Our IRS Research Title : An investigation of the average household's energy usage and ways to decrease it.
Goals of our research : To find out if Singapore citizens know how to save energy and whether they practice it.
Introduction
Reducing energy usage can benefit us in many ways, such as saving money, reduce pollution. In the 21 century, energy is important for the survival of mankind. The National Environment Agency, NEA, advises household to reduce energy usage.
Why we need to reduce energy usage in Singapore.
- Singapore relies heavily on fuel imports, making her vulnerable to inflation of fuel prices as the world fuel supply depletes. This will cause the fuel prices to go up drastically, and cause the low-income families to be unable to afford energy. Thus, there is a great need for us to reduce energy consumption an use energy more efficiently.
Literature Review
Ways to reduce energy
- Purchase energy efficient products and use them only when necessary.
- Install more windows in your house for more natural lighting. Use fluorescent bulbs as they require less energy.
- Use less of Air-Conditioners and Heaters.
- Decrease hot-water temperature
- Take the stairs instead of taking lift if you are going up/down 1 or 2 levels.
- Jog at parks rathe than on treadmills
How do we reduce?
-It starts with every household chipping in to use less energy. By following the techniques of saving energy as stated above, we would all be able to save energy. Singapore can look into a safe, renewable energy source, such as solar panels and windmills, although that will require a lot of land and may not be able to fully satisfy the energy needs of Singapore.
How much energy does an average Singaporean use?
-It is estimated that each Singaporean uses 6,151.54 kWh of energy yearly(National Environment Agency, 2008). Of course, the energy consumption of every single person is different due to the lifestyle.
Energy prices
-Now that we found out the average energy consumption, we are able to determine the prices of energy. Singapore Powers, SP, would be implementing a three-tier block-pricing system. The first cap would be 6500kWh, as they do not wish to affect the average Singaporean. Followed by a second cap, 10000kWh, and the third cap, 10000 and above. (Ministry of Finance, 2012)
In worse case scenario,
Singapore can ration their energy. Charge the low-income families less and charge the higher income families more. Create a fixed amount of energy every household can use.
Bibliography
Cited in main text
[1] National Environment Agency, NEA. (2011). Energy Efficient, (E2), Singapore. Retrieved on 3 February 2013, from http://app.e2singapore.gov.sg/DATA/0/docs/Booklet/E2S%20Publication.pdf
[2] National Environment Agency, NEA. (2008). News Release - NEA Says Latest Electricity Consumption Data Suggest Households More Energy Efficient. Retrieved on 3 February 2013, fromhttp://app2.nea.gov.sg/news_detail_2008.aspx?news_sid=20081019670627336824
[3] Ministry of Finance, Singapore. (2012). Energy Efficiency. Retrieved on 3 February 2013, fromhttp://www.mof.gov.sg/budget_2012/download/Category1/STACEF_Energy%20Efficiency.pdf
Ryan Literature Review
Literature Review
Energy is very important as, without it, we will be plunged into darkness. All the electronic systems will not be able to function, and the world will be set back by years. Electricity is needed for the most basic things in life. Winters will be without heaters, and there will be no air-conditioning.
Saving energy means decreasing the amount of energy used while achieving a similar outcome of end use. Using less energy has lots of benefits – you can save money and help the environment. Generating energy requires precious natural resources, for instance coal, oil or gas. Therefore, using less energy helps us to preserve these resources and make them last longer in the future.
Why do we need to conserve energy?
People are always taking electricity for granted. This is because, electricity is abundant and we use it constantly. Only when there is a blackout, when we realise how important electricity is.
How do we save energy?
Saving energy can be as simple as:
-Using 3 tick appliances.
-Turn off the computer instead of setting it on sleep mode.
-Use energy saving bulbs.
-Turn down the brightness of your computer.
Sources:
1. EPA (2010). Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2008(PDF). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
2. USGCRP (2009). Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States . Karl, T.R., J.M. Melillo, and T.C. Peterson (eds.). United States Global Change Research Program. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, USA
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Michael's Literature Review
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Michael's Literature Review
Household and industries here used a record amount of electricity last month - the highest monthly usage in the last seven years.Last month's average demand of 5,099 megawatts broke the last record of 5,039 megawatts which was set only in March this year. As we know, electricity is produced through burning fossil fuels. Very few places offer using hydrological methods to generate electricity. Fossil fuels cannot last forever, thus, we have to conserve using electricity. Lets think. What if one day we run out of electricity? We would not be able to use any electronic items.
To minimise the impact of climate change, All countries have agreed to start negotiations on a new climate change framework beyond 2020 in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban in 2011. Apart from reducing emissions, Singapore need to adapt to the impact of climate change. The Government will invest in new capabilities in climate science to achieve a deeper understanding of our vulnerabilities, and develop appropriate adaptation solutions to protect Singapore against the risks posed by climate change.
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To minimise the impact of climate change, All countries have agreed to start negotiations on a new climate change framework beyond 2020 in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban in 2011. Apart from reducing emissions, Singapore need to adapt to the impact of climate change. The Government will invest in new capabilities in climate science to achieve a deeper understanding of our vulnerabilities, and develop appropriate adaptation solutions to protect Singapore against the risks posed by climate change.
Ben's Literature Review
Energy plays an important role in many aspects of our lives. For example, we use electricity for lighting and cooling. We use fuel for transportation, heating, and cooking. Our energy production and use is interconnected with many other aspects of modern life, such as water consumption, use of goods and services, transportation, economic growth, land use, and population growth. Singapore’s 80% production and use of energy mostly comes from natural gas (Cleanest form of fossil fuel) also contributes to climate changes.
To minimise the impact of climate change, All countries have agreed to start negotiations on a new climate change framework beyond 2020 in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban in 2011. Apart from reducing emissions, Singapore need to adapt to the impact of climate change. The Government will invest in new capabilities in climate science to achieve a deeper understanding of our vulnerabilities, and develop appropriate adaptation solutions to protect Singapore against the risks posed by climate change.
Why do we need to conserve energy?
Many people have been taking electricity for granted and thus, not trying to conserve them. This will result in burning of more fossil fuel, which will cause air pollution and eventually lead to global warming. The user can also save money, most households can save 20 - 30 % of their money spent on electricity bills. Conserving energy will also be saving water in the country. Power stations use 2 liters of water for every unit of electricity (kWh) generated.
How do we save energy?
Saving energy can be as simple as:
-Switching off lights when we are not using a room.
-Switching off sockets when we are not in use.
-Using the fan instead of the air-conditioner.
-Using Energy-Saving light bulbs.
-Reuse plastic bags for shopping and storage
-Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries
Bibliography:
[1] EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency (2013) Energy Impacts and Adaptation From:http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/energy.html
[2] Futur Energia (2010) How can we save energy From:http://www.futurenergia.org/ww/en/pub/futurenergia/activity/save_energy.htm
Ming Chuan's Literature Review
Household and industries here used a record amount of electricity last month - the highest monthly usage in the last seven years.Last month's average demand of 5,099 megawatts broke the last record of 5,039 megawatts which was set only in March this year. As we know, electricity is produced through burning fossil fuels. Very few places offer using hydrological methods to generate electricity. Fossil fuels cannot last forever, thus, we have to conserve using electricity. Lets think. What if one day we run out of electricity? We would not be able to use any electronic items.
So, after all this talk,how do we save energy? First, lets look at what we cannot do without electricity. We cannot message friends, we cannot search for information, we cannot live our lives like we do now. However, just by doing simple things such as:
-Turning off the lights when not using s room
-Unplug the charging once the battery of your device is full
- Use solar powered items
we can save electricity, which also saves money!
Bibliography:
[1] Low Wei Xiang (2010) Electricity usage last month hits 7-year high
From: http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20100513-215951.html
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