Designers start at the beginning of a process to make something that has a purpose, but this doesn't mean we should only think of the beginning. The whole process from the life of the design to the death of the design should also be important to the designer. Take for example a toothbrush, not only do we want to design a toothbrush for its form and function, but if we want to impact our environment and society, we want to consider the whole process. What type of materials will be used? What packaging? What happens when the user can no longer use the product? All of these are very important questions that will impact not only the design, but the environment. So what can we do to make the environment better? Be aware of alternative methods or innovating new methods that will help change processes that use less waste or energy, or of the like. Its up to us, as Designers, to be innovative and solve such problems.
As Engineers, it is a similar process, wanting to be environmentally responsible is a start to being green, such as using alternative fuel or renewable resources.
From the view of anyone there are many things we can do as person, right in our house. Such as using more efficient lighting and products, turning lights off when not needed, anything that uses energy can be a potential to impact the environment.
Below I gathered data from various websites, which can be referenced at the Department of Energy's website (http://www.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=natural_gas_prices) to create a Carbon Footprint Calculator, which is basic, but can give an estimate of how much we are impacting the environment.
The average value for CO2 emission is: 49 metric tons CO2/year
The average daily value: .134 CO2/day
Looking at this Carbon Footprint Calculator take note that generating heat or cooling has the most impact, which why it is important to make sure your house is properly insulated and your heating/cooling systems are best providing the desired heat/cooling.
-amorgan
Im not sure I believe your calculator. It at least is not accounting for the fact that i have super high effiecency Washer/Dryer, Dish Washer, and HVAC. I have updated all of these in the the last two years to be top of the line with regard to CO2 and other environmental impacts... and it still says that I emit ~100 metric tons/year. I call math error in there somewhere. :)
ReplyDeletehaha, if you chose the electric heater, that was most likely the reason. The wattage I found for the Electric Heating was insanely high, if you were to change it to gas furnace, it would change dramatically. Let me see if I can find some specs on a more efficient electric heater, because he math is right, but the electric heater I have down is like 25,000 watts while the gas furnace is only 800 watts.
ReplyDeleteI added an efficient electric furnace that works at 8000 watts, which I calculate in use for about 8-12 hours of the day, of course, this is only a rough estimate. The HVAC system will have the largest effect of your electricity use, which includes how well insulated your house is and what type of HVAC system you use. Of course for the gas furnace I did not consider natural gas use, which has a plant running effect also. Hence this was only to show you the impact different electrical systems in your house can have.
ReplyDeleteThere are many factors that can't be calculated in for my average estimate, but I hope to educate everyone on what to look for when considering eco-friendly and more efficient devices, or at least where to start to become educated.