Environmental Issue: Reducing Energy Consumption
More and more public attention is now being focused on renewable energy. This focus is one of the most important, yet difficult steps in the sustainable equation. However, with technology upgrades, building efficiencies and other energy conservation tactics massive amounts of greenhouse gases can be prevented right now.
Environmental Benefit: The most obvious benefit is the reduction of direct energy consumption but the indirect benefits are massive when you consider less energy consumption reduces the load on our fragile energy distribution system. This will delay building new power plants and reduction in the destruction of natural resources required for energy production.
Other Benefits: Power consumption reduction benefits are recognized immediately. It is estimated that conservation efforts are three times more cost effective than building new power generation including renewable power.
Cost and Complexities: It is much more cost-effective to design with conservation in mind. Since environmental impact often is ignored when making purchasing decisions and short-term costs are weighted heavier than long-term costs, most conservation either comes through enhancements to local codes and regulation or individuals making modifications to existing infrastructures. The lesson to take away is that it's much more important to spend the time upfront because the costs will be lower in the long run.
Implementation Plan:
- Replace old monitors with LCD flat panels. Not only will you save on electricity but you will reduce your cooling bill -- AND you will create more working office space!
- Switch to digital thermostats so you are focusing your cooling and/or heating needs within your work space when people are actually working
- Install power strips so lamps, computers, etc. are actually turned off when they are not being used. With most devices today this is the only way to turn off a device.
- Switch to fluorescent lights
- Modify lighting system to turn lights on and off automatically when people enter and exit the room.
- Allow natural light into the office though light tubes or interior windows
Where to Purchase:
Digital Thermostats: http://www.smarthome.com/_/ProductResults.aspx?Ntt=digital+thermostat
Fluorescent lights: http://www.smarthome.com/_/ProductResults.aspx?Ntt=florescents
Light Sensors: http://www.smarthome.com/2522W.html