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This digital document is a journal article from Energy Policy, published by Elsevier in 2007. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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A brief review on use of fossil fuel resources and sustainability is given in this paper. A sustainability index for fossil fuels is developed, which aims to determine the most efficient management of fossil fuel resources for the energy system. The study is conducted for 62 countries, in the presence of independence, lifetime and environmental constraints. The effect of these indicators are then integrated into a single index for oil, natural gas, and coal. Two approaches have been taken. The first one employs equally weighing of each index, where the second one weighs the indices by using principle component analysis. It is concluded that Fossil Fuel Sustainability Index (FFSI) values indicate that countries supporting oil as the one and only major player are condemned to suffer due to incompetent energy policies. ... Read more

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This digital document is a journal article from Energy & Buildings, published by Elsevier in 2007. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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In recent years, integrated building design practices based on the definition of ''green building'' criteria as common standards of measurement have been promoted. For example, Green Building Rating Systems such as LEED (US) and BREEAM (UK) provide national standards for developing high-performance sustainable buildings. However, integrated environmental accounting methods and global sustainability indicators are still required to evaluate the general environmental performances of buildings, because housing is greatly concerned with global environmental problems such as the use of non-renewable energy, the overexploitation of materials, the exhaustion of resources and the wasting of energy. In this work, an emergy (spelled with an ''m'') analysis has been applied to a building to account for the main energy and material inflows to the processes of building manufacturing, maintenance and use. Building materials, technologies and structural elements have been measured and compared to each other in order to evaluate their impacts and to provide a basic calculation that may be used for evaluation and selection. A comprehensive appraisal of the building industry is then expected through a series of synthetic indices. Results represent a source of information that will also be useful for future studies on the urban and regional scale. ... Read more

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This digital document is a journal article from Energy Policy, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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The UK Government is committed by their 2003 Energy White Paper to developing a sustainable energy economy in the 21st Century, and to taking a lead in reducing CO"2 emissions amongst the industrialised (OECD) countries. A target of reducing these emissions to 60% of their existing figure by 2050 has been adopted. The only way in which this fall could be achieved is by significantly reducing primary energy consumption to between 45% and 75% of the present demand; depending on the energy technology mix. This requires the widespread adoption of energy-saving measures across the economy. It is in this area that thermodynamic analysis can make a major contribution to identifying where the improvement potential lies. Energy options are inevitably constrained by thermodynamic limits on individual plant and the sector as a whole. Nevertheless, energy policy advice to Governments, particularly that in the UK, tends to be dominated by views from the humanities and social sciences. Thermodynamic ideas, by contrast, often appear rather esoteric to the non-specialist; this dichotomy is arguably a manifestation of C.P. Snow's 'two cultures' (the apparent divide between the arts and social sciences on the one hand, and engineering and the natural sciences on the other). Other methods for generating policy advice, including that from the discipline of economics, will not provide substitute insights to those of energy and exergy analysis. However, thermodynamic techniques such as these should not be used alone, but as part of a broader interdisciplinary 'toolkit' of sustainability assessment methods. They cannot determine, for example, the economic consequences or the environmental (ecotoxicological) impact of different energy technologies. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is a journal article from Energy Policy, published by Elsevier in 2007. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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Due to the fact that human activities and most sustainability issues are closely related to energy use, the energy system is a sound framework for providing lead indicators for sustainable development. Common energy-economic models enable the estimation of future states of the energy system. An energy system-based lead indicator set can be used to develop consistent and coherent future indicator estimates and to track sustainability, a clear advantage over existing sets. In developed countries, the sustainability discussion is focused on environmental topics, while in developing countries the issues of poverty and equity are equally important. Consequently, for measuring sustainable development in a developing country, the inclusion of a poverty indicator in a set of lead indicators is essential. By correlation and descriptive analysis, it is shown that reliable energy-based indicators of poverty can be created. Although no one-dimensional indicator is a comprehensive measure of poverty, the explanatory power of energy poverty indicators is comparable to that of other poverty indicators. Thus, the use of energy indicators is not restricted to environmental and economic issues but is also relevant for social issues. ... Read more

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This digital document is a journal article from Energy Policy, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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Deregulation and new environmental requirements combined with the growing scarcity of fossil resources and the increasing world energy demand lead to a renewal of the debate on tomorrow's energies. Specifically, nuclear energy, which has undeniable assets, faces new constraints. On the one hand, nuclear energy is very competitive and harmless to greenhouse effect. From this point, it seems to be an ideal candidate to reach future objectives of sustainability, availability and acceptability. On the other hand, its technology of production - based on fission - remains imperfect and generates risks for environment and health. In this respect, it is less desirable. Therefore, world researchers turn today towards another type of nuclear technique, fusion, on which the project ITER is founded. This worldwide project is interesting for our analysis because, as a technological revolution, it takes into consideration all the global challenges of nuclear energy for the future, and particularly its capacity to meet the increasing energy needs of developing countries. It is the example par excellence of a successful international scientific collaboration oriented towards very long-run energy ends that involve huge technological, economic and political stakes. Focusing on this project, we thus have to reconsider the future place of nuclear energy in a more and more demanding world. Considering the magnitude of the efforts undertaken to implement ITER, this paper aims at analysing, in a detailed way, its goals, its challenges and its matter. ... Read more

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It has been clear for some time that the way in which our society exists,operates and develops is strongly influenced by the way in which energy isproduced and consumed. No industrial process can proceed without an adequateenergy, supply, and without industrial production, society lacks the commodities on which it depends. Our energy systems have evolved over a long period and continue evolving In response to the needs of both Industry and Society.This evolution involvesTechnological development and innovation, especially now that we need to lookbeyond simple fuel combustion as a source of energy and consider both greater efficiency in the use of energy and new ways of producing it. The Third International Conference convened on the subject is the latest in a biennial series that brings together experts from around the world. Their papers, contained inthis book, will include research on Renewable Energy Technologies; Energy Management;Energy Policies; Energy and the Environment; Energy Analysis; Energy Efficiency; EnergyStorage and Management; Conversion Process for Biomass and Biofuels; CO2 Sequestrationand Storage. ... Read more

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Innovation is key to achieving a sustainable electricity system. New technologies and organizational changes can bring about more sustainable, climate-friendly electricity structures. Yet the dynamics of innovation are complex, and difficult to shape. This book, written by experts in the field, sets out to explore the dynamics, the drivers and the setting of innovation processes. Case studies on micro cogeneration, carbon capture and storage, consumer feedback, network regulation and emissions trading provide insights into innovation dynamics in the electricity system and are analyzed to derive strategic implications for innovation policies. A special focus is placed on drivers and barriers of change, and their consequences for shaping the innovation process. This book is an indispensable source of information for researchers and decision makers in energy and climate change as well as for lecturers and students interested in the principles and ramifications of electricity innovation dynamics.

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This book reviews the status of energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation introduced during the 110th Congress. Most action in the second session is focused on the FY2009 budget request, the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419), and the proposed Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act (H.R. 5351). DOE's FY2009 budget request seeks $1,256.1 million for DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs, compared to FY2008 appropriations of $1,722.4 million for EERE. H.R. 5351 is similar to H.R. 2776. It would extend or re-establish several tax incentives that would support renewable electricity production, biofuels production, transportation efficiency and conservation, buildings efficiency, and equipment efficiency. The bill proposes to offset the cost of those incentives primarily by reducing two subsidies for oil and natural gas production. ... Read more

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Worldwide, urbanization is steadily increasing, yet many modern cities are becoming less and less able to accommodate the growth in their population. Congestion, pollution, low-quality housing, social fragmentation, noise, crime and inadequate social services all contribute to a declining quality of urban life. Planners and policy makers are battling to alleviate the problems with a variety of urban renewal initiatives, and energy-environmental policies have become central to their quest for urban sustainability.

Sustainable Cities in Europe gives a comprehensive introduction to the available urban energy and environmental policies. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the CITIES programme of the Commission of the European Communities, the book includes detailed case studies of European cities which are devising and implementing alternative strategies for sustainable growth and development. The cities discussed include: Amsterdam, Besancon, Braganca, Cadiz, Dublin, Esch/Alzette, Gent, Mannheim, Newcastle, Odense, Thessaloniki and Turin.

The policy discussions and case studies in this book will be invaluable for all those professionally or academically involved in the pressing issue of city planning development. ... Read more

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This book addresses energy-related issues in light of the options available to the European and Mediterranean countries. The articles attempt to identify and analyse the economic, environmental, societal and regional security issues that may emerge from those options. It is clear that a coherent energy strategy is required, addressing energy supply and demand, security of access, financial issues, market dynamics, and also taking into account the whole energy lifecycle including fuel production, transmission and distribution. In the short term, the aim should be to achieve higher energy efficiencies and increased supply from local energy sources, in particular renewable energy sources. In the long term, redesign of life styles, further increase of alternative energy sources and shift to new energy technologies and carriers is expected to contribute to solve or alleviate the problems generated by declining availability of fossil fuels. In this volume, energy experts provide background information and a detailed discussion of all these issues and strategies. ... Read more

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The negative environmental impacts of energy use, particularly soil and water pollution, continue to present serious policy dilemmas. The release of emissions and effluents and the build-up of solid waste throughout the fuel cycle have disruptive effects on natural habitats and human health. Further, fuel combustion can result in the emission of carbon dioxide, ozone, methane and nitrogen dioxide – the greenhouse gases which have been linked to climate change. The safe and sustainable use of energy has become an important issue in the wider environmental debate.

In this report, researchers from the Stockholm Environment Institute explore the issues raised by the use of low-grade fuels such as peat, wood, biomass, lignite, oil shale and municipal and industrial wastes. The present strategies and policy options for all stages of the process, from mining and transport to processing and combustion. With those who would like to learn more about these fuels in mind, the material is presented clearly, and discussions of environmental protection measures are given in table form throughout the ease of reference. A directory of environmental guidelines, regulations and standards is given in an appendix.

While a high calorific value fuels remain the most significant source of energy in many countries, economic and other constraints on the use of these fuels may result in more nations turning to low-grade sources of energy to operate their industrial or transportation sectors. The greater potential for environmental degradation that accompanies the use of low-grade fuels means that it is crucial that environmentally sound methods for their management, such as those presented here, be more widely available. The Environmental Management of Low-Grade Fuels will be valuable for industry specialists, policy makers, students and all who are concerned with the life cycle of these materials. ... Read more

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*"Diversifying the energy mix is an economic and environmental imperative. To this end we need new technologies and the right policy frameworks to trigger and deploy them. This book offers knowledge and inspiration to promote renewable energy in developing and industrialised countries." -- Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of UNEP

* A comprehensive review on renewable energy from world authorities in the field

*Detailed, thematic coverage, including policy recommendations and best practice examples

From technology to financing issues, "Renewable Energy" offers a comprehensive and authoritative review of the determining factors that drive worldwide dissemination of renewable energy technologies. With a clear emphasis on policy and action, contributions from internationally renowned experts combine to form a holistic picture on the current status, impacts, and future potential of renewable energy. Addressing the situation in both developing and developed countries, each chapter reviews in detail a different issue, thereby presenting extensive information on social, environmental, political, economic, and technological aspects. Contributors: José Goldemberg, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil, Janet Sawin and Christopher Flavin, WorldWatch Institute, USA, Jonathan Pershing and Jim Mackenzie, World Resources Institute, USA, Virginia Sonntag O’Brien, Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy, Switzerland, Eric Usher, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Axel Michaelowa, Mathias Krey and Sonja Butzengeiger, Hamburg Institute of International Economics, (HWWA), Germany, Joachim Luther, ISE Freiburg / Global Research Alliance (GRA), John Christensen, Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD), Achim Steiner, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Thomas Wälde, University of Dundee, Scotland, Adrian Bradbrook, University of Adelaide, Australia, Thomas B. Johansson, Kes McCormick and Lena Neij, Lund University, Sweden, Wim Turkenburg, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, Stephen Karekezi, African Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN), Kenya Kusum Lata, Tata Energy Research Institute, India, Suani Teixeira Coelho, University of São Paulo, Brazil, Joy Clancy, Technology and Development Group, University of Twente, Sheila Oparaocha, Energia and Ulrike Roehr, LIFE e.V. ... Read more

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People scratching a living from parched land, women walking miles for scraps of firewood are both familiar images of Africa. But, in many places, people, with the help of governments and aid agencies, are putting the land into good shape, growing more food and creating a healthy cover of trees. This book joins the “literature of hope” by looking at these advances from the viewpoint of the energy crisis of the poor. This crisis can only be solved by going beyond the narrow confines of energy to consider all the needs of local people and the potential for change. Drawing on a wide range of case histories, the authors describe the gains in farming and forestry – and woodfuel supply – that have come about through this broader, people-centered approach. They also write about woodfuel prices, markets and other key elements of survival strategies for the cities.Huge efforts will be needed to recover from the failures of the past, but Leach and Mearns show that important lessons are at last being learned and that new roads to success can be mapped. ... Read more

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This volume provides a rigorous and analytical perspective onthe pressing issue of making economic progress consistent withenvironmental conservation. It proposes formal definitions ofsustainability, embeds them in dynamic models and models ofuncertainty, and explores the concepts and their implications. Itpresents a wide-ranging approach to formalizing sustainability andbringing it within the realm of economic theory. Environmental sustainability of growth depends on the interactionsbetween the biosphere and the process of economic growth. The analysisof the dynamics of such a complex system requires the use ofsophisticated dynamic methods in order to take account of the mostrelevant implications for social welfare, such as the relationshipbetween economics and ethics, intergenerational distribution ofresources, and the impact of economic policy on environmentalconservation. The complexity of the object of the analysis involves a high degree ofuncertainty coupled with a serious risk of irreversibility of theconsequences of present decisions. Therefore, environmental risks areoften very difficult to analyze and control. These problems may befaced and solved only by developing new ideas and approaches, some ofwhich are explored in this book. ... Read more

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The world's deserts are sufficiently large that, in theory, covering a fraction of their landmass with PV systems could generate many times the current primary global energy supply.

The Energy from the Desert three-volume set details the background and concept of Very Large Scale Photovoltaics (VLS-PC) and examines and evaluates their potential as viable power generation systems. The authors present case studies of both virtual and real projects based on selected regions (including the Mediterranean, Sahara, Chinese Gobi, Mongolian Gobi, Indian Thar, Australian Desert and the US) and their specific socio-economic, environmental and technological dynamics, and argue that VLS-PV systems in desert areas will be readily achievable in the near future. ... Read more

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Build a 10k sqft home for absolutely Free by utilizing Free alternative building materials such as haybales, rammed earth, recycled pallets or telephone poles, rock, adobe, etc. Be mortgage / debt Free & Own your green, environmentally friendly home in as little as 6 months. The book will show you How to Build your own 5,000 sq ft house for Free, set in an Easy to Read Beginners level format (process made simple). (The resources, tips & tricks provided were tested right here on the Ranch.) ... Read more

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Wind power is often held up as the most accessible and cost effective route to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and improving our energy independence, yet knowledge of what it offers is often clouded by myths and misunderstandings, which can hamper its adoption.

This new book, the result of an ambitious project coordinated by the European Wind Energy Association, presents the facts about wind energy. It includes six sections discussing: technology; grid integration; economics of wind; industry and markets; environmental impacts; scenarios and targets.

Contributions are drawn from nine leading research bodies across Europe, and the material is global in its scope. It is therefore an essential resource and reference for those whose work or study demands an in-depth examination of the subject, and for anyone who wants detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on this key energy source. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A 'must' for any serious college-level collection strong in alternative energy research and resources
WIND ENERGY - THE FATS comes from the EWEA, a European wind association promoting the use of wind power around the world. It has over 500 members from 50 countries including manufacturers largely in control of the world wind power market, suppliers, and developers alike, and offers a new book from a project coordinated by the association. The chapters discuss technology, grid integration, wind economics and environmental impacts alike and present contributions from nine leading research bodies across Europe, making this a 'must' for any serious college-level collection strong in alternative energy research and resources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must read for academics and practioners
This is a very comprehensive textbook like treatise covering all important subjects in the crossroads between transport, energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Not quite written for the general public but neither is exclusive for academics, full of tables and graphs it is very didactic. Though the main focus in on road and urban transport, the book covers all transportation modes including rail freight, aviation and maritime transport. A nice feature is that every chapter begins with the key findings of the research that supports this work.

The book explores the sustainability of all transport fuels available and still in research and development; analysis fuel efficiency issues and automotive advanced technologies; and there is a chapter devoted to how reduce passenger travel (mass transit, congestion pricing, etc.). This work has a worldwide perspective (not very common in this type of publications), and in order to establish sustainability paths with so much uncertainty of which technologies will prevail, the authors used several scenarios aiming to 2050, and developed their own BLUE Map scenario and several variants.

A must have for students, academics and practitioners working in the field of sustainable transport, and even for the serious advocates, it is just a shame this book is so expensive. Finally a clarification, this work was produced by the International Energy Agency, not the OECD as Amazon description says. ... Read more