Sustainable development: clean energy, climate change, energy efficiency, smart grid

2013 ◽  
pp. 195-229
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Smart Grid ◽  
Clean Energy

Informing Climate Change Policy Through Economics and Engineering Perspectives on Energy Efficiency

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Sreedharan ◽  
Alan H. Sanstad ◽  
Joe Bryson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Public Policy ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Policy Process ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Change Policy ◽  
State And Local ◽  
End Use

Energy “sustainability” and energy supply have again emerged as central public policy issues and are at the intersection of the economic, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation and the world. The goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with energy production and consumption, while maintaining affordable and reliable energy supplies, is one of the most important issues. Among the strategies for achieving this goal, increasing the efficiency of energy consumption in buildings is being emphasized to a degree not seen since the 1970s. “End-use” efficiency is the core of the State of California’s landmark effort to reduce its GHG emissions, of other state and local climate-change initiatives, and is emphasized in emerging federal GHG abatement legislation. Both economic and engineering methods are used to analyze energy efficiency, but the two paradigms provide different perspectives on the market and technological factors that affect the diffusion of energy efficiency. These disparate perspectives influence what is considered the appropriate role and design of public policy for leveraging not just efficient end-use technology, but other sustainable energy technologies. We review the two approaches and their current roles in the GHG policy process by describing, for illustrative purposes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assessment of energy efficiency in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Discussion Draft. We highlight opportunities and needs for improved coordination between the engineering, economic and policy communities. Our view is that a better understanding of disciplinary differences and complementarities in perspectives and analytical methods between these communities will benefit the climate change policy process.

We Want a Made-in-the-U.S.A. Economy

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-214
Author(s):  
Phil Angelides
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Young People ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Reduce Emissions ◽  
Made In

We're going to have to organize relentlessly day and night if we really want that clean-energy, good-jobs, made-in-the-USA economy. That means pushing for sweeping investments in energy efficiency, public transportation, renewable energy. It means retooling America's manufacturing base. It means new investments in research and development. It means training and educating our workers and our young people. It means pushing for climate-change legislation this year that will cap and reduce emissions. We can do it.

scholarly journals Renewable energy and adaptation to climate change

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-121
Author(s):  
Marta Stoian
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Current Climate ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
The Impact

Climate change is an unprecedented challenge in human history. It requires further immediate and concerted action. Understanding the stage of development of each energy resource, as the impact on the energy system to make informed decisions and prescribe a healthy energy future has thus become a priority. Decisions such as the phasing out of fossil fuels and the transition to an efficient and 100% renewable energy system, as well as increasing the storage capacity of greenhouse gases using environmentally sustainable approaches, maintaining natural ecosystems that generate environmental services, and restoring the degraded ones are now a top issue. Therefore, the relationship between energy and environmental policy is becoming essential. Accordingly, this paper will focus on the transition to renewable energy, the adaptation to climate change and the energy transition at EU level being strenuously debated, in order to build a holistic context of the actual situation. Adaptation to climate change requests a complex scientific study, given the diversity of uncertainties involved, and the interconnections between different areas, such as agriculture, sustainable development or energy industry. Therefore, the aim of research is to provide holistic understanding of the current climate issues, according to the mentioned fields. In this context, it is emphasized the benefits of clean energy by investigating the methods for achieving a prolific energy transition, from a conventional to a sustainable one. Carefully analysing the commitments and the transition to a low-carbon electricity system looking behind the causes and studying closely the underlying elements of all these topics, using the qualitative research method as a basis to indulge in further analysis and research, it was outlined a detailed analysis of the current climate context. In conclusion, the effect of the pressure brought into play by human exploitation of goods and services on the ecosystems was associated with the ongoing concerns of environmental degradation, climatic variations, natural and ecological distortions, and financial setbacks. Taking into account the drive toward accomplishing sustainable development and environmental quality, powerful policies are being implemented, but given the variety of investment conditions in each country and including the different characteristics of the financial markets, there is no unique solution that works for everybody. Therefore, the transition to a more sustainable energy system has a verity of implications but it is an essential condition for sustainable development.

scholarly journals City vs. climate changes - the future and its (un)sustainability: The global applicability of Sarriguren and Jätkäsaari?

Spatium ◽  
2011 ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Stupar ◽  
Zoran Nikezic
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Focal Points ◽  
Climate Shifts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Local Initiatives

The global reality, intensively exposed to the challenges caused by climate changes, demands new ideas, methods and tools which could eventually prevent or mitigate the consequences of carbon emissions. Therefore, the contemporary cities, as focal points of the new global comprehension, have become testing grounds for numerous initiatives based upon imperatives of sustainability, environmental consciousness, energy efficiency and ?green? life style. In Serbia, experience in matters of the built environment has had a tendency to be formed exclusively on the basis of authentic local initiatives, aspirations, successes and failures. In the global effort for sustainable development, considering the commitments imposed by climate change and carbon emission, a greater reliance on results achieved elsewhere would be a welcome change. Consequently, this article will present and comment two eco-driven projects - Sarriguren and J?tk?saari, both covering a wide range of useful ideas, intriguing concepts and globally applicable solutions for the challenges caused by climate shifts.

scholarly journals Increased Fossil Fuel Consumption and Its Impact on Energy Efficiency and Economic Growth

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Kehinde Damilola Ilesanmi ◽  
Devi Datt Tewari
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic Growth ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Change Mitigation

Energy efficiency improvement is believed to be an effective means of reducing energy consumption thereby reducing green-house gas emission and as well promoting sustainable economic development. Therefore, ascertaining the energy efficiency level will guide policy makers on the right kind policy intervention that will guarantee energy security, climate change mitigation and sustainable growth and development. The study employed a multivariate regression technique to estimation of the impact of a change in the energy structure on aggregate energy efficiency and economic growth. It was revealed in the study that, though an increase usage of fossil fuel is an important factor input for economic growth, however, it is inimical to the efforts aimed at combating climate change. The study also revealed that the marginal efficiency of the energy inputs is important for ensuring increased output as well as sustainable energy supply. Energy efficiency was seen as a mechanism for improving optimal energy utilization. Therefore, improving the level of energy efficiency will significantly assist in providing clean energy coupled with achieving sustainable development goals. This will benefit the nation in terms of ensuring energy security together with climate change mitigation. Policy makers should also focus more on investing in energy efficiency promoting technologies in order to reduce the per capita energy consumption without compromising the economic output level.   Received: 16 June 2021 / Accepted: 7 November 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022

Evaluating Integration of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Policy in Swedish Structure Plans: The Performance Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (02) ◽  
pp. 1750011
Author(s):  
Sylvia Dovlén ◽  
Abdul Khakee
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Urban Growth ◽  
Local Structure ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Efficiency Policy ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Implementation Aspects

Integration of national climate change and energy efficiency goals into conventional local structure planning requires a shift in focus from conventional concerns about urban growth to local sustainable development in which climate change and energy efficiency are key components. Local government responses in integrating these goals show structural limitations, despite widespread awareness of the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt more climate-smart and energy-efficient policies. This paper assesses the integration of national climate change and energy efficiency goals in Swedish local structure plans and presents an in-depth study of one plan, that of Värmdö municipality in Sweden. The evaluation comprised plan content analysis using a few selected criteria for three concepts, namely, ‘visions’, ‘comprehensive strategies’ and ‘measures’, and use of the Dutch performance approach to examine implementation aspects of climate change and energy efficiency strategies in the plans.

scholarly journals 17.D. Workshop: Healthier populations through addressing environmental health topics and the SDGs

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
The World

Abstract The strategic priority of promoting healthier populations with 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being as expressed in the General Programme of Work (GPW) 13 by the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need of multisectoral action to address the social and environmental determinants of health including climate change. WHO data from 2016 show that approximately one quarter of the global burden of disease are caused by known avoidable environmental risks to health, with at least 12.6 million premature deaths every year. Out of this total, 7 million deaths a year are attributable to both ambient and household air pollution, placing it among the top global preventable health risks. As human influence on the environment continues to grow, global environmental challenges will escalate, including climate change and rapid urbanization. Many of the resulting risks exacerbate disease and injuries, while impacting our quality of life, reducing our productivity, and weighing on our health systems. The global endorsement of the sustainable development agenda with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides a clear signal that the world expects greater cohesion between people and the planet, with benefits for health and health equity. More sustainable ways of functioning go hand in hand with creating healthier and more sustainable environments, with enhanced focus on prevention through action on the root causes of disease. The SDGs set a broad agenda to advance health and equity by 2030. Health is centrally positioned within the SDGs, with SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. However, achieving this goal means more than just improving health care. It involves action in key economic development sectors, like housing and transport, as well as in the settings where people live and work in cities and rural areas. These areas are covered by SDGs such as: Achieving Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate action (SDG 13). Progress on these SDGs will not only significantly reduce but also support primary prevention of some of the world's most serious disease threats - including heart and lung diseases, cancers, stroke, injuries, and more. At the workshop different topics and tools that support the achievement of WHOs one billion goal of achieving healthier populations and through this the SDGs will be discussed. Key messages By addressing environmental health risks through progress on SDGs supports also the 1 billion goal to achieve healthier populations. Multisectoral action and turning this action into everyday practice is needed to support achieving the SDGs and the 1 billion goal of WHO.

Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Emission Reductions From Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Consideration of Climate Change and Renewable Energy Policy Initiatives Using eQUEST

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Sclafani
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Emissions Reductions ◽  
Policy Initiatives ◽  
The Impact

In January 2008 the Governor of Hawaii announced the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; an initiative that aims to have at least 70 percent of Hawaii’s power come from clean energy by 2030 [4]. In July 2009, the Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services awarded NORESCO, an energy service company, a $33.9M contract to improve the energy efficiency of 10 government buildings. The avoided utility cost of the energy and water savings from the improvements is the project funding mechanism. The energy savings realized by the project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with utility power generation. However, as renewable energy becomes a larger portion of the utility generation profile through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, the carbon dioxide emissions reductions from specific energy efficiency measures may erode over time. This work presents a method of analysis to quantify the carbon dioxide emissions reduction over the life of a project generated by energy efficiency upgrades that accounts for both the impact of policy initiatives and climate change using DOE-2/eQUEST. The analysis is based on the fact that HVAC energy usage will vary with climate changes and that carbon dioxide emission reductions will vary with both energy savings and the corresponding utility’s power generation portfolio. The energy savings related to HVAC system energy efficiency improvements are calculated over the life of a 20 year performance contract using a calibrated DOE-2/eQUEST model of an existing building that utilizes weather data adjusted to match the predictions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The carbon dioxide emissions reductions are calculated using the energy savings results and a projection of the implementation of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. The emissions reductions are compared with other analysis methods and discussed to establish more refined expectations of the impact of energy efficiency projects in context with climate changes and policy initiatives.

scholarly journals Energia-trantsizioa Europar Batasunean: oinarrizko arauketa, helburuen betetze-maila eta Europako Itun Berdea garatzeko proposamenak

2021 ◽  
pp. 377-406
Author(s):  
Asier GARCÍA LUPIOLA
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
European Integration ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Renewable Energies ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Integration Process ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
The Eu

LABURPENA: Europako integrazio prozesuaren oinarrizko helburuetako bat garapen jasangarria da. Testuan azaltzen den bezala, Europar Batasunak helburu hori lortzeko azken urteotan aurrera eraman duen ekintza energia-trantsizioan oinarritzen da. Estrategiak eta arauak aztertuz, ondorioztatzen da energia berriztagarrien eta energia-efizientziaren sustapena bilakatu dela ingurunearen babeserako, klima-aldaketaren kontra borrokatzeko eta ekonomia berdea bultzatzeko tresna. Hala ere, emaitzak ikusita, helburu zehatzen lorpena moteltzen ari dela dirudi, beraz, Europar Batasunak energia-trantsizioa burutzeko aurrera eramaten duen jarduera indartu behar du. Bide horretan, Europako Itun Berdearen garapena oinarrizkoa izango da. ABSTRACT: Sustainable development is one of the objectives of the European integration process. The activity of the EU in recent years to achieve this objective is based on the energy transition. The analysis of European strategies and laws show the promotion of renewable energies and energy efficiency has become a tool that is being used for the protection of the environment, the fight against climate change and the promotion of the green economy. However, given the results, the achievement of the specific objectives seems to be slowing down, so the EU must strengthen its activity to complete the energy transition. The development of the European Green Deal is going to be fundamental. RESUMEN: Uno de los objetivos del proceso de integración europea es el desarrollo sostenible. Tal y como se describe en el texto, la actividad desarrollada durante los últimos años por la UE para su logro se fundamenta en la transición energética. El análisis de las estrategias y normas europeas demuestran que la apuesta por las energías renovables y la eficiencia energética se ha convertido en la herramienta a la que se está recurriendo tanto para la protección del medio ambiente, como para la lucha contra el cambio climático y el impulso de la economía verde. No obstante, vistos los resultados, la consecución de los objetivos específicos parece ralentizarse, por lo que la UE debe reforzar su actividad para completar la transición energética. El desarrollo del Pacto Verde Europeo será fundamental para ello.

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