The way to ensure sustainability is by USING LESS AND GETTING MORE! Energy Efficiency is the real way to get there quickly and surely. Alternative Energy is cool but it has a long way to go before it becomes viable and we should use what is left in the most efficient way!
Today, we seek to find other energy sources and sometimes, (unfortunately) "green wash" is thrown in as a solution - magic solutions that come year after year but in a new package! Its hard to decide what to do when the everyone is flashing the Green Tag! No doubt Renewable Energy is a great idea but using fertile land to generate power instead of finding ways to use less is NOT a great idea. Using less for Air Conditioning, Mechanical Ventilation System (ACMV), lighting and even reducing heat load through the building facade is the way forward. It takes a lot of energy to make a solar panel and add the clean fresh water for the process and finally 20 years away...the disposal cost (monetary and environment is not discussed or accounted fo! All that needs to be done is to take the extra step in knowing how much energy your facility is using and seeking ways to reduce losses!
It is worth remembering this 3 points
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Using Less is the always the Best. Removing Watts is cheaper, cleaner (and easier!) than any alternative energy!
The best way to save energy is to not use or to use less of it!
The absence of losses means zero watts to overcome it!
If you wish to pick up some ideas and concepts in design where Simplicity Rules, please visit our iDEAs page.