Energy Conservation and

Efficiency

Relying solely on a cheap, painless

technological fix to conquer oil addiction is
like relying solely on methadone to conquer
heroin addiction. Abstinence is needed, too.
The energy equivalent is conservation, which
is superior in every way to substitution.
Hendrik Hertzbert, New Yorker, February 2006

Ritualistic calls by utopians, moralists, and

environmental absolutists for energy
conservation are utterly inadequate and
doomed to failure.
Robert Zubrin, An Energy Revolution, American Enterprise

Online

Energy efficiency measures can reduce the need for

additional generation and transmission resources. At
times of peak demand, energy savings are estimated to
exceed 4,000 MW (approximately eight mid-sized
power plants). However, these savings would require
significant additional investment in energy-efficiency
programs Additionally, this would require increasing
residential and commercial building energy codes as
well as energy efficiency appliance standards.
New Jersey Blue Ribbon Panel on Development of Wind Turbine
Facilities in Coastal Waters, November, 2005

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product
Weve come to accept a faulty logic

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product
Weve come to accept a faulty logic
We think technology got us here

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product

Weve come to accept a faulty logic
We think technology got us here
It suggests the possibility of change

Why is energy efficiency so unpopular?

Bashing the competition is a way to sell a product

Weve come to accept a faulty logic
We think technology got us here
It suggests the possibility of change
How can less be better? (Its not sexy)

What is our situation?

What is our situation?

All of our major fuels are mined, then refined

What is our situation?

All of our major fuels are mined, then refined
High density chemical energy (fuel) starts with
photosynthesis

What is our situation?

All of our major fuels are mined, then refined
High density chemical energy (fuel) starts with
photosynthesis
We convert mined fuels into electricity or other
energy forms (mechanical energy, heat)

What is our situation?

All of our major fuels are mined, then refined
High density chemical energy (fuel) starts with
photosynthesis
We convert mined fuels into electricity or other
energy forms (mechanical energy, heat)
Renewable energies require energy conversion

What are the implications of a transition

from energy mining to energy conversion?

What are the implications of a transition

from energy mining to energy conversion?
Refining is cheap, conversion is costly

What are the implications of a transition

from energy mining to energy conversion?
Refining is cheap, conversion is costly
The lower the quality of the source, the more
costly the conversion

What are the implications of a transition

from energy mining to energy conversion?
Refining is cheap, conversion is costly
The lower the quality of the source, the more
costly the conversion
The less energy needed, the less equipment
needed

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)
Size equipment and structures appropriately

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)
Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources
Maintain equipment and facilities

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources
Maintain equipment and facilities
Increase production

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources
Maintain equipment and facilities
Increase production
Pick good sites

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources
Maintain equipment and facilities
Increase production
Pick good sites
Use efficient architecture

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources
Maintain equipment and facilities
Increase production
Pick good sites
Use efficient architecture
Adopt efficient technologies

Some Conservation Strategies

Understand the problem (audits)

Size equipment and structures appropriately
Share resources
Maintain equipment and facilities
Increase production
Pick good sites
Use efficient architecture
Adopt efficient technologies
Insulate

Efficiency in Architecture
Passive Solar

Efficiency in Architecture
Passive Solar
Daylighting

Efficiency in Architecture
Passive Solar
Daylighting
Natural Ventilation

Efficiency in Architecture

Passive Solar
Daylighting
Natural Ventilation
Evaporative Cooling

Some efficient technologies

Lighting

HID
Fluorescent
LED

Heat Recovery
Efficient Equipment
Refrigeration
Hybrid Vehicles

Automated Controls
Lighting
Heating
Cooling

What to insulate

Buildings (caulk)
Refrigeration
Piping
Water Storage
Dryers/Ovens

Incentive Programs
New Jersey Clean Energy Program (BPU)
NRCS Conservation Security Program
(CSP)

Most importantly
Understand your energy needs
Investigate options for energy
conservation and efficiency first