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Energy and Atmosphere (35 possible points)
Imagine the world without power. What would it be like? More peaceful? Maybe. More primitive? Obviously. Perhaps cleaner and healthier? Absolutely. It's unreasonable, though, to think that civilization could progress without some form of energy, but perhaps a cleaner and more fuel-efficient technology could bring peace to the world and even make civilization more advanced. Could our communities also be healthier places to live? Definitely.
Buildings account for over a 1/3 of energy and 2/3 of electricity generated in the United States, according to the Department of Energy. Today's conventional power source varies from fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, natural gas, and nuclear power all of which are having profound effects on our environment. Fossil fuels - oil and coal - adversely affects our atmosphere from extraction and refining. Oil spills resulting from tanker accidents can impact the ocean across thousands of square miles and coal mining is dangerous and hazardous to the miners' health. In addition, hydroelectricity causes a disruption in the area's natural habitat by changing water flow, natural gas emits CO2 into the atmosphere creating greenhouse gas, and nuclear power accidents in the past have shown us how costly they can be.
Acid rain, climate change, health issues, and even war can result from of our increasing dependence on energy. Although in the last decade, we have seen advanced technology in alternative energy sources. Solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydro, and biomass energy are sources that can be used to power our cities without destroying our environment.
Energy & Atmosphere credits address the topic of energy use in a green building. By building smarter and using renewable energy, owners can lower their operation costs, increase re-sale value, and help reduce environmental impacts.
Fundamental commissioning of the building energy systems
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