Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Energy Efficient Buildings

2016-06-01T08:39:55Z

Josipiv:

= Building Energy Efficient Buildings =

== Introduction ==

Increasing building energy efficiency can go a long way into helping to trim energy costs and therefore reside in a manner that is more environmental-friendly. This is easily achievable if you are looking to construct a new building with energy and money savings in mind .

However, even old buildings can be renovated so that they meet the guidelines set by [http://www.energy.gov/ Department of Energy]. This post talks about the basic things that can be done to improve building’s overal enenrgy efficiency. The tips are both for a new and old ones.

== Whole House Systems Approach ==

Whether you are remodeling an existing home or designing a new one, it is important that your home’s efficient application of [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sustainable_Energy_Without_the_Hot_Air energy and sustainability] is looked at from a comprehensive and whole-house standpoint.

This approach has significant long-term benefits. Not only is an eco-friendly and sustainable home more comfortable and durable but it is also a lot cheaper to run as well as maintain. If your home has a higher score on home energy, its resale value will be significantly increased and could be as high as 12%.

=== 1. For New Homes, Consider Using Passive Design ===

When putting up homes from scratch, it is advisable to consider incorporating [http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design passive design] solutions. This is because passive design contains 7 main components that allow you to make the most of insulation, orientation, glazing, shading, thermal mass and ventilation so as to maximize resources like sunlight and also enhance passive heating and cooling.

Another thing with the passive design is that it helps minimize the need for cooling and heating solutions. This in turn lowers energy costs.

=== 2. Asses The Energy Uses Of Your Existing Home ===

In case you are remodeling your existing home, you should first conduct a thorough energy audit or carry out extensive energy assessment. To conduct [http://energy.gov/public-services/homes/home-weatherization/home-energy-audits the assessment], you can visit the Department of Energy website (''or equivalent'') for tools and guidelines.
The Building Performance Institute ([http://www.bpi.org/ bpi.org]) has been recommended by department of energy and will also perform for you professional auditing should you require it.

[https://www.shedsnhomes.com.au/info/engineering-features/ Engineering features] of kit homes can help with your energy costs, too. They are rated with five-star energy efficiency. This has much to do with the materials used in the homes, their tightly coordinated assembly, quality insulation and double glazed windows.

=== 3. Assess Your Current Appliances and Electronics ===

Following great technological advances seen in the last couple of years, many electronic appliances being manufactured today are energy-saving and they have really changed how we use home energy.

The trend today is for manufacturers to come up with gadgets that are not only efficient but also which consume less energy thereby lowering your utility bills. EPA, together with the Department of Energy, has initiated [http://www.energystar.gov/ Energy Star Program] which helps consumers to minimize their electricity costs through using Energy Star equipment.

Check the current appliances and electronics you use at home to see their energy ratings. In case you find out that they are not outdated, it is in your best interests to replace them with units that are more energy efficient. In doing this, you need to approximate what your appliances are costing you to run.

Visit Energy.gov’s [http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use] article to assess the energy ratings of your appliances.

There are also some additional things that you can employ to reduce your energy bills. They include selecting appropriate power strip which prevents energy from being wasted in case appliances are not being used.

=== 4. Checking Out Insulation And Air-sealing ===

Sometimes, all it takes to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to ensure that your insulation and air-sealing are at their prime. According to experts ([http://www.airconwa.com.au/ AirconWA]), research shows that when done properly, insulation and air-sealing have the potential of significantly reducing the load on cooling and heating. Most of the insulating materials used nowadays employ radiant barriers and reflective insulation techniques, and these help in reducing heat flow resistance in all seasons.

Put in other words, it means that by having proper insulation on external and internal walls, doors and windows, you will be able to keep your home warm both during summer and winter and not have to overload your HVAC systems.

If you need a tool to help you calculate the amount of insulation that you require for your climate, there is number of calculators that can help ([http://web.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html example]).

=== 5. Make The Most Of Natural Sunlight For Your Day Lighting Needs ===

If you make the most of the natural sunlight, it is possible to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. For new homes, it means designing them in such a way that the living areas are to the north of the home. This way, you are sure to get sufficient lighting even during the winter season.

To maximize your use of natural sunlight, you need to use appropriate windows and skylights. As a homeowner, you need to know that windows that face south and which have shading will allow less light in the summer although they will allow much more winter sunlight. While east or west facing windows are effective in letting in sunlight in the evening and morning, they also allow too much heat during summer.

Also, they create glare. For north-facing windows, they permit natural light at all times. They also have less glare and heating in summers.

=== 6. Examine Your Space Heating And Cooling ===

If you want to tell if your space heating is sufficiently efficient, you need to check your space coolers and heater’s energy star ratings. There are plenty of resources that you as a homeowner can take advantage of to assess your space cooling and heating.

In the case of newly-built homes, you may turn to energy solutions such as geothermal air-source and ground-source systems as they can be very cost-saving and also offer sustainable substitutes to the fuel-guzzling systems.

=== 7. Conserve Water ===

Another great way to make your home greener is to conserve water. One of the most notable ways to do this is rainwater harvesting. A rainwater harvesting system can be easily implemented at home. The [http://waterplex.com.au/news/rainwater-harvesting-a-beginners-guide/ basics] of such a system include a catchment area, a conveyance system, storage system, and a re-distribution system. Also, installing low-flow showerheads and toilets can make a huge difference in the amount of water you use, and you probably won't even notice the difference in daily life.

=== 8. Mull Over Water Heating ===

There are some really simple DIY tips and tricks that can help significantly reduce your monthly heating bills. One of the simplest things you can do at your home is to insulate your hot water pipes. Another thing is to reduce the temperature at which water needs to heat. These simple tricks can lower your utility bills every month.

You may also want to consider using solar technology since solar panels only use renewable energy from the sun. Initially, it may cost you significantly to install solar water heaters. However, you will easily recoup this amount in just 2-3 years.

Energy Efficient Buildings

2016-05-31T06:34:32Z

Josipiv: Water conservation

= Building Energy Efficient Buildings =

== Introduction ==

Increasing building energy efficiency can go a long way into helping to trim energy costs and therefore reside in a manner that is more environmental-friendly. This is easily achievable if you are looking to construct a new building with energy and money savings in mind .

However, even old buildings can be renovated so that they meet the guidelines set by [http://www.energy.gov/ Department of Energy]. This post talks about the basic things that can be done to improve building’s overal enenrgy efficiency. The tips are both for a new and old ones.

== Whole House Systems Approach ==

Whether you are remodeling an existing home or designing a new one, it is important that your home’s efficient application of [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sustainable_Energy_Without_the_Hot_Air energy and sustainability] is looked at from a comprehensive and whole-house standpoint.

This approach has significant long-term benefits. Not only is an eco-friendly and sustainable home more comfortable and durable but it is also a lot cheaper to run as well as maintain. If your home has a higher score on home energy, its resale value will be significantly increased and could be as high as 12%.

=== 1. For New Homes, Consider Using Passive Design ===

When putting up homes from scratch, it is advisable to consider incorporating [http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design passive design] solutions. This is because passive design contains 7 main components that allow you to make the most of insulation, orientation, glazing, shading, thermal mass and ventilation so as to maximize resources like sunlight and also enhance passive heating and cooling.

Another thing with the passive design is that it helps minimize the need for cooling and heating solutions. This in turn lowers energy costs.

=== 2. Asses The Energy Uses Of Your Existing Home ===

In case you are remodeling your existing home, you should first conduct a thorough energy audit or carry out extensive energy assessment. To conduct [http://energy.gov/public-services/homes/home-weatherization/home-energy-audits the assessment], you can visit the Department of Energy website (''or equivalent'') for tools and guidelines.
The Building Performance Institute ([http://www.bpi.org/ bpi.org]) has been recommended by department of energy and will also perform for you professional auditing should you require it.

=== 3. Assess Your Current Appliances and Electronics ===

Following great technological advances seen in the last couple of years, many electronic appliances being manufactured today are energy-saving and they have really changed how we use home energy.

The trend today is for manufacturers to come up with gadgets that are not only efficient but also which consume less energy thereby lowering your utility bills. EPA, together with the Department of Energy, has initiated [http://www.energystar.gov/ Energy Star Program] which helps consumers to minimize their electricity costs through using Energy Star equipment.

Check the current appliances and electronics you use at home to see their energy ratings. In case you find out that they are not outdated, it is in your best interests to replace them with units that are more energy efficient. In doing this, you need to approximate what your appliances are costing you to run.

Visit Energy.gov’s [http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use] article to assess the energy ratings of your appliances.

There are also some additional things that you can employ to reduce your energy bills. They include selecting appropriate power strip which prevents energy from being wasted in case appliances are not being used.

=== 4. Checking Out Insulation And Air-sealing ===

Sometimes, all it takes to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to ensure that your insulation and air-sealing are at their prime. According to experts ([http://www.airconwa.com.au/ AirconWA]), research shows that when done properly, insulation and air-sealing have the potential of significantly reducing the load on cooling and heating. Most of the insulating materials used nowadays employ radiant barriers and reflective insulation techniques, and these help in reducing heat flow resistance in all seasons.

Put in other words, it means that by having proper insulation on external and internal walls, doors and windows, you will be able to keep your home warm both during summer and winter and not have to overload your HVAC systems.

If you need a tool to help you calculate the amount of insulation that you require for your climate, there is number of calculators that can help ([http://web.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html example]).

=== 5. Make The Most Of Natural Sunlight For Your Day Lighting Needs ===

If you make the most of the natural sunlight, it is possible to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. For new homes, it means designing them in such a way that the living areas are to the north of the home. This way, you are sure to get sufficient lighting even during the winter season.

To maximize your use of natural sunlight, you need to use appropriate windows and skylights. As a homeowner, you need to know that windows that face south and which have shading will allow less light in the summer although they will allow much more winter sunlight. While east or west facing windows are effective in letting in sunlight in the evening and morning, they also allow too much heat during summer.

Also, they create glare. For north-facing windows, they permit natural light at all times. They also have less glare and heating in summers.

=== 6. Examine Your Space Heating And Cooling ===

If you want to tell if your space heating is sufficiently efficient, you need to check your space coolers and heater’s energy star ratings. There are plenty of resources that you as a homeowner can take advantage of to assess your space cooling and heating.

In the case of newly-built homes, you may turn to energy solutions such as geothermal air-source and ground-source systems as they can be very cost-saving and also offer sustainable substitutes to the fuel-guzzling systems.

=== 7. Conserve Water ===

Another great way to make your home greener is to conserve water. One of the most notable ways to do this is rainwater harvesting. A rainwater harvesting system can be easily implemented at home. The [http://waterplex.com.au/news/rainwater-harvesting-a-beginners-guide/ basics] of such a system include a catchment area, a conveyance system, storage system, and a re-distribution system. Also, installing low-flow showerheads and toilets can make a huge difference in the amount of water you use, and you probably won't even notice the difference in daily life.

=== 8. Mull Over Water Heating ===

There are some really simple DIY tips and tricks that can help significantly reduce your monthly heating bills. One of the simplest things you can do at your home is to insulate your hot water pipes. Another thing is to reduce the temperature at which water needs to heat. These simple tricks can lower your utility bills every month.

You may also want to consider using solar technology since solar panels only use renewable energy from the sun. Initially, it may cost you significantly to install solar water heaters. However, you will easily recoup this amount in just 2-3 years.

Mass Production and its Impact on Ecology

2015-04-27T05:45:45Z

Josipiv: Created page with "'''Introduction''' Mass production is simply a process of manufacturing any product in a huge amount at a same time. Need not to say that the phrase fits perfectly on the con..."

'''Introduction'''

Mass production is simply a process of manufacturing any product in a huge amount at a same time. Need not to say that the phrase fits perfectly on the consumer products which have huge marketplace and great demand. To meet the market demand, companies manufacture the products in large amount to save on their production costs.

'''Mass Production of Gadgets and Ecology:'''

It is quite obvious that anything that consumes energy and natural resources has a negative impact on ecology. Apparently, manufacturing any gadget (e.g. [https://www.apple.com Iphone][http://svijet-pare.com/ e cigarete], [http://www.24kupi.com/24kupi-pro-edition-watch phone watch]...) will require some energy for the employees as well as for the systems, and eventually will disturb the ecological system.

It is virtually impossible to reduce the energy consumption to zero but it can be minimised by utilising the alternative ways. If we look at the energy consumption scenario by the employees, more than 90 percent of the employees across the world work for around 40 hours a week. The work time can be minimised but it always has a risk of lower quality production. Technology can be a good replacement because machines can produce similar quality products in lesser time and by consuming lesser energy.

According to a report published by IEA ([http://www.iea.org/ International Energy Agency]), around 4% of the energy consumed across the world was consumed by information communication gadgets. This figure is expected to rise up to 40% by next decade. Apparently, there is a strict need of employing the methods by which more production can be achieved with less energy consumption. Mass production can be a great solution for it.

'''Benefits of Mass Production of Gadgets on Ecology:'''

As stated above, it is virtually impossible to reduce the energy consumption to zero, and thus, the negative impact of tech production cannot be reduced to zero. But mass production can reduce it quite considerably. Here are a few reasons suggesting why mass production of gadgets has less impact on ecology of the planet:

1. Most of the organisations dealing in mass production of gadgets utilize technology to its best. It reduces the requirement of human employment, eventually increasing the production with lesser resources.

2. The cutting-edge technology allows these organisations to utilise the resources in better way. There are machines which can execute a number of tasks at the same time and thus reduces the amount of energy required.

3. There is a great scope for reutilisation of wastes in mass production plants. The leftovers of one process or product can be reutilised in another process or product which minimises the amount of waste left. It ultimately benefits the environment.

4. There are many smaller companies that deal in production of gadgets at a small scale. These companies do not have ample resources and technologies which results in lower quality outputs and more wastage. Companies dealing with mass production have better resources to utilise the wastage as well as energy which produce better products with lesser resources.

5. Large organisations dealing in mass production have larger amount of eco-friendly resources which deliver better outputs without harming the atmosphere.

'''Conclusion:'''

Apparently, energy consumption is the biggest threat for the ecology in current scenario. Mass production can minimise the energy consumption to a considerable amount and can ensure that the ecology system remains harmless with the production of better quality products. Therefore, mass production of gadgets can be considered as the best method to keep the environment safe while meeting the consumer demands.

The Impacts of the yacht charter Industry on the Ecosystem

2015-04-21T07:35:58Z

Josipiv: Created page with "When talking about industry, the environmental question is always an issue. [http://www.towindandwine.com/en/ The yacht charter industry] is putting an effort to behave eco-fr..."

When talking about industry, the environmental question is always an issue. [http://www.towindandwine.com/en/ The yacht charter industry] is putting an effort to behave eco-friendly and trying to leave a minimum carbon and water footprint by designing charter boats with alternative energy systems such as wind generators and solar panels and [http://www.elcomotoryachts.com/electric-or-hybrid.shtml hybrid yachts which use electric motors]. The oldest way of moving on water is also the best way to behave eco-friendly; sailboats use power of wind as propulsion, so the carbon emissions are low.

Before chartering a boat be consicous enough and think about this facts of the impacts on the ecosystem that yachts have.

As a yacht user, there are certain things you can do while cruising:
*If the boat has its own generator and air-conditon system, consider that while using AC you are creating pollution. Usually the gentle breeze is enough to cool you down, you don't need to switch on air-condition.
*Respect the environment, don't damage it!
*Think about garbage you are making, sometimes the garbage disposal on islands can be a problem. Try to reduce and recycle whenever and wherever possible. Do not throw anything overboard, even the bread or vegetables. A human food is just not good for the fishes.
*While using the water toys be aware of carbon and noise pollution. Instead you can use windsurfer or kayak.
*Think about reducing consuption of water .

The sailing vacation is one of the greenest vacations, so set your sails and respect the mother nature!

The Impacts of the Travel Industry on the Ecosystem

2015-04-14T06:54:01Z

Josipiv:

The travel industry is a very important part of any country's economy. It not only opens up a particular region to people from all over the world but it also promotes the region's cultures, traditions and markets the economic practices of the region. The travel industry has in the recent years developed with even better travel and hospitality provisions for anyone travelling around the world. This industry is known to bring the best results to most countries yet there are some impacts that it comes with. This article provides an in-depth review of both the positive and negative impacts of the tourism industry on ecology.

'''1. Conservation of unspoiled landscapes'''
Most tourists usually travel across the world to have a feel and a view of the most unique sceneries in the world. Most of those sites that top the list of the most toured places on earth are naturally occurring sites or ancient sites that have passed the test of time. The travel industry is responsible for having these landscapes conserved while they would have otherwise been destroyed for industrial development or construction of settlement.

'''2. Calls for more attention on natural resources'''
Had it not been for tourism, all forests would have been destroyed to create space for building towns and modern buildings. In addition to that, all animals would have been hunted down and killed for food. So as to keep the flow of tourists constant, the travel industry encourages countries to take extra care of their natural resources. This has led to the continual of existence of ancient plant and animal species through enhanced ecosystem protection. In fact, such animals, plants and natural resources are the ones that really attract tourists to a place. I am made to believe that if there was tourism during the era of dinosaurs, then they would never be extinct.

As much as the travel industry is beneficial to a region, it also has a share of negative impacts on the ecosystem. These include:

'''1. Depletion of natural resources'''
When the level of tourism within a certain area increases above the ability of the ecosystem to sustain it, then there will be too much pressure imparted on the natural resources. Examples include too much use of water for hotels, restaurants, golf courses and swimming pools and even personal use by tourists. There is also an increased use of plants and animals to provide food for the tourists.

'''2. Pollution'''
Just like any other industry, the travel industry is also responsible for a sizable amount of pollution. Most of these emerge from tourism facilities in the form of air emissions, noise, poor solid waste disposal, uncontrolled sewage disposal, oil and chemical use and also poor architectural and aesthetic positioning of buildings, roads and other facilities. These result in air, water, noise, land and visual pollution

'''3. Land degradation'''
An increase in the number of tourists visiting a particular area calls for more tourism facilities. Construction of these facilities usually requires vast amounts of land thus putting pressure on the important land resources such as a fertile soils, wetlands, forests and wildlife hence causing land degradation.

Unlike most tourist destinations in the world, Croatia and the Adriatic islands have found a way to control the encroachment of human activity onto their precious tourist destinations. Most of these are pristine and their natural beauty is conserved by controlling human activity within these areas. This is what makes this region the most adorable place for any tourist to [http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/things-to-do-in-croatia-fun-things-for-kids/ have fun], [http://www.adriatours.net find accommodation], [http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/ have a peaceful and quiet time and enjoy the gift of nature]. The great balance between nature and [http://www.odmaram.com tourism] in the Adriatic region is what has turned it into a paradise for sailors, divers, campers, swimmers, explorers, historians and other tourists.

The Impacts of the Travel Industry on the Ecosystem

2015-01-15T13:13:27Z

Josipiv: Created page with "The travel industry is a very important part of any country's economy. It not only opens up a particular region to people from all over the world but it also promotes the regi..."

The travel industry is a very important part of any country's economy. It not only opens up a particular region to people from all over the world but it also promotes the region's cultures, traditions and markets the economic practices of the region. The travel industry has in the recent years developed with even better travel and hospitality provisions for anyone travelling around the world. This industry is known to bring the best results to most countries yet there are some impacts that it comes with. This article provides an in-depth review of both the positive and negative impacts of the tourism industry on ecology.

'''1. Conservation of unspoiled landscapes'''
Most tourists usually travel across the world to have a feel and a view of the most unique sceneries in the world. Most of those sites that top the list of the most toured places on earth are naturally occurring sites or ancient sites that have passed the test of time. The travel industry is responsible for having these landscapes conserved while they would have otherwise been destroyed for industrial development or construction of settlement.

'''2. Calls for more attention on natural resources'''
Had it not been for tourism, all forests would have been destroyed to create space for building towns and modern buildings. In addition to that, all animals would have been hunted down and killed for food. So as to keep the flow of tourists constant, the travel industry encourages countries to take extra care of their natural resources. This has led to the continual of existence of ancient plant and animal species through enhanced ecosystem protection. In fact, such animals, plants and natural resources are the ones that really attract tourists to a place. I am made to believe that if there was tourism during the era of dinosaurs, then they would never be extinct.

As much as the travel industry is beneficial to a region, it also has a share of negative impacts on the ecosystem. These include:

'''1. Depletion of natural resources'''
When the level of tourism within a certain area increases above the ability of the ecosystem to sustain it, then there will be too much pressure imparted on the natural resources. Examples include too much use of water for hotels, restaurants, golf courses and swimming pools and even personal use by tourists. There is also an increased use of plants and animals to provide food for the tourists.

'''2. Pollution'''
Just like any other industry, the travel industry is also responsible for a sizable amount of pollution. Most of these emerge from tourism facilities in the form of air emissions, noise, poor solid waste disposal, uncontrolled sewage disposal, oil and chemical use and also poor architectural and aesthetic positioning of buildings, roads and other facilities. These result in air, water, noise, land and visual pollution

'''3. Land degradation'''
An increase in the number of tourists visiting a particular area calls for more tourism facilities. Construction of these facilities usually requires vast amounts of land thus putting pressure on the important land resources such as a fertile soils, wetlands, forests and wildlife hence causing land degradation.

Unlike most tourist destinations in the world, Croatia and the Adriatic islands have found a way to control the encroachment of human activity onto their precious tourist destinations. Most of these are pristine and their natural beauty is conserved by controlling human activity within these areas. This is what makes this region the most adorable place for any tourist to [http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/things-to-do-in-croatia-fun-things-for-kids/ have fun], [http://www.adriatours.net find accommodation], [http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/ have a peaceful and quiet time and enjoy the gift of nature]. The great balance between nature and tourism in the Adriatic region is what has turned it into a paradise for sailors, divers, campers, swimmers, explorers, historians and other tourists.