Energy Conservation Flashcards
What does energy conservation refer to?
The variety of methods by which the use of all types of energy, but in particular electricity and motor vehicle fuels, is limited or reduced.
How can energy conservation be achieved?
> greater efficiency (e.g. more economic fuel consumption in motor vehicles, eco bulbs)
use of alternative energy sources that are less wasteful or are renewable
What did the UK government’s 2007 White Paper on energy set out as conservation initiatives?
> ‘smart’ electricity- home displays 2010
tougher new home and outdoor environmental standards
working with industry to phase out inefficient goods
tripling renewable energy use by 2015
carbon trading scheme
£20m for low-carbon vehicles and £35m for green transport research
What did the government’s code for sustainable homes state?
To provide guidelines for the design and construction of new sustainable homes.
What were the benefits of the government’s code for sustainable homes?
Zero carbon homes costing less than £500,000 will be exempt from stamp duty.
How does the code measure sustainability of homes?
>energy use and co2 emissions >water use >use of materials >surface water run off >waste production >pollution >health and well being >management >ecology
What benefits to the environment are ensured by the code?
> reduced greenhouse gas emissions
better adaption to climate change
reduced overall impact on the environment
How does a home be awarded the highest-level status according to the code?
A home will have to produce zero carbon dioxide emissions from all energy use.
How can homes achieve zero carbon emissions from all energy use?
> thermal walls, windows and roof (glazing)
high-efficiency condensing boiler
reducing heat loss materials in walls
low and zero carbon technologies such as solar panels
energy-efficient domestic appliances and lighting
larger windows
environmentally-friendly building materials
What did the UK government propose in June 2007?
The building of five eco-towns, each with up to 100,000 homes. Solar and wind power and will also use district heating systems.
How are businesses and the public sector in the UK being encouraged to cut carbon emissions?
Through The Carbon Trust- it provides practical expertise and resources, including funding.
Marks and Spencer case study:
>refrigeration systems- energy savings >working with carbon trust >energy awareness campaigns >^ targeting employees- posters, stickers and competitions >30% less carbon emissions than in 2002
Example of a successful light-rail transport scheme:
The Metrolink in Manchester 1991.
Viable alternative to private transport in the city.
Plans to extend to encourage even more than 19.9 million passengers. 8 more trains.
What are the financial incentives of using green cars and fuels in the UK?
> reduced tax on fuels such as liquified petroleum gas
vehicle excise duty (road tax)
london congestion charge discounts
greater london low emission zone (area where most polluting vehicles will be required to pay a daily charge)
How is toyota becoming more sustainable?
Most major car manufacturing companies are developing new models with ‘green’ credentials e.g. Hybrid prius
