Product Description
Our Science, Innovation, Technology, and Engineering are breaking down just when we need it to ramp up. Few realize that sustainable development has always been part of human development and that it was these elements and how effectively they worked which allowed for our life on earth. If we fall down in these areas our only alternatives are war, revolution, and genocide as famine and want grip a naturally increasing human population. This little book is a call back to the fundamentals of Science and Art to solve our most complex problems. Today, our organizations are not capable of the challenges that must be addressed in our rapidly approaching future. It raises some difficult questions and proposes a surprising solution from our recent past. This book is for everyone everywhere as we all engage in trying to build everything - from software to cities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

author doesn't follow his own advice...
Flipping through this book you can tell that the author is passionate about the topic and trying to make a difference, which of course is admirable, but the book itself comes across as a rambling series of opinions with no references to the academic literature. The author advocates for more emphasis on science, but doesn't himself follow the standard scientific procedures of putting your work into the context of existing work on the topic, citing claims, and presenting information in an impartial way. The author also extensively quotes his own posts on internet message boards. All in all, there are many much better resources on systems thinking and sustainability. The author's ideas might be good, but the unprofessional format ruined any chance he had at being taken seriously.

Timely read for engineers and non-engineers alike
In my opinion the author's work could not be more timely.I would say that engineers and non-engineers alike would be well served to read the book.It is a short read and yet extremely rich in depth and scope. I will attempt to present what I believe to be a few of the key concepts:

We need more leadership and less management to successfully address future challenges; research is paramount to the success of our future endeavors; sustainable solutions draw on 5,000 plus years of civilization--not just the latest trends or technologies; a cohesive systems approach methodology will be required to provide lasting, sustainable results into and beyond the next century; libraries and the premises upon which they were founded are increasingly threatened as "for-profit" organizations continue to corner and capitalize on information that was once free to the people; if well-meaning individuals work together, without hidden agendas, the results can be astounding when conditions are right--"magical" if you will; systems engineering is an open, honest approach to problem solving adopted in the past by great minds, such as Benjamin Franklin as an example offered by the author, but increasingly threatened by the myopic, self-serving interests of the top-down approaches adopted in many of today's organizations.

This is a brief review--not a comprehensive summary.I mentioned here, what I believe to be, only some of the essentials presented in the book.If you like to think about the "bigger challenges" facing us today and tomorrow, this is probably a book for you.I found the thesis highly credible and deserving of attention.

Everyone must read this book
There are many books that talk about decision making but this one lays out an approach that not only has a successful track record but has roots going back to Benjamin Franklin. This technique, formal tradeoff analysis of alternatives, is simple and elegant based on what some may call common sense yet we forget it solved many of our past problems and can be used to solve our new problems. This book introduces the reader to tradeoffs, architectures, modeling, requirements, and then moves into the difficulties of actually accomplishing these tasks in the new dysfunctional organizational settings of today. This book may share library shelf space with Freakonomics, Blink, How We Decide, etc but this book offers a clear and doable proposal and plan for what to do immediately to help us get going with all that needs to be done. A great book!

Great Book
Wow what an incredible book. I could not put it down. It is thought provoking and broad in its scope. Everywhere the reader is challenged with a new idea. All the pieces eventually somehow come together to form a beautiful picture. The book eloquently makes the point that we can not solely rely on the random movement of the markets or privatized government to solve our problems. It offers a proposal for moving forward and provides ingredients for executing the proposal. After reading the book it's obvious that we have had a few decades of lost opportunities. Adding the paper at the end is a nice historical perspective. On the down side the thesis was restated in the book twice. I guess I understand the authors' perspective. It definitely makes the point of what we should do. This is a 5 star book and our policy makers should take a look at this work and consider its proposal for dealing with our energy crisis, global warming, and creating a sustainable world. ... Read more

Product Description
Rapidly developing countries such as China and India are the real main players in the climate debate, with the potential for massive increases in their carbon emissions in coming years. Brazil is often included in their number, yet this country is in fact notable for its exceptionally high reliance on energy from renewable sources -- approaching 50%. However, the fact that much of this energy comes from hydropower and biofuels, and recent discoveries of massive oil reserves off of the Brazilian coast, are a recipe for controversy.

In this detailed account, Antonio Dias Leite sets out the development of Brazil's energy mix. Beginning with the history of energy provision and use, he then moves on to tackle the various sources in detail: hydropower, biomass and other renewables, as well as fossil fuels and nuclear power. In each case he examines growth, distribution, environmental and socio-economic issues (such as deforestation and displacement of indigenous communities) and potential for future development -- highlighting what has worked, and what hasn't. The book ends by examining Brazilian approaches to energy efficiency, and by positioning Brazil in the world context.

This is a major contribution to the discussion around climate change mitigation that will be key reading for policymakers and researchers concerned with the future role and impacts of rapidly developing countries.
... Read more

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Customer Reviews (16)

Are you rich?
Great intel but the cost of the ideas in here are way to high for the gains.

A MUST HAVE homeowner's guide for renewable & energy efficiency
This is a must have book for anyone wanting to read up on how to improve your environmental footprint. Good Source of information for both renewable energy and energy efficiency. The book is a easy read and I highly recommend this book as well as others that Dan Chiras has written.I love this author, he really knows what he is talking about.Not only does he talk about it, he also practices what he preaches.

Very user friendly, informative.
This is very good review of renewable options.You don't have to be an engineer yet it is more than you've read in the newspapers and such.I saw some things I hadn't heard of.It is realistic, not everything works everywhere.It takes into account cost and return.It is not a tech manual, you won't know how to install the whole system (whichever it would be) but you'll likely know which way to go if need more.If I have a beef it is that the photos could be more and better.

Ok book.
Could have used more content on solar theory and techniques, and less on what is available commercially...

More DIY info would be better.

MJL

The bible ofrenewable energy for the home.
This is an outstanding, readable, comprehensive presentation of the subject of renewable energy for the homeowner. For each topic the author presents the principles, salient facts and a range of projects from the simplest do-it-yourself to that which would require a professional installation. Illustrations are excellent. In solar hot water for example he presents projects which range froma mini batch system consisting of a coiled black hose to a professionally installed all weather solar collector, storage with on-demand gas supplement. Based on this reading I plan to build a freestanding outdoor thermosiphon solar shower using cast off materials and to replace an inefficient hot water tank with a propane on-demand all season hot water heater. Chiras educates the homeowner to think broadly and to plan very manageable projects suited to his/her needs. Superb! ... Read more

Product Description
The Solar Electricity Handbook has been updated. The new version is available on Amazon ISBN number 978-1907670008 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Excellent Resource
I really enjoyed this book, it was detailed enough to be useful but explained everything in clear and simple terms.

Solar electricty handbook, 2010 edition
Wanting to know elementary and perhaps more detailedelements ofsolarelectricity I ordered two books: 1.solar energy for the home by Martin O'Donnell,which I did not appreciated,and
2.Solar electricity handbook, by Michael Bowell, which I appreciatedvery very much: Plenty of facta, nice and clear explanations,usefulhints andsuggestions.I sent thisbook to theteachers of my sponsoredchild in Africa, inKanya, Meibeki, in the primaryKapkorosschool ofMoiben, where theteachershave been planning to get solar panels for light, and possibility to later for desktop computers. I think the bookshouldsuite well for getting practicalknowledge, and allso for educating themselves and thepupils about greenelectricity.
I liked the book so much that I immeadiatelyorder thesame book for myself. I gotit lastweek and it is already readonce, butit will be read several times, and be a goodthesaurus for me. Thank you so much.

Solar Electricity Handbook by Michael Boxwell
The book is comprehensive and easy to understand. It is suitable for beginners who want to learn about solar system installation and wiring concepts and basic design. People who have technical knowledge will find it very easy to understand. The book should not be called a handbook as it lacks technical and material specifications on solar panels and other necessary equipment and also limited in in-depth design calculation. It essentially provides a basic understanding and practical knowledge for people to start with.

WHY I LIKED THIS BOOK ABOVE THE OTHERS I BOUGHT
THE BOOK IS RECENT
IF YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT TODAY'S STUFF DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A BOOK THAT IS NOT A CURRENT YEAR AS WELL AS A FIRST EDITION.

THIS BOOK EXPLAINS THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A SYSTEM FOR YOUR OWN USE REGARDLESS OF HOW LARGE OR HOW SMALL.

READ AND OUTLINE THE BOOK AND IF YOU COME ACROSS SOMETHING YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND GO TO THE INTERNET AND FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE GOING FARTHER.

YOU BUY THE BOOK TO LEARN AND THIS BOOK IS THE BEST STARTING POINT I HAVE EVER SEEN.

KEEP IN MIND THAT THE WORDS "STARTING POINT" APPLY TO TODAY AND NOT TOMORROW.TOMORROW IS ANOTHER BOOK HOPEFULLY BY THE SAME GUY WHO TOOK THE CARE THAT WAS DONE IN THIS ONE.

INSTRUCTION SHEETS WRITTEN BY ENGINEERS ARE USUALLY WORTHLESS AS THEY TOO OFTEN ASSUME THAT YOU KNOW AS MUCH ABOUT THE SUBJECT AS THEY DO.
(GERMAN FACTORY MANUALS FOR MY PORSCH COST OVER $400 NO MATTER HOW YOU BUY THEM AND YOU CAN SEE THE TECH WRITERS SNEERING AT YOU)
THE BEST MANUALS WERE EDITED BY PEOPLE WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT ANYTHING AND GOT THE PROBLEMS FIXED.
THE WRITER OF THIS BOOK IS A THOUGHTFUL PERSON.IT WILL NEVER GET BETTER THAN THAT.

great nuts & bolts guide
This is a neat book for non electricians.It explains concepts clearly and shows you how to design & build your own system. ... Read more

Product Description
For professionals concerned with sustainable development and energy conservation, this comprehensive reference provides a detailed overview and fundamental analysis of sustainability issues associated with the aluminum industry. It provides a benchmark in assessing a sustainable vision for positive economic and environmental progress, and it can serve as great reference for educating the next generation of engineers on the demands of sustainable development and the application of life-cycle assessment by industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A "must-have" resource for professionals and scientists in the field.
Aluminum Recycling and Processing for Energy Conservation and Sustainability is a scientific reference text written especially for professionals seeking to promote sustainable development and energy conservation. Backing its vision for economic and environmental progress toward a sustainable future with hard data, extensive research, black-and-white graphs and figures, tables, and more, Aluminum Recycling and Processing discusses "Life-Cycle Inventory Analysis of the North American Aluminum Industry", "Identification and Sorting of Wrought Aluminum Alloys", "Emerging Trends in Aluminum Recycling", among other topics. Though not written for lay readers, Aluminum Recycling and Processing presents its facts, studies, and recommendations in as accessible a manner as possible without sacrificing scientific accuracy or meticulous detail. "The most important trend affecting aluminum casting production is its continuous growth in automotive applications. The advantages of aluminum for many powertrain components, including transmission cases, oil pans, pistons, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, and engine blocks, have been reflected in its wide adoption." A "must-have" resource for professionals and scientists in the field.
... Read more

Product Description
A sustainable European energy system, mitigating climate change and solving a number of other key environmental problems, will require massive reliance on renewable energy sources combined with a sharp increase in energy productivity. Considering that most of the technologies necessary for such a development are already available, today's most important questions are: How can these technologies be integrated into the European energy system? What are the costs and benefits of such a strategy? What are the major bottlenecks and obstacles to such a development? What measures are necessary to support this development? In the book a "sustainable scenario" and a "fair-market scenario" are developed as a means to demonstrate that concepts for a sustainable future European energy supply are feasible. ... Read more

Product Description
This study examines how policies to increase energy efficiency in buildings in the European Union and Australia have worked and draws implications for the design of similar public policies for the United States. It appears that effective policies to promote energy efficiency can be devised using information disclosure, building codes, financial incentives, and benchmarking. Insights are presented to help designers of analogous U.S. policies. ... Read more

Product Description
Natural Home Heating is the first comprehensive guide to heating your home with renewable energy sources. Greg Pahl offers a well-organized, easy-to-understand tour of all available renewable home-heating options, including wood, pellet, corn and grain-fired stoves, fireplaces, furnaces and boilers as well as masonry heaters, active and passive solar systems, and heat pumps.Learn how to burn environmentally friendly biodiesel fuels, not just in your car, but in your furnace or boiler.Included is everything you need to know about the fuels, systems, technologies, costs, and advantages and disadvantages of each option. Pahl teaches homeowners how to retrofit existing heating systems and choose renewable replacements, or design an entirely new house that can be heated comfortably with minimal environmental and financial impact.

Consider:
- 95% of American homes are heated with fossil fuels (or electricity, which is generated mainly by fossil fuels).
- Oil and gas prices will continue to rise as supplies dwindle and sources become less reliable.
- Home heating costs could double or even triple in the event of a fuel crisis.
- The use of fossil fuels is the primary contributor to global warming.
- There are viable, clean, healthy, and affordable home heating alternatives!

Learn how to burn environmentally friendly bio-diesel fuels, not just in your car, but in your furnace. Find out how a ground-source heat pump works and why it can achieve 400% heating efficiency. Discover what it takes to make burning wood truly sustainable. Natural Home Heating explains all these details and more, making it unique for homeowners everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Busy hippie chick's dream
Greg Pahl's book organizes everything you need to know about heating with alternative fuels in a very "non-techy, quick to find salient facts" manner.I used his book to help me make choices in buying and installing a new wood stove to heat my dome house in Maine.With all of the alternatives out there, this book helped me intelligently sort through a myriad of choices and get a stove just right for my needs. ... Read more

Product Description
This study examines how policies to increase energy efficiency in buildings in the European Union and Australia have worked and draws implications for the design of similar public policies for the United States. It appears that effective policies to promote energy efficiency can be devised using information disclosure, building codes, financial incentives, and benchmarking. Insights are presented to help designers of analogous U.S. policies. ... Read more

Product Description

This book provides an up-to-date review of the status and prospects of different options in energy conversion and storage technologies, as seen by a panel of world leading experts. It offers a platform for readers engaged in planning and undertaking new energy solutions, or retrofitting and redesigning the existing installations, to confront and to compare the pros and cons of various novel technology options.

This book presents state-of-the-art papers on a timely topic.

Product Description
The book is concerned with renewable energy sources. In particular, it reviews the state of the art in thermal solar techniques and biomasses. The first topic treated is solar radiation, followed by the possible utilizations of solar energy through thermal solar techniques. The last part of the book relates to biomasses, starting from the definition of this wide-ranging field and how it is successfully treated by obtaining energy from biomasses, and including all the environmental aspects.Very few books treat so diffusely the advances in thermal solar technologies, especially in biomasses, a topic where there is considerable confusion due to the very wide range of related technologies. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
* Examines the renewable energy sector and its stakeholders, analyzing the reasons for past failures and the key features of successful policies
* Written in clear terms, this book contains the experience of world leaders in this field
* Including an executive summary, it will be an essential reference for decision-makers, offering a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms

At a time when renewable energy attracts varying degrees of political support and mixed success in policy implementation, clear information on why and how to promote renewable energy markets is much needed, for decision-makers in particular. This book meets that need.

The reason for exploiting renewable energy sources should not be because they are cheap, or because fossil fuels are running out. The crucial reasons are: saving the environment, developing new industries and establishing more secure sources of energy. This book outlines how renewable energies can be promoted at a political level, encouraging the expansion of current markets and the establishment of new industries. Critical pathways are made clear, and key stakeholders are identified and described.

Acknowledging the importance of the media and the interaction between public and private bodies, this book sets out the rules of the game, the stakes and the strategies for success. Contributing authors include: Randy Swisher and Kevin Porter, Rakesh Bakshi, Gordon Edge, Sven Teske and Volker Hoffmann, Jose Luis Garcia and Emelio Menendez. ... Read more

Product Description
Studies have shown that the average North American family will spend more than a quarter of a million dollars on energy in a lifetime. What many other countries, including Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, China, Brazil, and even Iceland, have realized is that there is a better way to power our homes, businesses, and cars by using renewable energy sources. Recently, the United States has begun to understand the importance of reducing its reliance on coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and hydropower plants, which comprise the majority of the nation's electricity, due to increasing oil prices. Some sections of the country, including California, are turning to renewable energy sources. In fact, 12 percent of California s electricity is produced by renewable resources. The potential for the use of renewables is very large and understanding their use and their impact is key. Renewable Energy Made Easy will provide you with everything you need to know about these alternative energy sources. You will learn about solar power, wind power, water power, biofuels, geothermal energy, ethanol, wave farms, photovoltaic power plants, and hydrogen fuels. You will also become well-versed on the availability, aesthetics, environmental and social considerations, and longevity issues of these so-called soft energy technologies. In addition, you will learn about the current costs and the projected costs in the future, Energy StarTM regulations, the newest research and innovations, and the high development potential of renewable energy. This book will serve as a guide to creating more efficient buildings and an invaluable resource for how to change our preconceived notions about power. This book has taken the complexity and scientific terms out of this topic, making it jargon-free and easy to understand. Ultimately, you will learn how our country can improve energy efficiency, reduce oil dependence, improve energy security, and reduce the health and environmental impact of our current energy system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Poorly written
I only started this, then put it down. It is possible that the author knows the subject, but this is so poorly written that it did not inspire confidence for me. It reads like a self published book created without an editor. I prefer the many other good references on the subject.

good book for basic information
Energy and the environment are topics of such importance today that it is easy to feel like a fool when you don't know even the basics.Renewable Energy Made Easy lives up to its name, making the subject easy to handle by dividing the book up into manageable sections.For me, I found the text a little simplistic at first.Recycle, Reduce, Reuse makes me feel like I am in fifth grade again.However, after the beginning he gets into a lot of interesting information about the actual technology making these changes in energy possible.

I wanted to see more diagrams/pictures of all the technology that the author talked about.I did enjoy, though, the case studies towards the end of the book that helped to give a clearer picture of how these technologies will be used by companies today.While the author is, of course, pro alternative energy, I didn't feel like he glossed over the many difficulties of making alternative energy work effectively and integrating it into our economy.

This is definitely a good book for those looking to get a basic grasp of renewable energy and especially for people looking for an in to more complicated material.

Decent Overview
Decent overview of the primary sources of renewable energy.I feltit lacked a little bit of flow, the author seemed to launch into some technical discussion without providing sufficient background.Perhaps those with engineering/technical experience will be able to follow a little bit better.

Way too basic..
The book is written in extra-large font (to fill the pages?) and it's very, very basic. Author repeats useless information over and over again.. If you want an introductory book on the topic, your money is better spent elsewhere.

A Great Resource
While scanning the table of contents of this book words like biomass and photovoltaic jump out.On first glance, these unknown words may turn some casual readers off.Fortunately, the author is knowledgeable enough and writes with such accessibility that these words quickly go from becoming unfamiliar to familiar.The author lives up to the title and does make renewable energy "easy".
The author not only informs readers about the different types of renewable energy (solar, hydro, wind, biomass and geothermal), which he delves into in separate chapters and illuminates each completely, he also spends time on what people can do to help bring these types of renewable energy into their everyday lives.With this book you can learn how to build your own solar battery charger or how to create your own hydrogen among other interesting lessons.
This book is a great resource for anyone interested in renewable energy, from the lay person interested in making a difference in the environment, to the student needing a detailed understanding of renewable energy.
... Read more

Product Description

This study contributes to the economic discounting debate by examining the welfare and policy implications of distorted time preferences for private investments. The analysis is applied to the energy industry, where it is of particular importance. In the transition to low-carbon energy generation, distorted time preferences are shown to induce a further distortion, in addition to that from the emission externality. Its extent varies directly with the time lag in capital accumulation. In order to implement the socially optimal path, environmental policy needs to be complemented by technology policy. The theoretical findings are applied to the upcoming structural change in the German electricity industry in the 2010s.

Product Description
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Al Gore’s summer blockbuster An Inconvenient Truth, and crude oil prices soaring to all-time highs, more people than ever know the truth about our oil addiction. Global warming is here. M. King Hubbert’s oil peak is fast approaching (or may already have arrived). The secret’s out: fossil fuel reserves are dwindling and popular interest has created the need for accessible, realistic solutions. The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook, a clear-eyed view of the critical situation we face, offers ways out. Greg Pahl examines energy technologies currently available and homes in on renewable energy strategies that can be adopted by individuals and communities. Such cooperative initiatives have been common in Europe for years and are beginning to gain a foothold in the US. Each chapter focuses on a different renewable energy category—solar, wind, water, biomass, liquid biofuels, and geothermal—then reviews their advantages and disadvantages and desccribes numerous examples of successful, proven local initiatives. The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook is an eloquent appeal for community and regional action to initiate an array of solutions to energy needs until now controlled by large, distant utilities and consortiums. It is time to take back control of the energy and environmental challenges ahead; this book will help people do just that. It is a handbook for anyone ready to take the first steps towards a more sustainable future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

TheCitizen Powered Energy Handbook
This is a great book and should be in everyones library.
Greg Pahl gives and great detailed over view of promising new and old technologies that could save Mankind.
Buy it read it and pass it on! Rich

"It's time to return to the community, make amends, clean up the mess and get back on the right path."
This quote from Pat Murphy, Executive Director of Community Service Inc. and found on page 260 of "The Citizen-Powered Energy Guide: Community Solutions To A Global Crisis" seems to neatly sum up the overall theme of author Greg Pahl's terrific new book.It seems that the more I read about the problem of peak oil and the upcoming energy crunch the more convinced I become that these matters will need to be addressed and solved at the local level. The bad news is that our illustrious leaders in Washington D.C. in both the Executive and Legislative branches of government just don't seem to get it and are content to stay the course with the same failed energy policies that have cost this nation dearly over the past quarter century.The good news is that civic-minded individuals, community groups and enlightened entreprenuers all over this land have decided to take matters into their own hands and are going about the business of tackling these extremely difficult issues at the grass-roots level.It is at once a very scary and an extremely exciting time!
In "The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook" author Greg Pahl explains why the energy challenges facing the United States in the coming decades are not likely to be solved by the big multi-national energy companies.It seems that there is no one technology out there capable of acting as the "magic wand" to solve all of our energy problems.Of course conservation is clearly a major part of the solution.Did you know that about 6% of the electricity generated in this country is used to dry clothes?If only we had leadership that would encourage us to conserve.That would be a great start!It is clear that our future lies in the development of alternative fuels like solar, wind, water, geothermal, biomass and liquid biofuels.Greg Pahl devotes a chapter to each of these technologies and explains the exciting new developments and limitations of each of them.He introduces us to people and companies who are at the forefront of these new cutting-edge technologies.And he explains why different regions will have to customize strategies based on the available resources in their particular area. This is information that is absolutely vital for anyone interested in becoming involved in the push for alternative fuels and in lobbying for changes in governmental policies that would favor such pursuits.
I am very pleased to report that "The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions To A Global Crisis" is written in clear, easy to understand language.As another reviewer has indicated this is "must" reading for activists all over the country.As far as I am concerned this book is "must" reading for any citizen who is interested in getting up to speed on these promising new techologies.At the same time it is extremely important for people to understand that there are advantages and disadvantages to each one of these strategies.Yes, it would appear that the ultimate solution to our energy dilemma will likely be a complex mix of all of these technologies coupled with a drastically increased emphasis on conservation.I simply cannot say enough about the work that Greg Pahl has done here.Very highly recommended!

It covers what communities can do!
Rather than being a pie in the sky, the book shows what communities around the world are already doing to produce energy locally, rather than just getting it from the big utilities.Rather than coal, nuclear or other environmentally damaging methods, the books covers the how, whys, problems and opportunities of communities producing their own power. With global warming and peak oil looming, this book couldnot have been published at a better time. ... Read more

Product Description
Hands-on, practical solutions to save money by making smart energy changes

One of the best and most affordable strategies people can employ to combat global warming is to improve the energy and water efficiency of their homes. Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies provides homeowners with advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution. After performing a do-it-yourself home energy audit, readers create an action plan based on their personal goals. Readers are presented with a wide range of potential solutions, from making better use of blinds and awnings to exploring geothermal options in order to reduce household costs and their impact on the planet.

Rik DeGunther (Rescue, CA) is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consulting firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good for basics, not for experienced energy savers
This was excellent for the basics, and gave some good info on various energy efficient ways to heat your home such as solar power, radiant heat, etc, but otherwise pretty basic.
The last chapter gives 30 ways to be more energy efficient. Of these, the least helpful was to skip the dishwasher drying cycle, and the most helpful was a tie between sealing the HVAC ducts and getting a solar hot water heater and going DIY to save $$.
Good if you need a basic reference, not so good if you're already well on the path of saving energy. ... Read more

Product Description

Using classic thermodynamic principles as the point of departure, this new edition of a popular resource supplies the understanding and tools required to measure process efficiency and sustainability with much improved accuracy. Exploring the driving forces in the chemical and power industries, Efficiency and Sustainability in the Energy and Chemical Industries: Scientific Principles and Case Studies, Second Edition investigates why losses occur and explains how to reduce such losses.

Numerous case studies, examples, and problems illustrate the thermodynamic analysis of process performance to explain how to effectively analyze and optimize work flows and environmental resources. The authors compare the present industrial society with an emerging one in which mass production and consumption are in harmony with the natural environment through closure of material cycles. In this second edition, the book’s structure of Basics, Thermodynamic Analysis of Processes, Case Studies, and Sustainability has been unaffected, but a few additions have been made.

New and updated information includes:

• A new chapter dedicated to the increasing levels of CO₂ emissions, with special attention to the removal and storage of CO₂
• A new chapter on the rapidly emerging hydrogen economy
• An extended chapter on lifecycle analysis that examines the fate of the quality of energy during the lifecycle
• Increased focus on integrating the environment into the thermodynamic analysis of the systems or processes considered
• New problem sets and exercises

Complete with the keys to a quantification of process efficiency and sustainability, this cutting-edge resource is the ideal guide for those engaged in the transition from fossil-based fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources using low-waste procedures.