An overview of world energy scenario & its conservation

Abstract
Energy is a critical foundation for economic growth and social progress. Higher is the economic growth, higher is the requirement
of energy, depleting fossil fuels and its pollution on the environment has given rise to the ever-serious contradiction among energy
providing, environment protection and economic development. Renewable energy, with the availability of its renewability and
non-pollution, will prove to be an effective and practical choice to guarantee the future development of the world. Utilization of
fuels has to be done in sustained way so that upcoming generation can get benefit of natural resources. Enhancement & proactive
use of CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) projects is another optimistic way towards sustainable development.

Keywords: Energy, Pollution, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Sustainable Development & Fuels
1. Introduction
Defined as the ability to do work, Energy is one of the major
inputs for the economic development of any country. The
consumption of energy is increasing at fast pace while
available resources limited. Global need for energy is
increasing on an average by about 1.5% every year.
Out of total amount of primary energy, around 80% comes
from fossil fuels. The current consumption of fossils fuels,
particularly oil, is not sustainable in long term. Energy
consumption has a significant impact on our natural
environment.
This is clear evidence that climate change is caused by
human activity, mostly related to the use of energy. As India
is among the largest developing countries in the world, with
richly endowed renewable energy potential (India is fifth
largest wind energy producer just after US, Germany, China
& Spain).
Developing renewable energy is its inevitable choice for
sustainable economic growth. Renewable energy has been
categorized as traditional and new. The former includes large
hydropower, biomass burnt directly etc; the latter includes
small hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, biomass
energy, and geothermal energy etc.
Classification of Energy
 Primary Energy & Secondary Energy.
 Commercial & Non Commercial Energy
1. Primary Energy & Secondary Energy
a- Primary energy refers to all type of energy extracted or
captured directly from Natural Resources.
It is further sub divided into two groups.
 Renewable (Solar, wind, Geothermal, tidal, biomass)
Obtained from natural sources, which are in exhaustible, e.g
Solar, wind power, geothermal, tidal power & hydro electric
power – No pollutant in this case.
 Non- Renewable (Fossil Fuels, Crude oil, Coal,
Natural Gas, Nuclear Etc.)
Natural resources such as coal, oil & natural gas are example
of non –renewable energy.

Fig 1: Renewable & Non –Renewable Energy Sources

 Table 1: Potential Energy Resources Sources in India
S. No Source Potential (MW) Installed Capacity(MW)
1. Wind 45000 12000
2. Biomass 17000 900
3 Small Hydro (<25 MW) 15000 2700
4 Cogeneration Bagase 5000 1400
5 Waste 2700 72
6 Solar >100000 12
Source: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)

set the target of 5% renewable energy purchase for FY 2009-

10 which will increase by 1% for next 10 years.
The NAPCC further recommends strong regulatory measures
to fulfill these targets.
Technology-wise distribution of installed capacity in India
(Source: CEA - June, 2010)

b. Secondary Energy
Primary Energy sources are mostly converted in industrial
utilities into secondary energy sources
The National Action Plan of Climate Change (NAPCC) has e.g. Coal, oil or gas converts to steam & electricity.

Major Primary & Secondary Energy Sources

2. Commercial & Non Commercial Energy Primary Energy resources

a. Commercial: Energy available in market e.g., electricity, Coal
lignite, coal, oil, natural gas etc. World wide-826 billion tones of proven coal reserves.
The coal reserves will lost in 122 years the current rate of
b. Non Commercial production.
Fuels such as firewood, cattle dung, and agricultural waste;
Coal reserve
1. USA-29% 4. Australia -9%
2. Russia -19% 5. India-7%
3. China – 14% 6. Rest part of world-22%

India Coal reserve 58.6 billion tones likely to last in 114 60% of the oil reserves are in Middle East, 21% in Saudi
years Arbia. At current R/P ratio, world oil reserve is estimated at
Oil just 42 years. India oil reserve 5.8 billion barrlels (800 million
Oil worldwide (Conventional Crude oil reserve-1258 tones)
Billion barrels.)

Natural Gas Saudi Arabia%--4%

Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel consisting primarily of UAE-4%
methane. Global proven gas reserve is estimate to be 185 Rest of World-35%
trillion cubic meters. The reserves are estimated for 60 years
worldwide. India gas reserves are estimated at 1.09 trillion cubic
Russia – 23% meters
Iran – 16% Reserve estimated for 36 years.
Qatar-14%
International Journal of Biology Research

Energy Conservation thermostat of room air conditioner at 25°C (77°F) to

Fast depletion of precious resources of energy is quite
alarming & hence their conservation is imperative.
Following are some simple tips emphasizing upon use of
efficient and energy saving equipment and practices, which
would certainly benefit all of us.
Illumination
1. Switch off tube lights, lamps, fans etc. When not
required.
2. Prefer task lighting instead of uniform one all over.
3. Use energy efficient lamps & luminaries.
4. Optimize use of natural lighting.
5. Prefer electronic ballast instead of conventional chokes.’
6. Prefer CFL/LED
Computers
1. Turn off your home office equipment when not in use. A
computer that runs 24 hours a day, for instance, uses -
more power than an energy-efficient refrigerator.
2. If your computer must be left on, turn off the monitor;
this device alone uses more than half the system's
energy.
3. Setting computers, monitors, and copiers to use sleep-
mode when not in use helps cut energy costs by
approximately 40%.
In The Kitchen
1. Keep the entire cooking material ready before lighting
the stove.
2. Let cold materials attain room temperature before
cooking.
3. Soak the grains & cereals before you cook them.
4. Avoid use of excessive water in cooking.
5. Use utensil having broad base, Use lid on cooking
utensils.
6. Prefer small burner & light flame.
7. Ensure Stable, bright & blue flame.
provide the most comfort at the least cost.
4. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the
thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the
room.
5. A good air conditioner will cool and dehumidify a room
in about 30 minutes, so use a timer and leave the unit off
for some time.
6. Keep doors to air-conditioned rooms closed as often as
possible.
Conclusion
We must promote proper conservation of energy, use of
renewable sources of energy & development of market in
electricity, leading to the sustainable development of the
country. Recognizing that, like other resources the renewable
resources are also not evenly distributed across the country,
encourages setting up of larger generation capacities at
resource rich locations. Enhancement & proactive use of
CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) projects is another
optimistic way towards sustainable development.
References
1. www.mnre.gov.in
2. www.cea.nic.in
3. Bureau of Energy Efficiency
4. www.wikipedia.com

Microwave Ovens & Electric Kettles

1. Microwaves save energy by reducing cooking times. In
fact, one can save up to 50 percent on your cooking
energy costs by using a microwave oven instead of a
regular oven, especially for small quantities of food.
2. Remember, microwaves cook food from the outside
edge toward the centre of the dish, so if you're cooking
more than one item, place larger and thicker items on
the outside.
3. Use an electric kettle to heat water. It's more energy
efficient than using an electric cook top element.

Room Air Conditioners

1. Use ceiling or table fan as first line of defense against
summer heat. Ceiling fans, for instance, cost about 30
paisa an hour to operate - much less than air
conditioners (Rs.10.00 per hour).
2. You can reduce air-conditioning energy use by as much
as 40 percent by shading your home's windows and
walls. Plant trees and shrubs to keep the day's hottest
sun off your house.
3. One will use 3 to 5 percent less energy for each degree
air conditioner is set above22°C (71.5°F), so set the

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  Waste and Proliferation
 E-waste
E-waste is any electrical or electronic equipment that’s been discarded. This includes working and
broken items that are thrown in the garbage or donated to a charity reseller like Goodwill. Often, if the
item goes unsold in the store, it will be thrown away. E-waste is particularly dangerous due to toxic
chemicals that naturally leach from the metals inside when buried.

E-waste is electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their “useful
life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are everyday electronic
products.

E-Waste Generation
According to the new Global E-waste Monitor 2017 report from the United Nations University (UNU),
e-waste has increased by 44.7 million metric tonnes (or 8 percent) from 2014 to 2016. That number is
expected to rise again by 17 percent by 2021, totaling nearly 52.2 million metric tonnes of e-waste.

An overwhelming 44.7 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was generated in 2016 — 8 percent higher
than the 41.4 million Mt produced in 2014.

This waste includes TVs, smartphones, solar panels, refrigerators, and many other devices. Their number is
expected to rise by another 17% by 2021, where it will amount to nearly to 52.2 million metric tonnes of e-
waste.

In a press release, the United Nations University compared the weight of 2016’s e-waste to “nine Great
Pyramids of Giza, 4,500 Eiffel Towers, or 1.23 million fully loaded 18-wheel 40-ton trucks, enough to form
a line from New York to Bangkok and back.”

Every year the number is growing exponentially. According to ASSOCHAM, an industrial body
in India the, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of electronic waste is 30%. With changing
consumer behavior and rapid economic growth, ASSOCHAM estimates that India will generate
5.2 million tonnes of e-waste by 2020.
  Plastic Waste:
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing
production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic
pollution is most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems
are often inefficient or nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low
recycling rates, also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics.

The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark
side: today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of
these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet
they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Growth, production and per capita consumption

 Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by
2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.

 Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations.
That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline
around the world.
 The massive generation of plastic waste in India is due to rapid urbanization, spread of retail
chains, plastic packaging from grocery to food and vegetable products, to cosmetics and
consumer items.
 India’s plastic consumption at 11 kilogrammes is still only a tenth of the US and less than a
third of China’s, according to PlastIndia 2015. But, the projected high growth rates of GDP and
continuing rapid urbanisation suggest that India’s trajectory of plastic consumption and plastic
waste is likely to increase.
 The plastic processing industry in 2018 estimated that polymer consumption from 2017 to 2022
is likely to grow at 10.4 per cent, nearly half of which is single-use plastic.
 The CPCB’s Annual Report (2018) observed that data on the status of implementation of Plastic
Waste Management Rules, 2016, were submitted by only 13 State Pollution Control Boards
(SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees. The report deduced that total plastic waste generated
was 660,787.85 tonnes per annum. The remaining 21 SPCBs/Union territories have till date not
submitted information on their implementation status of the policy.
 Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad are amongst the top
generators, while Gangtok, Panjim, Daman, Dwarka and Kavaratti are lowest on the index.
 Municipal Solid Waste
Municipal solid waste, commonly known as trash or garbage in the United States and rubbish in
Britain, is a waste type consisting of everyday items that are discarded by the public. "Garbage" can
also refer specifically to food waste, as in a garbage disposal; the two are sometimes collected
separately.

The total generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2017 was 267.8 million tons (U.S. short tons,
unless specified) or 4.51 pounds per person per day. Of the MSW generated, approximately 67 million
tons were recycled and 27 million tons were composted. Together, more than 94 million tons of MSW
were recycled and composted, equivalent to a 35.2 percent recycling and composting rate. In addition,
more than 34 million tons of MSW (12.7 percent) were combusted with energy recovery and more than
139 million tons of MSW (52.1 percent) were landfilled.

Generation of Municipal Solid Waste

The total generation of municipal solid waste in 2017 was 267.8 million tons of MSW, approximately
5.7 million tons more than the amount generated in 2015. MSW generated in 2017 increased to 4.51
pounds per person per day. This is an increase from the 262.1 million tons generated in 2015 and the
208.3 million tons in 1990.
Per capita MSW generation increased from 4.48 pounds per person per day in 2015 to 4.51 pounds per
person per day in 2017, which is one of the lowest estimates since 1990. MSW generation per person
per day peaked in 2000.

The waste produced in urban areas of India is approximately 170 000 tonnes per day, equivalent to
about 62 million tonnes per year, and this is expected to increase by 5% per year owing to increases in
population and changing lifestyles

India is experiencing rapid urbanization while remaining a country with physical, climatic,
geographical, ecological, social, cultural and linguistic diversity. The population of India was 1252
million in 2013, compared with 1028 million in 2001. Population growth is a major contributor to
increasing MSW in India.

Growth of mega cities in India

Megacities are a relatively recent phenomenon, associated with globalization of the economy, culture
and technology. Megacities in India include Ahmedabad (6.3 million), Hyderabad (7.7 million),
Bangalore (8.4 million), Chennai (8.6 million), Kolkata (14.1 million), Delhi (16.3 million) and Greater
Mumbai (18.4 million). These have dynamic economic growth and high waste generation per capita,
  Radioactive Waste
Radioactive waste is nuclear fuel that is produced after being used inside of a nuclear reactor. Although
it looks the same as it did before it went inside of the nuclear producer it has changed compounds and is
nothing like the same. What is left is considered radioactive material and is very dangerous to anyone.
This is very dangerous and remains this way for not just a few years but for thousands of years.

High-level nuclear waste, simply put, is spent fuel that is still present after it has been used inside of
nuclear reactors. This radioactive waste has to cool off for several years and is considered to be very
dangerous. The cooling process of this waste usually takes place inside of deep pools of water that are
several hundred feet deep. These pools can be located on-site of off-site of the nuclear facility although
the off-site facilities are limited and must be approved by the EPA .

Most of the radioactive waste that is around today is considered to be low level. In fact, about 90% of
all nuclear waste is low level. Nuclear reactors, hospitals, dental offices, and similar types of facilities
often use low-level nuclear waste materials on a daily basis and it is needed in order to provide the
services that are offered within these facilities. Low-level nuclear waste is not dangerous, and any of it
can be disposed of inside of a landfill. This is the reason why it does not require shielding during
handling and transport.

Proliferation concerns
Since uranium and plutonium are nuclear weapons materials, there have been proliferation concerns.
Ordinarily (in spent nuclear fuel), plutonium is reactor-grade plutonium. In addition to plutonium-239,
which is highly suitable for building nuclear weapons, it contains large amounts of undesirable
contaminants: plutonium-240, plutonium-241, and plutonium-238. These isotopes are extremely
difficult to separate, and more cost-effective ways of obtaining fissile material exist (e.g., uranium
enrichment or dedicated plutonium production reactors).
High-level waste is full of highly radioactive fission products, most of which are relatively short-lived.
This is a concern since if the waste is stored, perhaps in deep geological storage, over many years the
fission products decay, decreasing the radioactivity of the waste and making the plutonium easier to
access. The undesirable contaminant Pu-240 decays faster than the Pu-239, and thus the quality of the
bomb material increases with time (although its quantity decreases during that time as well). Thus,
some have argued, as time passes, these deep storage areas have the potential to become "plutonium
mines", from which material for nuclear weapons can be acquired with relatively little difficulty. Critics
of the latter idea have pointed out the difficulty of recovering useful material from sealed deep storage
areas makes other methods preferable. Specifically, the high radioactivity and heat (80°C in
surrounding rock) greatly increases the difficulty of mining a storage area, and the enrichment methods
required have high capital costs.
  Energy storage
Energy storage systems provide a wide array of technological approaches to managing our
power supply in order to create a more resilient energy infrastructure and bring cost savings to
utilities and consumers. To help understand the diverse approaches currently being deployed
around the world, we have divided them into five main categories:
 Batteries – a range of electrochemical storage solutions, including
advanced chemistry batteries, flow batteries, and capacitors
 Thermal – capturing heat and cold to create energy on demand or offset
energy needs
 Mechanical Storage – other innovative technologies to harness kinetic
or gravitational energy to store electricity
 Hydrogen – excess electricity generation can be converted into
hydrogen via electrolysis and stored
 Pumped Hydropower – creating large-scale reservoirs of energy with
water
1) BATTERIES
A battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored
chemical energy into electrical energy. Each cell contains a positive terminal, or cathode, and
a negative terminal, or anode. Electrolytes allow ions to move between the electrodes
and terminals, which allows current to flow out of the battery to perform work.

 Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries

Stanley Whittingham developed the concept of lithium-ion batteries in the 1970s, Sony and
Asahi Kasei created the first commercial product in 1991. The first batteries were used for
consumer electronics and now, building on the success of these Li-ion batteries, many
companies are developing larger-format cells for use in energy-storage applications. Many also
expect there to be significant synergies with the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) powered
by Li-ion batteries. The flexibility of Li-ion technology in EV applications, from small high-
power batteries for power buffering in hybrids, to medium-power batteries providing both
electric-only range and power buffering in plug-in hybrids, to high-energy batteries in electric-
only vehicles, has similar value in stationary energy storage.
  Lead Batteries
Lead batteries are the most extensively used rechargeable battery technology in the world. They
have an unrivalled track record for reliability and safety, which together with a well-established
worldwide supplier base, make them the dominant battery in terms of MWh of production.
Lead batteries are widely used in cars and trucks, being used in virtually all vehicles,
supporting increased vehicle hybridization and electrification, all the way from start-stop
technology to full electric vehicles. In addition, lead batteries are widely used in industrial
applications, where they provide energy for telecommunications, uninterrupted power supply,
secure power, electric traction and for energy storage for utilities as well as domestic and
commercial applications.

 Nickel-Cadmium (NI-CD) Batteries

In commercial production since the 1910s, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) is a traditional battery type
that has seen periodic advances in electrode technology and packaging in order to remain
viable. While not exceling in typical measures such as energy density or first cost, Ni-Cd
batteries remain relevant by providing simple implementation without complex management
systems, while providing long life and reliable service.

 Iron-Chromium (ICB) Flow Batteries

Iron-chromium flow batteries were pioneered and studied extensively by NASA in the 1970s –
1980s and by Mitsui in Japan. The iron-chromium flow battery is a redox flow battery (RFB).
Energy is stored by employing the Fe2+ – Fe3+ and Cr2+ – Cr3+ redox couples. The active
chemical species are fully dissolved in the aqueous electrolyte at all times. Like other true
RFBs, the power and energy ratings of the iron-chromium system are independent of each
other, and each may be optimized separately for each application. All the other benefits and
distinctions of true RFBs compared to other energy storage systems are realized by iron-
chromium RFBs.
 2) THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE
How much energy is stored in a coffee thermos? How about in a tray of ice cubes? Thermal
energy storage technologies allow us to temporarily reserve energy produced in the form of
heat or cold for use at a different time.

Take for example modern solar thermal power plants, which produce all of their energy when
the sun is shining during the day. The excess energy produced during peak sunlight is often
stored in these facilities – in the form of molten salt or other materials – and can be used into
the evening to generate steam to drive a turbine to produce electricity. Alternatively, a facility
can use ‘off-peak’ electricity rates which are lower at night to produce ice, which can be
incorporated into a building’s cooling system to lower demand for energy during the day.

A well-designed thermos or cooler can store energy effectively throughout the day, in the same
way thermal energy storage is an effective resource at capturing and storing energy on a
temporary basis to be used at a later time.

 Pumped Heat Electrical Storage (PHES)

In Pumped Heat Electrical Storage (PHES), electricity is used to drive a storage engine
connected to two large thermal stores. To store electricity, the electrical energy drives a heat
pump, which pumps heat from the “cold store” to the “hot store” (similar to the operation of a
refrigerator). To recover the energy, the heat pump is reversed to become a heat engine. The
engine takes heat from the hot store, delivers waste heat to the cold store, and produces
mechanical work. When recovering electricity the heat engine drives a generator.

 Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES)

Liquid Air Energy Storage – Using liquefied air to create a potent energy reserve.

Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) uses electricity to cool air until it liquefies, stores the liquid
air in a tank, brings the liquid air back to a gaseous state (by exposure to ambient air or with
waste heat from an industrial process) and uses that gas to turn a turbine and generate
electricity. LAES systems use off the shelf components with long lifetimes (30 years +),
resulting in low technology risk. Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) is sometimes referred to as
Cryogenic Energy Storage (CES). The word “cryogenic” refers to the production of very low
temperatures.

Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES), also referred to as Cryogenic Energy Storage (CES), is a
long duration, large scale energy storage technology that can be located at the point of demand.
The working fluid is liquefied air or liquid nitrogen (~78% of air). LAES systems share
performance characteristics with pumped hydro and can harness industrial low-grade waste
heat/waste cold from co-located processes. Size extends from around 5MW to 100s+MWs and,
with capacity and energy being de-coupled, the systems are very well suited to long duration
applications.

3) MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE

Mechanical energy storage systems take advantage of kinetic or gravitational forces to store
inputted energy. While the physics of mechanical systems are often quite simple (e.g. spin a
flywheel or lift weights up a hill), the technologies that enable the efficient and effective use of
these forces are particularly advanced. High-tech materials, cutting-edge computer control
systems, and innovative design make these systems feasible in real-world applications.

 Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESS)

Flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) use electric energy input which is stored in the form
of kinetic energy. Kinetic energy can be described as “energy of motion,” in this case the
motion of a spinning mass, called a rotor. The rotor spins in a nearly frictionless enclosure.
When short-term backup power is required because utility power fluctuates or is lost, the inertia
allows the rotor to continue spinning and the resulting kinetic energy is converted to electricity.
Most modern high-speed flywheel energy storage systems consist of a massive rotating
cylinder (a rim attached to a shaft) that is supported on a stator – the stationary part of an
electric generator – by magnetically levitated bearings. To maintain efficiency, the flywheel
system is operated in a vacuum to reduce drag. The flywheel is connected to a motor-generator
that interacts with the utility grid through advanced power electronics.

 Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a way to store energy generated at one time for use at
another time. At utility scale, energy generated during periods of low energy demand (off-peak)
can be released to meet higher demand (peak load) periods.

Since the 1870’s, CAES systems have been deployed to provide effective, on-demand energy
for cities and industries. While many smaller applications exist, the first utility-scale CAES
system was put in place in the 1970’s with over 290 MW nameplate capacity. CAES offers the
potential for small-scale, on-site energy storage solutions as well as larger installations that can
provide immense energy reserves for the grid.
 4) HYDROGEN ENERGY STORAGE WORKS
Electricity can be converted into hydrogen by electrolysis. The hydrogen can be then stored and
eventually re-electrified. The round trip efficiency today is lower than other storage
technologies. Despite this low efficiency the interest in hydrogen energy storage is growing due
to the much higher storage capacity compared to batteries (small scale) or pumped hydro and
CAES (large scale).

 Hydrogen Storage
Small amounts of hydrogen (up to a few MWh) can be stored in pressurized vessels, or solid
metal hydrides or nanotubes can store hydrogen with a very high density. Very large amounts
of hydrogen can be stored in constructed underground salt caverns of up to 500,000 cubic
meters at 2,900 psi, which would mean about 100 GWh of stored electricity electricity. In this
way, longer periods of flaws or of excess wind / PV energy production can be leveled. Even
balancing seasonal variations might be possible.
 5) PUMPED HYDROPOWER
Gravity is a powerful, inescapable force that surrounds us at all times – and it also underpins
one of the most established energy storage technologies, pumped hydro-power. Currently the
most common type of energy storage is pumped hydroelectric facilities, and we have employed
this utility-scale gravity storage technology for the better part of the last century in the United
States and around the world.

A hydroelectric dam relies on water flowing through a turbine to create electricity to be used on
the grid. In order to store energy for use at a later time, there are a number of different projects
that use pumps to elevate water into a retained pool behind a dam – creating an on-demand
energy source that can be unleashed rapidly. When more energy is needed on the grid, water
from that pool is run through turbines to produce electricity.

Because of the immense scale achieved through these applications, this is the most common
type of grid-level energy storage based on megawatts installed today.

 Pumped Hydroelectric Storage

Pumped hydroelectric storage facilities store energy in the form of water in an upper reservoir,
pumped from another reservoir at a lower elevation. During periods of high
electricity demand, power is generated by releasing the stored water through turbines in the
same manner as a conventional hydropower station. During periods of low demand (usually
nights or weekends when electricity is also lower cost), the upper reservoir is recharged by
using lower-cost electricity from the grid to pump the water back to the upper reservoir.

Reversible pump-turbine/motor-generator assemblies can act as both pumps and turbines.

Pumped storage stations are unlike traditional hydroelectric stations in that they are a net
consumer of electricity, due to hydraulic and electrical losses incurred in the cycle of pumping
from lower to upper reservoirs. However, these plants are typically highly efficient (round-trip
efficiencies reaching greater than 80%), and can prove very beneficial in terms of
balancing load within the overall power system. Pumped-storage facilities can be very
economical due to peak and off-peak price differentials and their potential to provide critical
ancillary grid services.

EXTRA MATERIAL (Out of Syllabus) Read and learn only data.

Today we need about 1.75 planets to provide the resources for our
consumption and absorb our waste. By 2030, we will need 2 planets
What exactly are we consuming?
The global footprint measures human demand on nature. To illustrate, we
extract 88 billion tons of natural resources from Earth every year (In 2017).

 Biomass: 22.5 billion tonnes

 Fossil fuels: 15 billion tonnes
 Metal ores: 9.1 billion tonnes
 Non-metallic minerals: 41.7 billion tonnes
This is a lot. Over 11 tons of natural resources for every single person on
Earth. And the numbers keep going up. By 2050, we will use twice as much.
Unless we change.

Characteristics of the Human Age

The reason for the naming of a new Epoch is the massive impact the
human population have had on Earth - especially since around 1950. The
effects include:

 Cutting down of forests - forests cut down or burned this

year: 7878498.45 hectares
 Extinction of species and destruction of wildlife - Percent of species in
critical risk of extinction: 21.18536559 %
 Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
 Pollution of air, oceans, land.

70 % overuse: The consequence of a global consumer

society
The 5.6 billion consumers in the world by 2030 will result in a massive
increase in the demand for energy, food, electronics, clothing,
transportation, housing, furniture and so on. Some of the consequences of
the increased demand are pretty spooky…

 No more rainforests - According to NASA, if the current rate of

deforestation continues, the world's rain forests will be gone by the end
of the century - This countdown needs to be
stopped! 79y262d04h26m28s
 No more water - The consumer society requires massive amounts of
water. More than Earth can provide. "There will be no water by 2040 if
we keep doing what we're doing today", according to Professor
Benjamin Sovacool of Aarhus University, Denmark. Not exactly
something to look forward to... 19y262d04h26m27s
 No more fish in the ocean - The growing consumer class means an
increased demand for fish and seafood putting pressure on oceans that
are already being overfished. If overfishing does not stop, the world will
virtually run out of seafood in 2048, according to a four-year study of
7,800 marine species: 27y262d04h26m27s
 Time left to the end of oil
47y 262d 04h 19m 52s
Above data is Extra material (Out of syllabus) for understanding the
importance of natural resources.
  What is Energy Conservation?
Energy conservation is one of the words you are hearing more and more. Unfortunately, a lot of
the places you will hear it will be in ads marketing products or lifestyle habits that may have
nothing to do with actual energy conservation. To learn what real energy conservation
techniques are, you have to begin to understand the theory of conservation behind them.

Understanding Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is not about making limited resources last as long as they can, that would
mean that you are doing nothing more than prolong a crisis until you finally run out of energy
resources all together.
Conservation is the process of reducing demand on a limited supply and enabling that supply to
begin to rebuild itself. Many times the best way of doing this is to replace the energy used with
an alternate.
In the case of fossil fuels, the conservation also can include finding new ways to tap into the
Earth’s supply so that the commonly used oil fields are not drained completely. This allows for
those fields to replenish themselves more. This is not a process that happens overnight, when
you are talking about replenishing natural resources you are talking about alleviating excess
demand on the supply in 100’s of years’ time to allow nature to recover.
Without energy conservation, the world will deplete its natural resources. While some people
don’t see that as an issue because it will take many decades to happen and they foresee that by
the time the natural resource is gone there will be an alternative; the depletion also comes at the
cost of creating an enormous destructive waste product that then impacts the rest of life. The
goal with energy conservation techniques is reduce demand, protect and replenish supplies,
develop and use alternative energy sources, and to clean up the damage from the prior energy
processes.

Practical Methods of Energy Conservation

Below are 9 energy conservation techniques that can help you to reduce your overall carbon
footprint and save money in the long run.
1. Install CFL Lights: Try replacing incandescent bulbs in your home with CFL bulbs. CFL
bulbs cost more upfront but last 12 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs
will not only save energy but over time you end up saving money.
2. Fix Air Leaks: Proper insulation will fix air leaks that could be costing you. During winter
months, you
could be letting out a lot of heat if you do not have a proper insulation. You can fix those leaks
yourself or
call an energy expert to do it for you.
3. Use Maximum Daylight: Turn of lights during the day and use daylight as much as
possible. This will reduce the burden on the local power grid and save you good amount of
money in the long run.
4. Get Energy Audit Done: Getting energy audit done by hiring an energy audit expert for
your home is an energy conservation technique that can help you conserve energy and save
good amount of money every month. Home energy audit is nothing but a process that helps you
to identify areas in your home where it is losing energy and what steps you can take to
overcome them. Implement the tips and suggestions given by those energy experts and you
might see some drop in your monthly electricity bill.
5. Use Energy Efficient Appliances: When planning to buy some electrical appliances, prefer
to buy one with Energy Star rating. Energy efficient appliances with Energy Star rating
consume less energy and save you money. They might cost you more in the beginning but it is
much more of an investment for you.
6. Drive Less, Walk More and Carpooling: Yet another energy conservation technique is to
drive less and walk more. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also keep
you healthy as walking is a good exercise. If you go to office by car and many of your
colleagues stay nearby, try doing carpooling with them. This will not only bring down your
monthly bill you spend on fuel but will also make you socially more active.
7. Switch Off Appliances when Not in Use: Electrical appliances like coffee machine, idle
printer, desktop computer keep on using electricity even when not in use. Just switch them of if
you don’t need them immediately.
8. Plant Shady Landscaping: Shady landscaping outside your home will protect it from
intense heat during hot and sunny days and chilly winds during the winter season. This will
keep your home cool during summer season and will eventually turn to big savings when you
calculate the amount of energy saved at the end of the year.
9. Install Energy Efficient Windows: Some of the older windows installed at our homes aren’t
energy efficient. Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are much better than single pane
windows.
Choosing correct blinds can save on your power bills.

Other Energy Conservation Techniques

1. Education:
2. Zero Energy Balance:
 3. Alternative Power:
4. Cap and Trade Agreements:
5. Reduced Demand:
6. Research & Development:

 What is Green Architecture?

Green architecture is a green building design technique. The designs are created with the
environment in mind including focusing on the larger construction implications
of environmental sustainability. Green architecture gives careful consideration to designing
energy efficient and eco-friendly houses and buildings. Natural ecology is a key concept in
green architectural providing the basis for the construction model.

The goal of green architecture is to create models that safeguard the natural environment and
are adapted to integrate well with the existing environmental setting in terms of space and
energy, water and resource use. The designs have to be sustainable from the initial
consultations, site survey and design, plan modification, material use, harmony with the
existing ecology, and green building choices to guarantee that all the environmentally
friendly details are included.

 Materials Used in Green Architecture

The materials used in green architecture are those that encourage good thermal
performance, energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource management and save general
construction costs. The materials long-term effects on the environment are a key criterion for
selection. The following list provides a guide to the types of materials which are suitable for
green building.

1. Recycled products

Recycled content products are used in green architecture on account of their resource
efficiency. Examples of recycled products include paper insulation from recycled newspapers
and cardboards, cotton insulation from recycled denim, recycled stone and recycled steel. They
are effective because they use fewer chemicals and energy to process and also require fewer
virgin resources.

2. Materials manufactured with resource efficient processes

These materials are preferred in green construction because they not only require less energy to
produce but also minimize resource wastage and greenhouse gas emissions. An example is
sustainable concrete made from crushed glass and wood chips or slag.

3. Natural, abundant or renewable materials

These materials can be obtained from sustainably managed and naturally occurring sources.
They must also be renewable and adequately abundant in nature. Examples are certified wood
and solar tiles.

4. Refurbished or remanufactured

As the name suggests, these are the materials that are refurbished or remanufactured. Their
essentiality includes their inherent capacity to create value and saving materials from disposal
or generating landfill waste. The materials are renovated, repaired or improved in performance,
functionality or quality. Examples include plastic ceilings.

5. Reusable and recyclable materials

These are the materials that were previously used, but are still in good condition and can be
used in new construction. Examples include old plumbing and old doors.

6. Durable materials

Materials that last longer are more environmentally friendly because they eliminate the need for
frequent replacements and maintenance. They also reduce the overall costs of dependence of
new upgrades in an already constructed building or house. Besides, durable materials have high
reusable and recyclable value.

7. Locally available

The use of locally available materials is also part of green architecture since it minimizes
transportation costs, greenhouse gas emission during transportation, and the interference with
the local ecology.

8. Non-toxic materials

Non-toxic materials are highly recommended in green architecture. They promote IAQ and
they are substantially low in carcinogen elements, irritants or reproductive toxicants.

9. Moisture resistant products

Moisture resistant materials are the ones that hinder the growth of biological contaminants in
buildings. They are 100% moisture resistant and thus highly preferred in green architecture in
terms of improving IAQ.

10. Low VOC products

Products with low VOCs are a greatly desired in green architecture designs. They improve IAQ
since they are non-toxic and less hazardous to the occupant’s health.
11. Water and energy conserving materials

Water conserving materials help in reducing the overall water requirements during construction
and also in the lifecycle of the building or house. The materials are designed to reduce water
wastage and enhance water quality in the landscape areas and within the building. Energy
conserving materials, on the other hand, capitalize on scaling down energy costs and improving
energy efficiency of the buildings. Examples of energy efficient materials are solar tiles and
smart insulators.

 Principles of Green Architecture

As the world migrates towards a more sustainable future, architects are confronted with an
important goal of design models that lessen the negative impacts on our environment due to
construction. To make this a reality, the designs are guided by the principles of green
architecture. Here are the principles.

1. Energy efficiency
The principles of green architecture incorporate various measures that encourage energy
efficiency. It is done through designs that cut down energy consumption including the energy
requirements for energy use and the exploitation of alternative and sustainable energy sources
such as wind and solar. For instance, green architecture takes care of natural air flow patterns
and natural lighting to reduce the needs for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning; and
artificial daytime lighting respectively. The designs simply insist on reducing the lifetime costs
of heating, lighting, air condition and other electric power usage requirements.

2. Water efficiency
Green architecture works with the inspiration of ecological surrounding to protect water
quality and reduce water consumption or wastage. It is part of the sustainable principles in
green construction which encourage the efficient use of water. This green architecture principle
makes certain that water is harvested, used, purified and re-used during the entire construction
period. At the same time, the architectural design ensures that in the entire life cycle of the
building not only supports efficient water use but also preserves the quality of surrounding
water systems and makes use of water recycling mechanisms.

3. Land use efficiency

Land use efficiency pertains to architectural designs that encourage suitable site development in
terms of preservation of the surrounding environment and reuse of existing local materials. It
advocates for the incorporation of roof gardens, earth shelters and extensive landscaping around
and throughout the building.

4. Low environmental impact and conservation of natural characteristics

Construction projects are proven to be responsible for more than 50% of environmental impacts
and the destruction of natural systems. Construction projects also contribute to about 10% of
the total global emissions every year. One of the principles of green architecture is to therefore
use green designs to lessen these environmental impacts. Particularly, this green principle is all
about preventing degradation of the site during construction, sprawl management, and the
controlled use of resources as well as ensuring energy-efficient buildings lessen the overall
impacts on the environment. The design aids in the conservation of natural resources, improved
water and air quality, and the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.

5. Material efficiency
The proper management and use of materials in construction is also another huge concern.
Proper construction techniques have to be employed and this is where green architecture comes
in. As such, material efficiency is one of the green architecture principles as it creates designs
that inspire sustainable construction by optimizing the construction operations. Material
efficiency as a green architectural principle sees to it that the lifetime of the building enhances
efficiency in terms of maintenance and operations. Energy efficiency and resource conservation
are the aspects incorporated in the designs to guarantee overall material efficiency.

6. Low maintenance costs

As stated earlier, the operational and construction costs associated with the conventional
construction mechanisms prove quite high and are equally material demanding. Green
architectural design facilitates the use of materials and construction techniques that help in
cutting back the operational and construction costs by more than half, all attributed to their
cost-effectiveness. This green architecture principle necessitates the need of using renewable
plant products, recycled metal and recycled stone among other non-toxic products. Renewable
and reusable products ensure high performance while at the same time reducing the long-term
maintenance costs.

7. Waste reduction
Green architecture advances the demand for reducing the wastage of water, energy, and
materials during and even after construction. On this basis, the green architectural design offer
easier ways of reducing the amount of consumer product wastage generated by the building
occupants through the integration of on-site solutions like compost bins and eco-friendly waste
management system. The design also takes care of water recycling and energy saving
approaches in construction to reduce water and energy wastage respectively.

8. Use of renewable energy

Among the green architecture principles is the use of renewable energy. This principle ideally
works to make renewable energy part of the architectural design or a highly recommended
feature. The use of wind power, solar energy and biogas are examples of renewable energy
technologies which are often included in the green architecture designs. The architects are keen
at tailoring the designs based on the geographical locations to take full advantage of the
available renewable energy. For instance, green oriented architects design buildings to fully
utilize the seasonal changes in the sun’s position and other regional renewable energy sources
such as wind and biomass.
 9. Indoor environmental quality
Indoor environmental quality is also part of the green architecture principles. The designing of
a house or commercial building based on the green principles involves the features of
comfortable interior space with an emphasis on natural temperature control, proper ventilation
and the use of products that do not give off toxic compounds or gases. The purpose of the
principle is to assure the quality of indoor environments.

 Green Buildings: it’s Concept, Benefits and Design

 Concept:
Green building is a whole-systems approach for designing and constructing buildings that
conserve energy, water, and material resources and are more healthy, safe, and comfortable.
Many think of solar panels when they think of “green” building.

The reality is that environmentally sustainable building goes far beyond energy consumption.
Building materials and use of landfills during construction can have detrimental effects on
volunteers, home owners and the environment.

Green building offers a response to the realization that the way we have been building
everything from houses to skyscrapers is not sustainable. Many health problems today stem
from, or are aggravated by poor indoor air quality and exposure to toxic substances contained
in commonly used building products. Green building practices can eliminate these health
damaging conditions.

 Benefits:
Adopting even one or two green strategies can have significant benefits for the home owner as
well as for the environment:

a. Energy efficiency is one of the primary advantages of green building. Energy consumption
can be dramatically slashed. Below are a few of the strategies that go into making a house
exceptionally energy efficient.

b. Orient the house to reduce solar gain in summer and capture the sun’s light and warmth in
winter.

c. Carefully sized overhangs or awnings will protect windows from the summer sun while
admitting the sun’s warming rays in winter when it is at a lower angle known as a ground-
source heat pump system, consumes no fossil fuels at all, and provides outstanding
performance year-round with an extraordinarily low operating cost.

d. Maximize natural light to reduce the need for electrical usage during the day

e. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) are big energy savers. Incandescent bulbs are highly
inefficient, converting just 10% of the energy they use into light — the other 90% produces
only heat. GEL’s are up to six times more efficient and last up to ten times longer. Choose
CFL’s with warm color temperatures (around 2, 7000 to 3,000° Kelvin) which are
indistinguishable from incandescent lights.
f. Cut energy consumption further with clean, renewable energy from photovoltaic panels.
During periods when the panels produce more power than the house is using, the electric meter
will actually run backwards. In some locales, wind generated electricity is also an option

g. All newly built homes to produce more energy than they consumed by 2020. Renovate all
existing buildings to save energy. Ban incandescent light bulbs by 2010. Reduce green house-
gas emissions by 20% by 2020.

h. Increase renewable energy from 9% to 20-25% of total energy consumptions by 2020.

i. Reduce air pollutants quantitatively.

j. Create a national network of green corridors and nature reserves.

k. Increase organic farming from 2% to 6% of total acreage production by 2010 and to 20% by
2020.

l. Ecological groups to be stakeholders, like trade unions, in government negotiations.

 Design Considerations:
The following are considered in designing green buildings:
Design an energy-efficient building:
Use high levels of insulation, high- performance windows, and tight construction. In southern
climates, choose glazing’s with low solar heat gain.

Design buildings to use renewable energy:

Passive solar heating, day lighting, and natural cooling can be incorporated cost-effectively into
most buildings. Also consider solar water heating and photovoltaic-or design buildings for
future solar installations.

Optimize material use:

Minimize waste by designing for standard ceiling heights and building dimensions. Avoid
waste from structural over-design (use optimum-value engineering/advanced framing).
Simplify building geometry. Design water-efficient, low-maintenance landscaping:
Conventional lawns have a high impact because of water use, pesticide use, and pollution
generated from mowing. Landscape with drought-resistant native plants and perennial
groundcovers.

Mote it easy for occupants to recycle waste:

Make provisions for storage and processing of recyclables—recycling bins near the kitchen,
under sink compost receptacles, and the like. Look into the feasibility of gray water: Water
from sinks, showers, or clothes washers (gray water) can be recycled for irrigation in some
areas. If current codes prevent gray-water recycling, consider designing the plumbing for easy
future adaptation.

Design for durability:

To spread the environmental impacts of building over as long a period as possible, the structure
must be durable. A building with a durable style (“timeless architecture”) will be more likely to
realize a long life.
Design for future reuse and adaptability:
Make the structure datable to other uses, and choose materials and components that can be
reused or recycled.

Design for durability:

To spread the environmental impacts of building over as long a period as possible, the structure
must be durable. A building with a durable style (“timeless architecture”) will be more likely to
realize a long life.

Design for future reuse and adaptability:

Make the structure datable to other uses, and choose materials and components that can be
reused or recycled.

Design for future reuse and adaptability:

Make the structure datable to other uses, and choose materials and components that can be
reused or recycled.

Renovate older buildings:

Conscientiously renovating existing buildings is the most sustainable construction.

 What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green
building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a
framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is
a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

LEED Rating System for Green Buildings

The LEED system is more associated with the construction of green buildings. This is not for a
particular type of green building, but any type for building that is constructed to have green and
sustainable performance can apply for a LEED certification.
The LEED system is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is found to be one of the
most popular green building certification that is used worldwide.

The LEED system is developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED
rating system have a series of rating system for the design, operation, construction and the
maintenance of the green buildings.

The main objective is the development of a structure that make the building owner and the
operator to be environmentally responsible and utilizes the resources efficiently.
Green Buildings and LEED Rating System

The green buildings are property with higher performance that considers and diminish the
impact on the environment and the society.

When analyzing the record of green buildings that are constructed all around the world, 98 % of
the green buildings are certified by the LEED system.

You cannot regard a building as green even if it has followed all the design and construction
criteria as that of a green building. It is regarded as green only when it is properly certified by a
commercial green building rating system like LEED.

Features of LEED Rating Certification

The LEED rating system is carried out based on points. These point values finally provide an
aggregate at the final stage. All the buildings are compared based on this aggregate obtained.

The LEED system comprises a combination of well discipline practices from the area of
architecture, interior design, engineering, landscaping architecture and construction.

The LEED rating system is a combination of performance standards and prescriptive standards.
When considering the both aspects, the LEED system is more focused on the performance
standards.

As mentioned before the LEED certification is gained based on the total points that is gained by
the building. There are different levels in which the LEED certification is awarded. They are:
 1. Certified: This means that the project under the LEED evaluation have scored more
than 40% of the basic points in the system.
2. Silver: This means the project under consideration have scored more than 50% of the
core points.
3. Gold: This means the building under consideration have gained more than 60% of the
core points.
4. Platinum: This is top level, where the building project have gained more than 80%of
the core points.

 LEED Rating System For Different Building Types

The LEED system encompasses various categories of rating systems that is in the field of
design, construction, homes, operation of the buildings and the neighborhoods. The systems
are:

1. The LEED system for Green Building Design and the Construction
This will include four categories:
a. LEED system for New Construction
b. LEED system for Core and Shell
c. LEED system for School Buildings
d. LEED system for the New construction and Renovations in a major scale
e. LEED system for Healthcare
2. The LEED system for Green Interior Design and the Construction
This will include two categories:
a. LEED system for Interior Works in Commercial Scale
b. LEED system For Retail: Interior works in Commercial Scale
3. The LEED system for Green Building Operation and Its Maintenance
This include a single category of LEED system for the Operations and the Maintenance of the
Existing Building
4. The LEED system for the Green Neighborhood Development

5. The LEED system for the Green Home Design and the Construction.
The 8 LEED categories:
Innovation & Design Process (11 points)

Green building begins at the design phase, and this category encourages builders to put together
their building team early and involve them in the design process. It is here that regional issues
and home durability is addressed, and building orientation is determined to maximise passive
solar gains.

Locations & Linkages (10 points)

The location and linkages category aims to reduce the need for new infrastructure development
by encouraging building on previously developed land with access to community resources,
public transportation and existing infrastructure such as water, sewage and hydro.

LEED encourages condensed housing and building on infill lots which serves to protect green
space and environmentally sensitive areas by slowing urban sprawl.

Sustainable Sites (22 points)

Any new construction will have an ecological impact. This category seeks to limit that impact
on the building site, as well as the surrounding environment and waterways.

Points are awarded for responsible site stewardship during both construction and the lifecycle
of the home. For example, managing storm water runoff and erosion; safeguarding the
permeability of soil; reducing construction related pollution; and by encouraging non-toxic pest
control and regionally appropriate landscaping that reduces the need for irrigation.
Water Efficiency (15 points)

The goal of this category is to reduce the overall consumption of water inside the home and out.
Points are earned for water conscious home design including efficient appliances, fixtures and
fittings; and reducing outdoor irrigation needs through rain water collection and water
recycling.

Energy & Atmosphere (38 points)

Our homes are an enormous consumer of energy. This LEED category aims to reduce overall
operational consumption through better building envelopes (insulation, doors and windows)
and more efficient appliances and fixtures.

Certification requires a blower door test where homes are depressurized and tested for air leaks
before drywall is installed, so any necessary air seal repairs can be made. Minimum standards
must be met for certification and points are awarded for exemplary performance.

This category also deals with heating, cooling, domestic hot water and any renewable energy
generation features. Given that this is where the energy performance of your home is
determined, it is also where the greatest amount of points can be achieved.

Materials & Resources (16 points)

During both construction and operation, buildings generate a lot of waste and use large
quantities of materials and natural resources. The Materials & Resources category encourages
the selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced, and transported products and materials
with a documented chain of custody. It also promotes waste reduction as well as material reuse
and recycling.

Indoor Environmental Quality (21 points)

There are upwards of 80,000 known chemicals in various household products, materials,
finishes, and furnishings. The most commonly found contaminants in homes include
formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon gas, mold, pet dander, and dust. These can cause a
variety of adverse health effects including allergies, asthma and respiratory illnesses.

LEED rewards builders for taking steps to reduce or eliminate many of these pollutants. Air
quality is improved through design features, material choices, moisture control measures,
combustion venting, home ventilation, and air filtering. This results in a healthier indoor
environment and greater satisfaction, health and comfort among occupants.

Awareness & Education (3 points)

The Awareness & Education category encourages builders to provide homeowners with the
necessary knowledge to run the systems of their home properly, and publicly promote green
building and the LEED rating system.
Builders are required to provide homeowners with a minimum one hour educational
walkthrough to identify and provide instruction of the home’s operational systems, as well as
provide homeowners with the completed LEED checklist and accompanying paperwork,
including manuals on all home systems.

Once all of the prerequisites are met, the LEED rating system is a fairly adaptable process.
Modest sized homes are encouraged, but larger homes can meet certification with a bit more
effort.

Builders have the choice to go after the points that are important to them and their clients, to
help you reduce the impact and maximize the performance of the home you choose to live in.

 Embodied energy
Embodied energy is the total energy required for the extraction, processing, manufacture and
delivery of building materials to the building site. Energy consumption produces CO2, which
contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, so embodied energy is considered an indicator of the
overall environmental impact of building materials and systems.

Unlike the life cycle assessment, which evaluates all of the impacts over the whole life of a
material or element, embodied energy only considers the front-end aspect of the impact of a
building material. It does not include the operation or disposal of materials.

Why reduce embodied energy?

Energy consumption during manufacture can give an approximate indication of the
environmental impact of the material, and for most building materials, the major environmental
impacts occur during the initial processes.
 The total amount of embodied energy may account for 20% of the building’s energy use, so
reducing embodied energy can significantly reduce the overall environmental impact of the
building.

Embodied energy must be considered over the lifespan of a building, and in many situations, a
higher embodied energy building material or system may be justified because it reduces the
operating energy requirements of the building. For example, a durable material with a long
lifespan such as aluminium may be the appropriate material selection despite its high embodied
energy.

As the energy efficiency of a building increases, reducing the energy consumption, the
embodied energy of the building materials will also become increasingly important.

How is embodied energy measured?

Embodied energy is measured as the quantity of non-renewable energy per unit of building
material, component or system. It is expressed in megajoules (MJ) or gigajoules (GJ) per unit
weight (kg or tonne) or area (m2) but the process of calculating embodied energy is complex
and involves numerous sources of data.

Reducing embodied energy

Buildings should be designed and materials selected to balance embodied energy with factors
such as climate, availability of materials and transport costs.

Lightweight building materials often have lower embodied energy than heavyweight materials,
but in some situations, lightweight construction may result in higher energy use. For example,
where heating or cooling requirements are high, this may raise the overall energy use of the
building.

Conversely, for buildings with high heating or cooling requirements but where there is a large
diurnal (day/night) temperature range, heavyweight construction (typically with high embodied
energy) and the inclusion of high levels of insulation can offset the energy use required for the
building.

When selecting building materials, the embodied energy should be considered with respect to:

 the durability of building materials

 how easily materials can be separated
 use of locally sourced materials
 use of recycled materials
 specifying standard sizes of materials
 avoiding waste
 selecting materials that are manufactured using renewable energy sources.
The carbon footprint of new-build construction and renovation in New Zealand has been
estimated as the equivalent of more than 1 million cars on the country’s roads.

In 2019 the consultancy group think step published a report outlining strategies that could be
used to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. They found that steel and concrete
together make up over half of this carbon footprint (excluding fit-out and building services)
today.

The report says that a stand-alone house today with a floor area of 200 m2 has embodied
carbon of approximately 63 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent over its 90-year life. In the short-
term, these emissions can be reduced by 3 tonnes (5%) by specifying low-carbon concrete. In
the long-term, a saving of 18 tonnes (29%) could be achieved by improving the ways in which
key building materials are manufactured (chiefly by replacing coal with other fuels).

 National Institutions Promoting Energy Conservation in

India
1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
After the notification of energy conservation Act in the gazette of India in October 200l, the
Ministry of power, Government of India, established the bureau of energy efficiency (BEE) in
March 2002 with the mandate to implement the EC Act properly throughout the country.

BEE’s mission is to institutionalize energy efficiency services, enable delivery mechanisms in

the country and provide leadership to the key players involved in the energy conservation
movement. Its primary goal is to reduce the energy intensity in the economy.

BEE is the first energy efficiency promoting organization, which has been given wide legal
powers to enforce the energy conservation related provisions of the Act and also to take
punitive actions against the defaulters.

2. Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA):

Responding to the oil crisis of early seventies, the government had created petroleum
conservation research association (PCRA) in 1978 to identify potential and to promote
measures for accelerating conservation of petroleum products in various sectors of economy.

PCRA’s objectives comprise formulation of strategies and promotion of measures to accelerate

conservation of petroleum products leading to environment protection, energy security and
sustainable development. It also supports and facilitates efforts for substitution of petroleum
products with alternate and renewable fuels.
Currently under the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas, PCRA is one of the key organizations
working towards energy conservation with a special focus on energy efficiency in industrial
units. It sponsors R and D activities for the development of fuel-efficient equipment/devices
and organizes multi-media campaigns for creating mass awareness for the conservation of
petroleum products.

3. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA):

Indian renewable energy development agency (IREDA) is a profit making public sector
financing company under the administrative control of ministry of non-conventional energy
sources (MNES).

IREDA was promoted by the government in 1987, mainly for promotion of renewable energy
sources like wind, hydro, solar, biomass, waste to energy, etc. Later it diversified into energy
efficiency and conservation. Today IREDA extends financial assistance for renewable energy,
energy efficiency and conservation projects with the motto- ‘energy forever’.

4. National Productivity Council (NPC):

Founded in 1958 by the Government of India, the National Productivity Council (NPC) is a
national level autonomous, tri-partite, non-profit organization with equal representation from
the government, employers and workers organizations, apart from technical and professional
institutions.

Besides its headquarters at New Delhi, NPC operates through 12 offices in India with 250 full-
time highly qualified and experienced specialists representing various disciplines. Its services
include consultancy, training and research in the area of productivity and energy.

NPC has been active in the area of energy conservation and management for over three decades
and has undertaken numerous studies at macro, sectoral and unit levels through its team of
committed professionals. It promotes ratio use of energy through: optimization of methods
improvement, energy efficiency, technology up-gradation and application of alternative energy
sources.

5. National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB):

Established in 1962, the national council for cement and building materials (NCB) is the largest
industrial support organization of its kind in India. NCB’s main laboratories are located at
Ballabgarh, about 35 km south of New Delhi and its units at Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and
Bhubaneswar. It has a strong team of over 300 highly qualified and experienced engineers,
scientist and other professionals.

NCB has been actively engaged in carrying out energy audit studies, monitoring of energy
performance of cement plants. R and D on energy conservation and rational utilization of
energy, heat and gas balance studies, identification of leakages in kiln-preheated and other
gas/air circuits, identification of potentials for energy saving, on-site study of process
parameters, target-setting and monitoring, waste heat recovery for cogeneration of power,
creating awareness and motivation through national awards for energy efficiency in Indian
cement industry, manpower training in energy management and auditing, bringing out
publications/newsletter related to energy conservation aspects.

6. The Energy Research Institute (TERI):

The Energy Research Institute (TERI), formerly known as Tata energy research institute, was
established in 1974. In the initial period, TERI’s focus was mainly on documentation,
information dissemination and research activities in the fields of energy, environment and
sustainable development were initiated towards the end of 1982.

TERI has been actively working in close association with the Indian industry for developing
solutions for the challenges posed by the growing demand for energy. It has conducted energy
audits in more than 200 industrial organizations.

With a staff strength of over 600, today TERI is providing environment- friendly solutions to
rural energy problems, helping shape the development of the Indian oil and gas sector, tackling
global climate change issues across many continents, enhancing forest conservation efforts
among local communities, advancing solutions to growing urban transport and air pollution
problems and promoting energy efficiency in the Indian industry. It conducts various training
programs and also publishes books.

7. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):

The confederation of Indian industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment
conductive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government alike through
advisory and consultative processes. Founded over 110 years ago, it is India’s premier business
association with a direct membership of over 5300 companies from the private as well as public
sectors. It accords energy sector A + priority area. To provide focus and direction to energy
related issues, its energy division undertakes activities in power, hydrocarbons, coal,
renewables and energy efficiency.
In the year 1989, CII formed an energy management cell with the objective of promoting
energy efficiency in Indian industry. The cell is located at Chennai and it has recently extended
offering services from Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

8. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI):

Set up in 1927, on the advice of Mahatma Gandhi, the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the rallying point for free enterprises in India. It has
empowered Indian businesses in the changing times to shore up their competitiveness and
enhance their global reach.
With a nationwide membership of over 1500 corporates and over 500 chambers of commerce
and business associations, FICCI espouses the shared vision of Indian businesses and speaks
directly and indirectly for over 2,50,000 business units.

FICCI is committed to accelerate the process of development movement of energy

efficiency/conservation. The enactment of the energy conservation Act, 2001 has radically
changed its approach towards energy conservation efforts. It promotes energy efficiency
activities by conducting energy audits, energy conservation seminars, training programs and
workshops.

It has qualified experts for energy audits and experienced panel of faculties for training. FICCI
is also an accredited energy auditor of petroleum conservation research association (PCRA).

 ENERGY AUDIT FOR BUILDINGS

 INTRODUCTION
The energy audit in a building is a feasibility study. For it not only serves to identify energy use among
the various services and to identify opportunities for energy conservation [1], but it is also a crucial first
step in establishing an energy management programme. The audit will produce the data on which such
a programme is based. The study should reveal to the owner, manager, or management team of the
building the options available for reducing energy waste, the costs involved, and the benefits achievable
from implementing those energy-conserving opportunities (ECOs).

The energy management programme is a systematic on-going strategy for controlling a building's
energy consumption pattern. It is to reduce waste of energy and money to the minimum permitted by
the climate the building is located, its functions, occupancy schedules, and other factors. It establishes
and maintains an efficient balance between a building's annual functional energy requirements and its
annual actual energy consumption.

STAGES IN ENERGY PROGRAMME

The energy audit may range from a simple walk-through survey at one extreme to one that may span
several phases. These phases include a simple walk-through survey, followed by monitoring of energy
use in the building services, and then model analysis using computer simulation of building operation.
The complexity of the audit is therefore directly related to the stages or degree of sophistication of the
energy management programme and the cost of the audit exercise.
The first stage is to reduce energy use in areas where energy is wasted and reductions will not cause
disruptions to the various functions. The level of service must not be compromised by the reduction in
energy consumed. It begins with a detailed, step-by-step analysis of the building's energy use factors
and costs, such as insulation values, occupancy schedules, chiller efficiencies, lighting levels, and
records of utility and fuel expenditures. It includes the identification of specific ECOs, along with the
cost-effective benefits of each one. The completed study would provide the building owner with a
thorough and detailed basis for deciding which ECOs to implement, the magnitude of savings to be
expected, and the energy conservation goals to be established and achieved in the energy management
programme. However, the ECOs may yield modest gains.
The second stage is to improve efficiency of energy conversion equipment and to reduce energy use by
proper operations and maintenance. For this reason, it is necessary to reduce the number of operating
machines and operating hours according to the demands of the load, and fully optimize equipment
operations. Hence the ECOs would include the following:
• Building equipment operation
• Building envelope,
• Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation equipment and systems,
• Lighting systems,
• Power systems, and
• Miscellaneous services.

 SURVEYING THE BUILDING

A walk-through survey of a building may reveal several ECOs to the experienced eye of the auditor.
The survey could be divided into three parts.
1) Preliminary survey
Prior to the walk-through survey, the auditor may need to know the building and the way it is used. The
information can be obtained from:
• Architectural blueprints,
• Air-conditioning blueprints,
• Electrical lighting and power blueprints,
• Utility bills and operation logs for the year preceding the audit,
• Air-conditioning manuals and system data, and
• Building and plant operation schedules.

2) Walk-through
Thus having familiarized with the building, the walk-through process could be relatively
straightforward, if the blueprints and other preliminary information available describes the building and
its operation accurately. The process could begin with a walk around the building to study the building
envelope. Building features such as building wall colour, external sun-shading devices, window screens
and tint, and so on are noted as possible ECOs.
If a model analysis is included in the study, the building must be divided into zones of analysis. The
survey inside the building would include confirmation that the air-conditioning system is as indicated
on plans. Additions and alterations would be noted. The type and condition of the windows,
effectiveness of window seals, typical lighting and power requirements, occupancy and space usage are
noted. This information could be compared against the recommendations in the relevant Codes of
Practices.
System and plant data could be obtained by a visit to the mechanical rooms and plant room. Nameplate
data could be compared against those in the building's documents, and spot readings of the current
indicating panels for pumps and chillers recorded for estimating the load on the system.
3) Operator's input
The auditor may discuss with the building maintenance staff further on the operating schedules and
seek clarification on any unusual pattern in the trend of the utility bills. Unusual patterns such as
sudden increase or decrease in utility bills could be caused by changes in occupancy in the building, or
change in use by existing tenants. It is not uncommon for tenants to expand their computing operations
that may increase the energy use significantly.
4) Report
At this stage, ECOs could be found in measures such as:
• Reduce system operating hours,
• Adjust space temperature and humidity,
• Reduce building envelope gain,
• Adjust space ventilation rates and building exfiltration,
• Review system air and water distribution,
• Adjust chiller water temperatures, and
• Review chiller operations.
  Energy Audit Instruments
The requirement for an energy audit such as identification and quantification of energy necessitates
measurements; these measurements require the use of instruments. These instruments must be portable,
durable, easy to operate and relatively inexpensive. The parameters generally monitored during energy
audit may include the following:

Basic Electrical Parameters in AC &DC systems - Voltage (V), Current (I), Power factor, Active
power (kW), apparent power (demand) (kVA), Reactive power (kVAr), Energy consumption (kWh),
Frequency (Hz), Harmonics, etc.

Parameters of importance other than electrical such as temperature & heat flow, radiation, air and gas
flow, liquid flow, revolutions per minute (RPM), air velocity, noise and vibration, dust concentration,
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, moisture content, relative humidity, flue gas analysis - CO2, O2,
CO, SOx, NOx, combustion efficiency etc.
  Optimize Energy Use
Currently the vast majority of energy used in buildings is from non-renewable, fossil fuel resources. On
the other hand, the building sector also has the highest potential for energy efficiency. With rising
demand for fossil fuels coupled with uncertainty over the availability of fossil fuels in the future, rising
concerns over energy security (both for general supply and specific needs of facilities), and the
potential that buildup of greenhouse gases may be causing undesirable impacts on the global climate, it
is essential to find ways to reduce load, increase efficiency, and utilize renewable energy resources in
all types of facilities.
During a building's design and development, apply a comprehensive, integrated approach to the
process, to:

 Reduce heating, cooling, and lighting demand through passive strategies such as climate-
responsive design, daylighting, and conservation practices;
 Specify efficient HVAC and lighting systems that consider part-load conditions and utility
interface requirements;
 Employ renewable energy sources such as solar heating for hot water, photovoltaics, geothermal
space heating, and groundwater cooling, sized for the reduced building loads;
 Optimize building performance by employing energy modeling programs during design;
 Optimize system control strategies by using occupancy sensors, CO2 sensors, and other air
quality alarms during operation;
 Monitor project performance through a policy of commissioning, metering, annual reporting,
and periodic re-commissioning;
 Consider Retrocommissioning of buildings which were never originally commissioned; and
 Integrate water saving technologies to reduce the energy burden of providing potable water.