ERC: Lesson - Energy Conservation (Topic 6.13) 📖

⏳ Estimated Reading/Watching Time: 29 - 31 minutes

Describe methods for conserving energy.

Energy Conservation

The United States Energy Information Administration defines energy conservation as “any behavior that results in the use of less energy.” We shouldn’t confuse energy efficiency with energy conservation, by the way.

Energy conservation is any behavior that results in a reduction of energy use. An example of energy conservation would be turning out the lights when you leave a room. Both energy conservation and energy efficiency play a role in reducing energy use. Reducing energy use helps conserve resources for future generations, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers air pollution, and helps protect both human health and the environment.

Methods for Conserving Energy

Early buildings were not built with energy conservation in mind. As energy prices rose, though, the idea of conserving energy and other resources became important to builders and the occupants of buildings. This mindset along with increasing environmental awareness gave rise to the green building movement during the latter part of the 1900s.

As energy prices rose during the 1970s, attention turned to energy conservation both on a personal level and on a larger scale. Explore the tabs below to learn more about how you can conserve energy at home and outside of your home. Can you think of anything else not on this list?

At Home

Icons of eco-friendly elements encircle Earth, symbolizing environmental care. — **There are many ways individuals can conserve energy.**

It may not seem like much, but when millions or billions of people choose to conserve energy, the amount of energy conserved adds up quickly.

We can all do our part to conserve energy without being uncomfortable. Making smart choices and deliberate decisions about energy use helps conserve resources for future generations while saving money at the same time! Below are just some of the things you can do to conserve energy:

💡 turn off the lights when not needed

♻️ recycling

🌡️ adjusting your thermostat to save energy when heating and cooling

⚡️ energy efficient appliances

💧 reducing water usage

🌱 installing energy-efficient landscaping

🪟 double-pane windows

🏠 insulated houses

In Our Communities

Modern building with lush green balconies under a clear blue sky. — **Some green buildings incorporate large areas of plants to purify the air, capture carbon, and improve aesthetics.**

Green buildings incorporate renewable energy sources into the building and/or obtain energy from renewable energy. Green buildings try to manage energy and water use efficiently, restore and protect environmental quality, enhance and protect indoor environmental quality, reinforce natural systems, and analyze life cycle costs of materials. They also include some or all of the features below:

💡 lights turn off automatically when not needed

☀️ allow in as much daylight as possible to reduce energy needs

💨 powered with renewable energy

⚡️ energy efficient appliances

💧 reduced water usage

🌱 energy-efficient landscaping

🪟 double-pane windows

🏢 insulated buildings to conserve heat or air conditioning

Green buildings are more expensive to construct, but they come with a slew of advantages. They reduce energy and water use, reduce carbon consumption and carbon dioxide production, increase energy independence, and preserve natural systems.

Green communities are a combination of green businesses, homes, and industries. As more green buildings are constructed, green communities can emerge. Green communities require planning and flexibility but can also raise the value of the neighborhood.

a conceptual green community district from an aerial view, promoting environmental sustainability and reduced congestion. — **Green communities require significant planning, but the benefits are widespread.**

Essential Knowledge

Some of the methods for conserving energy around a home include adjusting the thermostat to reduce the use of heat and air conditioning, conserving water, use of energy-efficient appliances, and conservation landscaping.

Methods for conserving energy on a large scale include improving fuel economy for vehicles, using BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and hybrid vehicles, using public transportation, and implementing green building design features.

Energy Conservation Calculations

On the AP exam, you will be asked to calculate energy usage, efficiency, and other types of energy problems. Watch the video below to learn how to solve these types of problems.

Check For Understanding banner

AP Exam Tip

There are many ways individuals and communities can reduce their energy usage.

You need to know how to do various types of energy conservation calculations.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.