Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. Write a computer program using MATLAB, Excel spreadsheet, Java, Droid App,
Iphone app, or any other language that calculates carbon footprints based on user
input. Make sure you use the tables in your text and class slides to obtain energy
equivalence of different fuel sources, as well as other published scientific data.
Make your carbon calculator unique/special by adding features (you
decide which ones) that are not normally found on the calculator. Ideas
may be items such as i) life cycle analysis of power plants (remember it
takes a lot of energy to build a power plant that may be included in
carbon footprint), ii) types of food you eat (energy needed to produce
food), iii) subway rides, iv) other types of greenhouse gases emitted, for
example SO2 , v) any other ideas you have, or etc.
2. Write a 1-2 page summary that explains to a simple person (such as your
instructors): 1) any assumptions made, 2) how the computer program works and
how the carbon footprint calculator differs from other well known footprint
calculators on the Internet.
3. Print out and explain your own carbon footprint for your lifestyle now AND for
your lifestyle you hope to have 10 years from now. Discuss how they change and
any opinions you have about this. Hand in your program and its output results
along with your discussion.
4. Suppose that our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% in the USA within 10
years. Use your carbon footprint calculator to suggest how this might be
completed. How much solar, geothermal, nuclear, etc. should we use. What
changes would you need in transportation efficiency and usage? Make sure
you explain all assumptions/calculations.