energy conservation project

Energy Conservation Project:One Step at a TimeThe Future is Now!

ED 630Sean Campbell

A Typical Day…

• To and from work I go via my Subaru Outback

• Churning out gallons of gas in order to save minutes

• Perpetual rush without physical activity

What if I walked to work rather than drove?

Pros– Daily Dose of Exercise– Time for Reflection– Save Gas– Save Money

Cons– Time Consuming!– Nasty Winter Weather

• Cold• Wet• Sloppy

Assumptions1) Time Consuming Endeavor

2) Minimal Environmental Impact

Methodology

Identify Distance1440 Bartlett St. to

600 E. Fairview=

1mile

Identify Time20 minutes

Identify Gas Prices$3.19

Driving vs. Walking a Data Comparison

Gas Used(in gallons)

Time(in minutes)

Money Spent (in dollars)

Week 1(Driving)

1 42 3.19

Week 2(Walking)

0 280 0

Difference 1 238 3.19

Disappointing Results• Supports Assumptions:

Time Consuming: 238 Extra Minutes! Only One Gallon Saved

What If?....

Looking to the Futureas an Individual

0

200

400

600

Gas Saved(gallons)

4 Weeks

52Weeks

250Weeks

500Weeks

0

50000

100000

150000

Time Spent(min.)

4 Weeks

52Weeks

250Weeks

500Weeks

0500

100015002000

MoneySaved

(dollars)

4 Weeks

52Weeks

250Weeks

500Weeks

Looking towards the future, energy and dollars savings is the theme. Additionally, my physical fitness will improve with 40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day.

Looking to the Future: Influencing Friends

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

GasSaved

(gallons)

TimeSpent

(hours)

MoneySaved

(dollars)

• Playing “what if” yet again, I found that by influencing five friends for one year, who live an equal distance from their work, even greater change can take place.

Looking to the Future: Influencing the Community

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

GasSaved

(gallons)

TimeSpent

(hours)

MoneySaved

(dollars)

• Applying the same formula, if I were to convince 100 people to make this small change, over 5000 gallons of gas would be saved in one year. This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 5000

pounds (terrapass).

What’s Next?

• Conclusions– Individuals

overwhelmed by global warming can make a difference

– Lifestyle changes make a difference.

– Small steps by many people make a difference.

• Further Steps– Public Transport– Bicycles– Alternative Fuel

Vehicles

– Hybrid Vehicles– Flex Fuel Vehicles

Further Questions…1. If I bought a bicycle and only used my car for out of town

travel, how much gasoline would I save?

2. What impact on physical health will this lifestyle change create for myself and others?

3. With the technology available what prevents politicians from mandating auto companies produce alternative fuel automobiles?

4. How much of an impact would a tax on auto travel in city centers have on energy conservation?

Works Cited

• Microsoft Office Online. Microsoft Corporation. “Clip Art.” 11/23/07. http//office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart.

• TerraPass: Restore the Balance. TerraPass Inc. 11/23/07. www.terrapass.com.

• United States Department of Energy. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 11/21/07. “Alternative Fuels.” 11/24/07. www.fueleconomy.gov.