Rational Use Of Energy And Air Pollution

Abstract

The transformation and consumption of fossil fuels are undoubtedly the main sources of an important number of primary, as well as secondary pollutants with a local, regional, continental and/or global impact. Sustainable development will subsequently remain a dream or fiction if we do not rationalise our use of raw materials in general and fossil, non renewable energy in particular. The fact that pollution abatement at the end-of-the-pipe always requires extra energy and materials and generates extra waste streams too can only increase our motivation for rational use of energy in a cradle to grave approach for products, processes and services. In this context rational use of energy or RUE means: save energy where and when possible; increase the efficiency of the processes; improve the quality of the energy vector or fuel; use energy under its most appropriate form; and recuperate energy from waste streams in order to optimize the net energy input per unit end product and minimize, at the same time, its environmental impact. This concept is illustrated by means of the situation in Belgium, and its evolution over the past twenty years (1973-1992). Present levels and trends of the ambient sulphur dioxide and lead pollution in urban areas are analyzed as a function of the energy consumption, as well as the mix and composition of the fossil fuels used. Transactions on Ecology and the Environment vol 4, © 1994 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3541 534 Pollution Control and Monitoring