Although technology change (usually involving an improvement in energy efficiency) is not inherently a geographic process, it does not occur uniformly over geographic space. Consequently, mathematical modeling and behavioral and innovation diffusion studies by geographers have improved our understanding of the pervasive phenomenon of technology energy efficiency change in energy markets. Similarly, creative government policies in Germany since 1990 have led to a faster rate of adoption of renewable energy sources, compared to the United States. (more…)
Energy labeling is a policy tool that informs consumers about the energy performance of appliances and thereby encourages them to purchase appliances that provide the services they need with less energy consumption. In providing information to consumers about equipment energy consumption and operating costs that would otherwise be invisible or unavailable, energy labeling enables consumers to make more balanced and rational purchasing decisions. Energy labels can also help consumers to identify the most efficient products on the market. In effect, energy labeling attempts to provide a market ‘‘pull’’ for more energy-efficient products while simultaneously presenting information that might discourage the purchase of less efficient products. (more…)
The development of the ‘‘new’’ wind and solar technologies is of great importance for the future contribution of RESs to energy supply. Although the present wind and solar technology contribution of 0.4% to total primary energy consumption per capita is still very small, the growth of these industries has been considerable in the past 6 to 8 years. Today they provide 10 times the energy of 10 years ago. Wind energy shows the most remarkable growth dynamics; its contribution is now reaching energetically relevant dimensions. (more…)
Endorsement labels indicate that the products carrying the labels belong to the ‘‘most energy-efficient’’ class of products or meet a predetermined standard or eligibility criteria. These labels generally consist of a logo or mark that indicates the products have met the standard and generally contains little or no comparative energy efficiency information (although this may be available through lists of endorsed products). These labels merely inform consumers that the products meet the required standard. Criteria for some schemes are updated on a regular basis; therefore, these labels may carry the year of qualification. Endorsement labeling programs are mostly of a voluntary nature. (more…)
Based on estimates of the U.S. Department of Energy, the energy used in homes accounts for 20% of all the energy consumption in the United States. The ability to control the indoor temperature is one of the most important achievements of modern technology. (more…)
Current forecasts call for solid growth in world energy use over the next 20 years, potentially increasing 60% above current energy use. With the forces in place to keep energy use patterns the same, a safe, conservative assumption would be that the commercial sector will contribute about 12% to final total energy consumption in the year 2020. (more…)
The gradual change in the energy consumption pattern of the United States from 1860 to 1990. In the mid-1800s, biomass, principally woody biomass, supplied over 90% of U.S. energy and fuel needs, after which energy biomass consumption began to decrease as fossil fuels became the preferred energy resources. For many years, a safe illuminant had been sought as a less expensive substitute for whale oils. (more…)
To determine the effects of past climate trends on global energy consumption, the econometric equations providing the degree day elasticities reported previously are combined into an econometric simulation model. The endogenous variables determined by the model include energy demand in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors of the U.S. economy and the derived demand for primary fuels used in electric power generation. (more…)
The pressure relief valves protect against the devastating effects of the overpressure. Unfortunately there are so careful with the environment and which are not always made leakproof, and can therefore be emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere continuously. While European directives aimed at reducing emissions of gases causing the greenhouse effect based on a share issue (linked to heavy fines for countries that fail), other solutions much easier go unnoticed. (more…)
The most widespread and practical process for capture solar radiation as organic fuels is the growth of virgin biomass. Extremely large quantities of carbon are fixed each year in the form of terrestrial and aquatic biomass. (more…)