What is Energy?

• Energy makes things go. It is the capacity to do work, heat something up, or change it in some way.

Energy Takes Many Forms, Including…

• Mechanical (also called kinetic) energy

Energy Takes Many Forms including…

• Chemical

Energy Takes Many Forms, Including…

Electrical energy

Energy Takes Many Forms, Including…

Light (radiant) energy

Energy Takes Many Forms, Including…

• Heat (thermal) energy

Energy Takes Many Forms, Including…

Nuclear energy

Energy Takes Many Forms, Including…

Gravitational (also called potential) energy

Renewable Sources

An energy source that can be replenished in a short period of time

• Solar-from the sun• Wind• Geothermal –from inside the earth• Biomass-from plants• Hydropower-from water• Ocean Energy-from water

Nonrenewable Sources

An energy source that we are using up and cannot recreate in a short period of time

• Fossil Fuels– Oil– Natural Gas– Coal

• Uranium (Used in nuclear energy)

Where Does Electricity Come From in Our Area?

Fossil Fuel(Coal): 42%

Nuclear: 40%Fossil Fuel (Gas): 13%Fossil Fuel (Oil): 1.1

Hydroelectric: <1%

Other Renewables: 1.3%

FOSSIL FUELS, HYDRO, NUCLEAR, RENEWABLES

1.30% 0.09%

40.30%

1.10%13.10%

42.20%123456

Electricity: from producer to consumerThe Grid

Energy Conversion In order to do work, energy transforms,

or converts, from one form to another. Whenever energy is converted, some of

the energy is wasted.

Energy, from one form to another

chemical

heat

mechanical

electrical

Power Plant Efficiency

Transmission & Distribution92-94%

Combustion Turbine33-35%

Generator60-80%

Conclusions:

- Energy is wasted at EVERY POINT across the system

- In a traditional coal plant, for example, only about 30-35% of the energy in the coal ends up as electricity on the other end of the generator.

- We can’t necessarily improve the efficiency of the GRID, but we can make better use of the energy that reaches us

WE ARE THE GRID

POWERED BY OATMEAL!

1. THE ENVIRONMENT Cutting back on electricity means using

fewer fossil fuels, thus saving precious energy resources, reducing pollution, and cutting CO2 emissions.

This protects our air, water, and the global climate.

Why Should We Care About Saving Electricity?

Why Should We Care About Saving Electricity?

2. MONEY Schools pay more for energy than

textbooks and computers combined! Schools nationwide spend $12

billon/year on energy Every dollar saved is income that can

benefit your school

Question

• About how much money does this school pay for electricity each month?

A $2500B $3900C $4500

How electricity is used in schools nationwide:

Space Heating; 3.67%

Cooling; 20.18%

Ventilation; 22.02%

Water Heating; 2.75%

Lighting; 30.28%

Refrigeration; 4.59%

Office Equipment;

0.92%

Computers; 8.26%

Other; 5.50%

What is Energy Efficiency?

• Energy efficiency means… using less energy to accomplish the same task,

such as heating or lighting a building.

22

Electricity: Easy to Use, Easy to Waste

Electricity is a widely used energy input – flip a switch and something turns on.

It’s also easy to waste – you can leave a lamp or computer and forget that it’s on.

23

Behavior Makes a Difference…

Some simple energy behavior rules: Turn it off Turn it down Take it out Unplug it Use available daylight

…and so does Awareness

The US Department of Energy reports that simply raising awareness at a school about saving energy can save between 1 - 3% – without spending any money on efficient new equipment.

What now?

• Audit the school: remember, the best tool to use is your eyes!

• Keep track of your data (checklist)• Come up with recommendations for no-cost

behavior change• Tell EVERYONE!