Efficiency could cut world energy use over 70 per cent

by **Graeme** » Thu 27 Jan 2011, 17:04:51

Efficiency could cut world energy use over 70 per cent

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'S')imple changes like installing better building insulation could cut the world's energy demands by three-quarters, according to a new study.

Discussions about reducing greenhouse gas emissions usually concentrate on cleaner ways of generating energy: that's because they promise that we can lower emissions without having to change our energy-hungry ways. But whereas new generation techniques take years to come on stream, efficiency can be improved today, with existing technologies and know-how.

To calculate how much energy could be saved through such improvements, Julian Allwood and colleagues at the University of Cambridge analysed the buildings, vehicles and industry around us and applied "best practice" efficiency changes to them.

Changes to homes and buildings included triple-glazing windows and installing 300-millimetre-thick cavity wall insulation, using saucepan lids when cooking on the stove top, eliminating hot-water tanks and reducing the set temperature of washing machines and dishwashers. In transportation, the weight of cars was limited to 300 kilograms.

They found that 73 per cent of global energy use could be saved by introducing such changes.

by **Ferretlover** » Thu 27 Jan 2011, 19:44:34

But, how do we get people to put such ideas into practice?

Maybe if it were mandatory that a person spend one year in a third world country, then let them come back to their previous lives?

by **Arthur75** » Thu 27 Jan 2011, 19:57:35

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ferretlover', 'B')ut, how do we get people to put such ideas into practice?

by **Graeme** » Thu 27 Jan 2011, 20:41:35

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ferretlover', 'B')ut, how do we get people to put such ideas into practice?

Maybe if it were mandatory that a person spend one year in a third world country, then let them come back to their previous lives?

by **Graeme** » Thu 27 Jan 2011, 21:01:41

PStarr, Do I detect the faintest hint of optimism?

Mods, Could this thread be moved to the Conservation and Efficiency Forum?

by **Arthur75** » Fri 28 Jan 2011, 03:54:07

For the US a 20 or 30% gain in the cars fleet efficiency is quite easy (but of course takes times, at "equivalent" functionalities and even miles traveled, but only a tax, partly "à la Hansen" can bring that

by **Xenophobe** » Fri 28 Jan 2011, 08:41:14

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Graeme', '[')b]Efficiency could cut world energy use over 70 per cent

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'S')imple changes like installing better building insulation could cut the world's energy demands by three-quarters, according to a new study.

by **MichaelWallace** » Fri 28 Jan 2011, 10:09:15

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Xenophobe', 'I')'m surprised that it requires a study to point this out. A change in building codes is yet another peak oil solution which doesn't seem to get much attention among those claiming to be looking for one.

by **Outcast_Searcher** » Fri 28 Jan 2011, 13:52:00

Yeah. Theoretically. :roll:

And the GOP could quit being science deniers and pushing their religious and family values based agendas.

And the left could quit constantly fighting for massive wealth redistribution as the number one solution to all problems.

And people could quit looking out for their own selfish interests to the point of lying and distorting data to help their agenda.

People could refuse to buy stupid things that let them "compete" on the social heirarchy, while destroying their wallet and the planet.

As long as people are primarily made of meat, I don't see much of this as likely...

by **mos6507** » Fri 28 Jan 2011, 17:49:26

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('MichaelWallace', '
')How fast does housing inventory turn over, every 100+ years? Sure, we should mandate higher efficiency in new buildings, but a massive retrofit is also needed and much more difficult to accomplish.

by **Windmills** » Fri 28 Jan 2011, 19:04:00

Conservation and efficiency are just technical means of postponing a social problem. Without creating an overall steady-state global system, we just kick the can down the road a little farther. Perpetually increasing population coupled with a desire for infinite economic growth and increases in standards of living will always undo any efficiency and conservation gains.

Not that I would mind if everyone granted a reprieve to my son's future and made it someone else's problem down the road through efficiency and conservation. However, I don't imagine we'll be able to keep dodging bullets for too many more decades.

by **Arthur75** » Sat 29 Jan 2011, 04:03:16

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Windmills', 'C')onservation and efficiency are just technical means of postponing a social problem. Without creating an overall steady-state global system, we just kick the can down the road a little farther. Perpetually increasing population coupled with a desire for infinite economic growth and increases in standards of living will always undo any efficiency and conservation gains.

by **kiwichick** » Sat 29 Jan 2011, 07:20:28

+1 windmills

Dr.Albert Bartlett's 12th Law of Sustainability

"savings are easily and completly wiped out by the added resources that are consumed as a consequence of modest increases in population"

we are already overpopulated by at least 2 billion people

and we are adding 200,000 more humans to the planet each day

game over

by **Xenophobe** » Sat 29 Jan 2011, 10:27:15

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('kiwichick', '
')we are already overpopulated by at least 2 billion people

and we are adding 200,000 more humans to the planet each day

game over

by **Tanada** » Sat 29 Jan 2011, 17:45:19

Moved thread upon request.

by **dolanbaker** » Sun 30 Jan 2011, 09:39:40

In parts of Europe and most of the US, the simplest longterm solution would be to reconstruct mixed communities, by that I mean build housing, commercial (shops etc) & industry in clusters where all can be reached by foot within 30 minutes.

All of the new buildings will need to be built to the best efficiency standards and also not be life limited like many current buildings are. That is why many victorian buildings are still standing whereas many of those constructed in the 1960-70s have already been replaced.

With the short life expectancy of many current buildings, this could be achieved in many places within 30 years. Properly designed, and most people will simply have no need for a car at all, It will also be easy to provide an efficient public transport system between these clusters (small towns).

by **Arthur75** » Mon 31 Jan 2011, 05:25:48

STOP THINKING FULL TARGET SOLUTION

Initiate the economics PUSH to any solution if you want anybody to take you seriously, full stop

That is target a $2 tax on gas within 2 years to start with, AT LEAST

Otherwise the US will just become more and more the laughing stock of the world, which is already basically is

Powerful Army ? yes I know ... and people are getting a bit tired of it, to say the truth ...