Energy conservation principles and applications

Energy Conservation: Mitigation Strategies and Solutions

In order to realize a savings in terms of the preservation of matters of the ecological environment then required is things of the nature of 'low impact' in terms of living solutions. One such 'low impact' solution is related in an article that relates an initiative of: "Ecological Preservation at the Heart of Dynamic Boca de Iguanas Development' and that states that "the multi-use development of Boca de Igaunas...on 18 acres of prime beach real estate, offers 20 single-family view homes and 60 condos nestled in the jungle, a beach club and al fresco restaurant on 1,000 meters of cream sand beach framed by spectacular sunsets and star-spangled skies. boutique hotel with an eclectic mix of 10 suites reflecting contemporary Mexican design, and 40 rustic eco-chic cabanas hidden in the hills, along with a holistic wellness spa featuring healing therapies and yoga are also in the works. Boca de Iguanas is the first mixed-use project for Moksa Development, a Mexican corporation under the guidance of Californian Robert M. Oveson. The vision is to offer an unparalleled 21st century vacation/lifestyle experience in a pristine, ecologically-progressive gated community with 24-hour security, alternative clean energy sources - such as individual solar power arrays for electricity and solar heated water for each home - and underground utilities, all situated around a rare mangrove ecosystem that flows through the property." (Press Releases, 12 Apr 2007) the work of Chow, Kopp, and Portney (2008) entitled: "Energy Resources and Global Development" relates that in addressing "the economic and environmental consequences of our global energy system, we consider the availability and consumption of energy resources. Problems arise from our dependence on combustible fuels, the environmental risks associated with their extraction, and the environmental damage caused by their emissions. Yet no primary energy source, be it renewable or nonrenewable, is free of environmental or economic limitations. As developed and developing economies continue to grow, conversion to and adoption of environmentally benign energy technology will depend on political and economic realities." (2008)

The work of Howard, Delagado, Miller and Gubbins (2008) entitled: "Transforming Values into Actions: Ecological Preservation through Energy Conservation" states the fact that "global overpopulation is arguably the premier threat to world ecology, because it exacerbates so many other environmental threats." It is additionally stated that while "...countless hours are spent in college classrooms discussing the troubled ecological state of our world. But rarely do these discussions lead to programs of action that influence the course of an ecological threat." (Howard, Delagado, Miller and Gubbins, 2008) This work provides a demonstration of a step-by-step program of activist research designed to replace energy-inefficient incandescent lightbults with high-efficiency fluorescent lightbulbs." (Howard, Delagado, Miller and Gubbins, 2008)

Cost efficiency of Changing From a 100-W Incandescent to a 20-W Florescent Built in Notre Dame Dormitories

Source: Howard, Delagado, Miller and Gubbins (2008)

I. STATEMENT of the PROBLEM

Skyrocketing energy cost in recent months has emphasized the importance for Americans as well as others including the members of the Valley View Homeowner's Association in particular to take aggressive energy conservations steps now. The bills of some members have doubled in the past twelve months therefore, to identify and implement cost-effective methods of energy conservation and waste reduction including improvement of recycling rates of the homeowner's association. Part of the problem in this initiative is identified in the work of Santopietro (2005) and is stated as follows:

Protecting the environment means changing people's behavior to reduce human impact on the environment. Neoclassical economists, with their analytical focus on utility maximizing individuals, recommend the creation of monetary incentives that force users of environmental services to take account of the opportunity cost of their behavior. These policies are often rejected by noneconomist environmentalists who object to allowing people to pay to pollute and to having to pay them to stop. Such environmentalists tend to advocate raising environmental consciousness through education as a means of inducing changes in behavior." (Santopietro, 2005, p.1)

II. NONLIVING and LIVING FACTORS CONTRIBUTING to or AFFECTED by the PROBLEM

The work entitled: "Negative Secondary Impacts from Oil and Gas Development" published by the Energy & Biodiversity Initiative relates that oil and gas "exploration and production activities can have a wide range of impacts on the biodiversity, both positive and negative. These impacts, which can be defined as changes in the quality and quantity of biodiversity in a physical environment, will vary in scale and significance, depending on the activities and environmental conditions involved." (nd)

The publication of the Energy & Biodiversity Initiative further notes the significance of the "stakeholder engagement plan" which is held to be "an integral part of any new business development project." (the Energy & Biodiversity Initiative, nd) Also important to note is the statement which relates that government representatives will be "...key participants in a process of engagement with local communities and other stakeholders." (the Energy & Biodiversity Initiative, nd) Furthermore, conservation organizational as well as economic and social development organizations "...may have knowledge, expertise and experience to help the company anticipate and address the social or economic conditions that might lead to secondary impacts." (the Energy & Biodiversity Initiative, nd)

III. POSITIVE & NEGATIVE HUMAN IMPACTS

The work of Mattson and Angermeier (2006) entitled: "Integrating Human Impacts and Ecological Integrity into a Risk-Based Protocol for Conservation Planning " states in relation to energy conservation planning that it: "...aims to protect biodiversity by sustaining the natural physical, chemical, and biological processes within representative ecosystems. Often data to measure these components are inadequate or unavailable. The impact of human activities on ecosystem processes complicates integrity assessments and might alter ecosystem organization at multiple spatial scales." (Mattson and Angermeier, 2006)

IV. EVALUATION of CURRENT SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES and SOLUTIONS

There is a fundamental difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. Some resources are 'finite' and scientists and other experts state a belief that the point-of-no-return is behind humankind insofar as depletion of nonrenewable resources. Added to this, at the current rate-of-use, these resources which are nonrenewable is driven up by countries who are energy-hungry including the United States, China, India and Brazil. Renewable resources including wind, biomass, geothermal, tide and solar power are constantly renewed by the forces of nature and represent a viable energy alternative for many Americans today. (Energy Conservation, 2008)

V. PLAN to REACH SUSTAINABILITY

Action Plan

The action items in this study and the order in which these actions items will take place are as follows and in the following order:

1) Adjustment of Thermostats;

2) Proper Insulation;

3) Changing of Air Filters on heating and cooling units; and Timeline

The timeline is set for this project to begin immediately and to continue indefinitely.

VI. BENEFITS and CHALLENGES of PLAN

Benefits of this plan include energy conservation through ecological preservation in heating and cooling homes. Challenges are represented by those individuals who fail to follow through on the action items as specifically planned resulting in lower energy conservation rates.

VII. REQUIRED GOVERNMENT, SOCIETAL and GLOBAL SUPPORT

The American government is involved in conservation efforts at all levels today. The provision of an energy efficiency audit by the federal government is utilized in identification of opportunities that present which allow for improvement of energy usage in private homes. This is available at (Energy Conservation)