Crude Oil Pricing

Oil Rig Crude Oil or petroleum, the “black stuff” that comes out of the ground, is made up of a variety of elements such as carbon, hydrogen and sulfur, and originates from the remains of plants and animals that existed in prehistoric ages. Hence, it is commonly referred to as fossil fuel. However, crude oil must be refined to produce energy, whether in the form of gasoline, kerosene or...

The Peak Oil Debate – Does it Matter?

Establishing the Context The theory of peak oil implies that there will be a time at which global oil production begins a permanent decline as a result of supply and economic production factors. Should world demand continue to increase (as it has), the point of peak oil will pose a significant supply and price problem for the world economy. The question we seek to explore is, “Have we reached...

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

In 1998 the U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program which has evolved into the authority for establishing green building requirements for new construction and older homes, and for certifying new homes. In so doing, LEED drives the regulations to ensure that new construction is healthy and durable for both the occupants and...

Solar Powered Refrigerators

Solar power, often referred to as photovoltaics, is gaining traction as part of the overall energy efficiency solution. Applications range from powering our homes to charging cell phones and radios; and recent technological developments suggest that widespread production of solar powered automobiles will soon be a reality. Along these same lines, tremendous strides have been taken in applying...

Are Renewables Mainstream?

Figure 1-Wind Farm There is a prevailing view is that renewable electric power generation in its many forms is entering the mainstream as a viable alternative to the more traditional fossil fuel alternatives. Assisted by the ever increasing list of states with renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and continuing advancements in technology to enhance affordability, wind and solar generation are...

Introduction to Thermal Technology

With the pending threat of continually rising natural gas prices, alternative energy technologies are taking on greater significance. This article on thermal technologies explains how  the natural tendency of heat to travel from hot to cold is leveraged to turn heat into useful energy. Thermal Technology – Beyond Photovoltaic Panels Figure 1-PV Panels Photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to...

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship – Getting Started

The myth that living “green” is expensive is certainly substantiated by the seemingly higher costs for health foods, LED light bulbs, and solar panels. However, there are myriad ways to save money and improve the environmental impact of our day-to-day lives. Home Applications to Save the Environment Homeowners can decrease the carbon footprint and lower their energy bill by simply using...

The Value Case for Energy Efficiency

There is no questioning the notion that customer knowledge of how electricity is priced will lead to improved efficiency and conservation, and ultimately lower electricity bills. The continuing challenge to full customer acceptance of any initiative regarding energy efficiency is two-fold: Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Will investors support the programs? The Standard Approach State...

Energy Efficient Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), easily mistaken for stucco or concrete, consist of a wall cladding that uses stiff insulation boards on the outside of a structure’s wall and an exterior coating made of plaster. This building technology originated in Germany in the aftermath of World War II and was introduced to the U.S. in the 1960’s. There are a number of varieties, but all...

Introduction to Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power Plant The controversy surrounding nuclear power is the combined result of pragmatic concerns regarding nuclear waste, the potential consequences of accidents (such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island), and uneducated / irrational views of a pending nuclear incident of the magnitude of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite its controversy, nuclear power is being reexamined in the context of...