vegetation
Superinsulation
No need for heating system
U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

11. 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

12. Saving Energy
Saving Energy: You could save energy (and money) by taking steps to reduce heat and cooling loss in your home.