Feature
Water Heating: A Look at the Options
Heating water is the second largest energy expenditure in homes and the fourth largest in commercial buildings. This article examines the inefficiencies and opportunities throughout hot water systems. In the process, it explains the pros and cons of various water heating options, and offers some conventional and unconventional wisdom about distribution losses and demand reduction.
From the Editors
Wishing for a “Can-Do” Attitude
Executive Editor Alex Wilson saw opportunity in the aftermath of 9-11--opportunity to create an energy policy that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil while reducing our nation’s vulnerability to terrorism and achieving numerous other benefits. But the Bush Administration, he argues, squandered that opportunity.
Letters
No Disrespect Intended
Ron Perkins, consultant on the Oberlin College Lewis Center for Environmental Studies, clarifies his regard for Architect William McDonough.
More Reasons Cohousing is Green
In response to last month's feature article, CoHousing Journal Executive Editor Stella Tarnay elaborates on the environmental benefits of the cohousing development model.
What's Happening
Save Energy to Save Water
The Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab has quantified the water-intensity of electricity production. Nearly all power plants consume water by evaporation--via the cooling cycle in thermoelectric plants or reservoirs in hydorelectric plants. Generating electricity for the average American home consumes 22,000 gallons (83,000 l) of water use per year!
|
