Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States PDF Download

Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309156866
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 349

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Book Description
America's economy and lifestyles have been shaped by the low prices and availability of energy. In the last decade, however, the prices of oil, natural gas, and coal have increased dramatically, leaving consumers and the industrial and service sectors looking for ways to reduce energy use. To achieve greater energy efficiency, we need technology, more informed consumers and producers, and investments in more energy-efficient industrial processes, businesses, residences, and transportation. As part of the America's Energy Future project, Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States examines the potential for reducing energy demand through improving efficiency by using existing technologies, technologies developed but not yet utilized widely, and prospective technologies. The book evaluates technologies based on their estimated times to initial commercial deployment, and provides an analysis of costs, barriers, and research needs. This quantitative characterization of technologies will guide policy makers toward planning the future of energy use in America. This book will also have much to offer to industry leaders, investors, environmentalists, and others looking for a practical diagnosis of energy efficiency possibilities.

Author: James Traynor
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000706818
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
In order to meet UK Carbon reduction commitments for 2020 and 2050 building owners will be required to upgrade their buildings to meet an increasingly stringent set of energy performance requirements. In the absence of any clear advice from UK Government on how this can be achieved, the EnerPHit standard offers a very clear methodology. This is a practical guide that gives architects the tools to retrofit buildings to the highest EnerPHit standard. It equips the reader with the key information on EnerPHit (as the most effective benchmark for performance), the practical know-how and tips to ensure effective retrofit throughout all Plan of Work stages of a project to the EnerPHit standard. Backed with real-life case studies, it enables you to understand how to achieve successful outcomes tailored to suit available budgets and programmes.

Author: Hal Brill
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
ISBN: 162656339X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 250

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Book Description
Make the most of your assets, financial and otherwise: “Brings to investment what the periodic table brought to chemistry—clarity, order, and understanding.” —Michael H. Shuman, author of Put Your Money Where Your Life Is If you want to build a better life and a better world—and really be prepared for any possible future in these turbulent times—you need to become a resilient investor. This trailblazing guide will expand your ideas of investing way beyond Wall Street. Your time, your energy, and the things you own are investments too, and you’ll learn to diversify them in ways that move you toward your life goals. The Resilient Investment Map lays out all your assets—personal and physical as well as financial—and then provides three essential, timely strategies (Close to Home, Sustainable Global Economy, and Evolutionary Investing) that will help you grow each of them. The goal is to become more resilient: able to anticipate disturbance, rebuild as necessary, and improve when possible. You’ll discover that the choices making you more resilient also enhance our communities, our economy, and the planet—building real wealth for all.

Author: Alexander Zhivov
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030306798
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 588

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Book Description
This book provides detailed information on how to set up Deep Energy Retrofits (DERs) in public buildings, and shares in-depth insights into the current status of the major technologies, strategies and best practice examples of how to cost-effectively combine them. Case studies from the U.S.A. and Europe show that that Deep Energy Retrofit can be achieved with a limited core technologies bundle readily available on the market. Characteristics of some of these core technology measures depend on the technologies available on an individual nation’s market, on the minimum requirements of national standards, and on economics (as determined by a life cycle cost analysis). Also, requirements to building envelope-related technologies (e.g., insulation levels, windows, vapor and water barriers, and requirements for building airtightness) depend on specific climate conditions. This Guide provides best practice examples of how to apply these technologies in different construction situations. High levels of energy use reduction using core technology bundles along with improvements in indoor climate and thermal comfort can be only achieved when a Deep Energy Retrofit adopts a quality assurance process. In addition to design, construction, commissioning, and post-occupancy phases of the quality assurance process, the Guide emphasizes the importance of clearly and concisely formulating and documenting the Owner’s goals, expectations, and requirements for the renovated building during development of the statement of work. Another important component of the quality assurance process is a procurement phase, during which bidders’ qualifications, their understanding of the scope of work and its requirements, and their previous experience are analyzed. The building sector holds the potential for tremendous improvements in terms of energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, and energy retrofits to the existing building stock represent a significant opportunity in the transition to a low-carbon future. Moreover, investing in highly efficient building materials and systems can replace long-term energy imports, contribute to cost cutting, and create a wealth of new jobs. Yet, while the technologies needed in order to improve energy efficiency are readily available, significant progress has not yet been made, and “best practices” for implementing building technologies and renewable energy sources are still relegated to small “niche” applications. Offering essential information on Deep Energy Retrofits, the book offers a valuable asset for architects, public authorities, project developers, and engineers alike.

Author: Lew Harriman
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781582229942
Category : Dwellings
Languages : en
Pages : 138

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Book Description
This report to the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research Program (PIER) helps Home Performance Contractors train their crews to achieve superior results in home energy retrofits. The book was updated and expanded in December of 2012 to include the impressive measured results from 15 home energy retrofits in Redding, California that were accomplished using the principles and practices outlined in this report. Homeowners may also find this information useful, when they want to understand the techniques that regularly achieve utility bill savings of 40 to 70% on an annual basis. This approach-called Measured Home Performance-is different from other means of saving energy. Most importantly, all of the home's energy features are redesigned and improved at the same time, so the synergies take effect immediately. Next, measurements are taken all the way through the process, to ensure that both the redesign and the installation are excellent. Improved comfort and energy savings are assured by high-tech field measurements, taken by the craftspeople themselves rather than by 3rd-party auditors. This process provides real-time feedback to the real decision makers-the technicians who do the work. Measurements of critical parameters like duct air leakage, while-house air leakage, supply air flow at each grill, CO concentration & draft pressure of combustion appliances and superheat and subcooling of the AC equipment make the installation quality-good or poor-are instantly clear to the crews. They can fix any shortcomings on the spot, rather than waiting days or weeks for 3rd-party testing results. Craftspeople measuring key parameters as they work transforms the workplace. Measured quality not only ensures successful results for the homeowners, it self-trains crew members in the field, where they learn more quickly than in the classroom. At the end of every day, workers know when they have achieved excellent results-a powerful motivator that works to everybody's benefit.

Author: Michael Maines
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 9781641551656
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment--but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible. A Pretty Good House is: * A house that's as small as possible * Simple and durable, but also well designed * Insulated and air-sealed * Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.

Author: F. Pacheco-Torgal
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0081012276
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 633

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Book Description
Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Building Retrofitting:Materials, Technologies, Optimization and Case Studies provides essential knowledge for civil engineers, architects, and other professionals working in the field of cost-effective energy efficient building retrofitting. The building sector is responsible for high energy consumption and its global demand is expected to grow as each day there are approximately 200,000 new inhabitants on planet Earth. The majority of electric energy will continue to be generated from the combustion of fossil fuels releasing not only carbon dioxide, but also methane and nitrous oxide. Energy efficiency measures are therefore crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector. Energy efficient building retrofitting needs to not only be technically feasible, but also economically viable. New building materials and advanced technologies already exist, but the knowledge to integrate all active components is still scarce and far from being widespread among building industry stakeholders. - Emphasizes cost-effective methods for the refurbishment of existing buildings, presenting state-of-the-art technologies - Includes detailed case studies that explain various methods and Net Zero Energy - Explains optimal analysis and prioritization of cost effective strategies

Author: Joseph Lstiburek
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0471318639
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 230

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Book Description
In the climate-controlled buildings of today, moisture problemsaffect not only the useable life expectancy of the structure, butthe comfort and health of the occupants. This reference is thefirst to apply up-to-date moisture control and treatment techniquesin a problem/solution format. Opening with an introductoryexplanation of the nature and causes of mold, mildew, andcondensation, the book gives specific advice on heated, cooled, andcombination environments, plus a short course in the dynamics ofmoisture movement within buildings. Other invaluable coverageincludes: * clear, detailed recommended practices for all United Statesclimates * practices for cooling as well as heating climates (often, heatingclimate solutions are applied in cooling climates, where problemsand solutions are completely different) * an overall, systematic view of moisture problems--including howmechanical systems and occupant lifestyles can create and alsoresolve moisture problems * actual case studies of buildings with moisture problems thatillustrate the principles and practices presented in the book This detailed, no-nonsense exploration of moisture cause andeffect--as well as its protection and remediation--will expandreaders' knowledge on this crucial subject. Moisture ControlHandbook will be welcomed by building contractors, architects,mechanical engineers, building science researchers, buildingproduct manufacturers, homeowners, and small commercial buildingowners.

Author: Venkat Ramaswamy
Publisher: Stanford University Press
ISBN: 0804790752
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description
A fundamental shift is underway that will change how we conceive of value. In an era of increasing interconnectedness, individuals, as opposed to institutions, stand at the center of value creation. To adapt to this tectonic shift, organizations can no longer unilaterally devise products and services. They must engage stakeholders—from customers and employees to suppliers, partners, and citizens at large—as co-creators. Co-creation guru Venkat Ramaswamy and Kerimcan Ozcan call for enterprises to be mindful of lived experiences, to build engagement platforms and management systems that are designed for creative collaboration, and to develop "win more-win more" strategies that enhance our wealth, welfare, and, well-being. Richly illustrated with examples of co-creation in action, The Co-Creation Paradigm provides a blueprint for the co-creative enterprise, economy, and society, while presenting a conceptual framework that will guide organizations across sectors in adopting this transformational approach. Challenging some of our most deeply held ideas about business and value, this book outlines the future of "business as usual."

Author: Chie Kawahara
Publisher: Hybrid Global Publishing
ISBN: 1938015762
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
Managing a major remodel of your home involves learning various aspects of a construction project: permitting; hiring contractors; clarifying what you really mean and want; managing a budget; overseeing quality, avoiding regrets; doing what’s right for yourself and standing up for yourself. It’s a big job. The learning curve is high and often we homeowners don’t get to apply the skills we learned again. In this book, the stories of a couple going through this learning curve is told through the lens of a novice just like a conversation with a homeowner over a cup of tea. What they thought they wanted (a brand new house in modern minimalist style with solar panels and recycled materials) is very different than what they ended up with (remodel of a 90-year-old house in the classic Arts and Crafts style to meet the stringent international building standard called Passive House). What caused this shift? How did they choose the contractor? How did they navigate out of overwhelm of green building choices? How did they manage the relationships? What would they do differently? Was it worth it? This book chronicles the journey by a couple from choosing the location through living in the house after the renovation completion. It wasn’t all about finding smart people and following expert guidance. When expert opinions diverged and they got stuck in analysis paralysis they had to trust their judgment and chose what they felt was right for them. After all, they’ll be living in the house for years after the experts are gone. Reviews for MIDORI HAUS: "Chie Kawahara is a storyteller. Her book, Midori Haus, tells a compelling story in a conversational style about a couple who wanted to remodel an older home that would use as little energy as possible—and was comfortable and healthy to live in. Anyone who has an interest in green building—doing right for oneself and the planet—will find a friend in this book." -Jim Gunshinan, Editor, Home Energy Magazine “Midori Haus serves as a journey of adapting, learning, greening, nurturing, and caring for an old house by renewing the house to address current and future environmental challenges. The narrative is delightfully educational – the design process of achieving the passive house standard will be better understood through these stories and conversations.” -Alison G. Kwok, Ph.D., AIA, CPHC, University of Oregon "The international Passive House standard has gained a deserved reputation as the fastest growing building energy efficiency standard in the world. Unsurprisingly, publications about it have mostly been by and for industry professionals. Midori Haus represents an alternative, introducing readers to Passive House through the eyes of a homeowner undertaking a remodeling project. Chie Kawahara takes readers along on her journey of discovery and remodeling triumph. She makes the process understandable and accessible and readers are given practical tools they can use on their own Passive House projects. There's nothing like a good case study told by the people involved to bring abstract concepts to life. Midori Haus doesn't disappoint." -Elrond Burrell, Architect, CPHD, blogger "In this delightful book, Chie Kawahara describes the process she and her husband went through to purchase a 1920s bungalow and turn it into a state-of- the-art, healthy, green, Passive House. This account of their experiences is highly instructional for anyone considering buying and renovating a house, and it’s a wonderful read!" -Alex Wilson, Founder, BuildingGreen, Inc.