Energy Conservation Practices Research Articles

Towards net zero energy buildings: A review of barriers and facilitators to the adoption of building energy efficiency practices

With recent and unprecedented attention toward the implementation of Energy efficient building which aids in advocating sustainable construction, numerous attempts have made in establishing flexible approaches to which these practices will assist in savings cost of construction, improve the quality of indoor air as well as lowering the GHG emissions. However, the system is lacking proper and standardized methodology of implementations. Therefore, this, study dwelt in examining several factors capable of influencing the application of energy conservation practices in buildings, along with the advantages and barriers for implementation based on existing literatures, which focuses on raising awareness, providing information, implementing proper policies, and creating incentives to provide alternative solutions for building owners. As presented, study's outcomes offer a blueprint for comprehending the nuanced dynamics of building energy efficiency and lay out a clear course for further investigation. The study also, identifies significant factors which majorly influences building energy efficiency which include government supervision, design standards, construction quality, and energy-efficient materials. The study recommends utilizing cutting-edge innovations, building automation systems, and IoT devices to improve energy monitoring and conservation.

Energy efficiency retrofitting measures of an institutional building: A case study in eastern India

Increasing energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions are major concerns in India. Building energy use in India accounts for 33 % of total energy consumption and is growing at an annual rate of 8 %. In order to save energy, energy conservation in buildings should be given primary importance. Energy conservation practices can reduce energy use in buildings while maintaining thermal comfort. This can be achieved by optimising existing energy use or lowering consumption. One such initiative was undertaken by Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Deemed to be University. It analysed the energy consumption pattern and possible energy conservation opportunities (ECOs) to lower energy usage in its buildings at campus 1 in Bhubaneswar. The Energy Conservation Building Code Odisha (OECBC) was followed to reduce energy use by replacing all the damaged windows with efficient glazing. By following OECBC guidelines, we can save up to 30 % of the energy consumed by an existing building. Besides, energy conservation measures were performed by replacing ceiling fans with brushless direct current (BLDC) fans, existing lights with LED bulbs, and using variable speed drives instead of induction motors. This study will help to define the most efficient energy conservation measures for existing buildings in terms of cost and energy savings. Retrofitting the present building with energy-saving devices will cost INR 21, 32, 90,152 with an overall annual energy savings of 47, 28,177 kWh and a yearly cost saving of INR 319,66,703.

Application of the food-energy-water nexus to six seafood supply chains: hearing from wild and farmed seafood supply chain actors in the United States, Norway, and Vietnam

IntroductionThe food-energy-water (FEW) nexus highlights the interdependencies between the systems that people rely on for these essential resources. For example, globally, over two thirds of freshwater withdrawals are used to produce food, and another 10% is used during energy generation. In addition, the food system uses one eighth of global net energy. Seafood is a nutritionally important food, and it is critical to use freshwater and energy resources efficiently throughout seafood supply chains to safeguard future supplies and to reduce environmental impacts. Diverse seafood production methods result in highly variable resource use across supply chains, which may contribute to siloed efforts within supply chains to improve efficiency, instead of larger efforts that involve multiple seafood supply chains. Additionally, efforts to develop and implement efficiency strategies must be informed by fishers, aquaculturists, processors, and other seafood supply chain actors to avoid investing time and resources into strategies that will have low uptake. A significant proportion of seafood is imported into the U.S., so engaging with industry and stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad is critical for understanding and improving the FEW nexus associated with seafood consumed by Americans.MethodsTo understand how resources are being used, current and potential strategies to improve resource use, and relevant motivations and barriers, we conducted 47 semi-structured interviews from 2019 to 2021 with seafood supply chain actors, including producers and processors. Seafood supply chains included were farmed catfish produced in the U.S., farmed pangasius and shrimp produced in Vietnam, farmed Atlantic salmon produced in Norway, and wild-caught sockeye and pink salmon caught in the U.S.ResultsWe provide detailed descriptions of stages within each supply chain regarding resource use and efficiency strategies, and report higher-level findings that apply across supply chains. There was variation across settings regarding how resources are used and opportunities and barriers for improving efficiencies, but we also found commonalities in settings, indicating that resource-saving strategies or innovations could lead to increased efficiency across multiple supply chains. Interviewees shared that cost savings drove past adoption of, and high interest in, energy conservation practices. Generally, direct costs did not motivate reduced use of freshwater, but associated costs like energy to run pumps and supplies to treat contaminated surface water drove interest in reducing water use.DiscussionEfforts to improve resource use in the U.S. seafood supply should focus on identifying and scaling-up strategies that (i) involve improved efficiency of more than one resource and/or (ii) apply across multiple settings. This work should involve partnerships between industry, government agencies, and academic researchers, and should be informed by supply chain actors’ experiences and insights. The qualitative insights from this study encompass rich descriptions of FEW-relevant factors at the level of specific supply chain stages as well as findings across six major seafood supply chains in three countries. The study provides an essential complement to existing quantitative characterizations of resource use, and enables nuanced and informed responses to challenges.

Households’ energy conservation and efficiency awareness practices in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

AbstractThermal power generation is the main source of power in the energy mix of the country. Erratic rainfall patterns, the high cost of fossil fuel for thermal generation, and increase electricity demand have contributed to rampant power outages in the recent past. This paper examined energy conservation and efficiency awareness practices of households in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. It assessed the level and variability in energy conservation practices and the level of energy-savings awareness education among households. Three hundred and ninety-six households were randomly selected from nine communities using stratified sampling techniques. Five stakeholders from the electricity sector were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. The data sets were modeled using the utility maximization framework to econometrically estimate socioeconomic factors influencing the energy conservation behaviour of households. The findings reveal that years spent in school by household heads, income levels, expenditure, age of households, and the number of times electricity power triples off daily were among the key factors influencing individual households’ choice of energy-efficient appliances. There was significant variability between existing social strata in terms of income and use of electrical appliances among households that warrants policy direction. Based on the findings, this study recommends a robust energy literacy program to improve households’ energy efficiency practices awareness, and to ensure energy cost savings, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation that will enhance the drive towards achieving sustainable development goals seven.

Organizational level energy conservation and efficiency - a case of public sector organization in Karachi, Pakistan

Pakistan is facing chronic energy crises since many years. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current status of energy efficiency and conservation practices at organizational level in Pakistan. The first phase of this study evaluates the trends in electricity consumption in selected buildings over the last six years (2017–2022). Subsequently, a survey was conducted in selected buildings to assess employee morale and knowledge of energy efficiency and conservation. Results show an insignificant change in electricity consumption in selected buildings during the past six year’s period indicating a poor culture of energy savings in the selected organization. Despite a constant electricity consumption from 2017 to 2022, a significant fluctuation in average billing amounts was observed. This is possibly due to electricity tariff that has continuously been fluctuating since last few years in Pakistan including Karachi. Study reveals that more than 50% of the employees in selected organization were aware about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation however, they rarely practice the energy saving measures during their routine activities. This is perhaps due to the lack of sense of national stewardship among the employees. It was also found that most of the employees of the selected organization are aware and motivated towards the environmental and climate change concerns related to energy production and its efficient use. However, again a small number of employees were found practicing the energy conservation and efficiency measures. According to this study, companies should encourage staff members to save energy by offering frequent trainings and educational opportunities. Additionally, the organizations ought to think about switching to renewable energy sources.

Measurement of Dynamic Electric Consumption Trend in a Broiler House in Arkansas

Highlights We quantified the diurnal and seasonal electric load pattern during four consecutive growouts of heavy broilers over an 11-month period on a commercial farm. Consumption was measured separately for ventilation fans, lights, feed motors, well pump motors and radiant tube heater blowers. Ventilation fans were the largest consumer of energy and the largest contributor to peak demand on the farm. Average monthly electric demand ranged from 31% to 77% of the corresponding monthly peak demand, calculated from the largest 15-min period. The electricity cost of raising heavier-weight broiler chickens is higher in the summer ($22 per 1,000 kg live weight) than in the winter ($5 per 1,000 kg live weight). Abstract. Characterizing electric energy use in a commercial broiler house—partitioned by bird age, season, and electric load type—can provide engineers with insight for designing energy conservation practices, as well as help to analyze and design on-site renewable energy production sub-systems. This study monitored electric energy consumption in a commercial broiler house in Arkansas, raising heavy broilers (with a capacity of 17,000 birds) during an 11-month period that included four, 8-week flocks. Average electricity use (RMS voltage and current) was measured at a sampling interval of 5 min for all of the major load types, including ventilation, lighting, feed motors, and well-water pump motor. Results indicated that electric consumption for ventilation fans was the greatest load, accounting for over 88% of the total. The endwall fans (for tunnel ventilation) contributed to the peak electric demand (VA) in nine of the 11 months. Over the 11-month monitoring period, broiler chicken production had an average electric energy consumption (per unit live-weight mass produced) of 43 kWh per metric ton of live weight (in a winter flock) to 184 kWh per metric ton (in a summer flock). The corresponding electric costs were $5 per metric ton and $22 per metric ton in winter and summer flocks, respectively (based upon an electricity unit cost of $0.12/kWh). Keywords: Electricity demand, Energy efficiency, Poultry housing.

Adoption of Energy Conservation Practices and their Effects on the Performance of Kenyan Lodges and Camps

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess energy conservation practices implemented by lodges and camps in Kenya and to determine their effect on performance of Kenyan lodges and camps. 
 Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive correlation research design where data was collected from 294 lodge and camp managers in Kenya using self-administered questionnaires. Sample selection was through multistage sampling technique consisting of stratification, proportionate and simple random sampling. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis in SPSS. 
 Findings: Lodges and camps in Kenya mainly implemented energy conservation practices related to daylighting (M = 4.06, SD =.88) and use of renewable sources of energy (M = 4.02, SD =.87). Further results indicate that energy conservation practices (F [1, 292] = 124.76, p < .001, R2 = .30) significantly effected performance of Kenyan lodges and camps (β = .55, t = 11.17, p < .01). the findings imply that energy conservation practices accounts for 30% of the variation in performance of Kenyan lodges and camps.
 Recommendations: The current study makes theoretical and empirical contributions to eco-friendly practices and the performance of lodging facilities by providing insights into implementation of energy conservation practices, which seems to be lacking in the Kenyan context. As a result, the study recommends that lodging facilities should focus on implementing energy conservation practices, such as use of renewable sources of energy and installation of energy efficient systems in order to achieve positive performance ratings by stakeholders in the industry.

Influence of Hotel Green Energy Practices on Competitive Advantage of Hotels in Nyeri County, Kenya

The hotel industry is one of the major economic segments to achieving the Kenya Vision 2030. The hotel sector is a significant contributor to GDP and a source of employment for thousands of Kenyans. However, many hotels have relied much on the quality of products as an avenue to achieving competitive advantage, disregarding the role of green energy influence on competitive advantage in the hotel sector. This study aimed to determine the influence of green energy practices on the competitive advantage of tourist hotels in Nyeri County. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to guide the study. The study population was 170 tourist hotels and nine government officers concerned with tourism. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules. A reliability test was employed to measure the questionnaire's consistency and adequacy by using the Cronbach alpha coefficient technique with only items of 0.70 and above selected. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. A p-value of 0. 005 determined the overall significance of the study. The study revealed that green energy conservation practices and competitive advantage are significantly and positively related (β= 0.838, p=0.000). The study found that every unit change in energy conservation practices leads to an increase in competitive advantage. The study concluded that green energy practices reduce hotel operation costs, leading to a competitive advantage. The study recommends that hotels consider implementing energy conservation practices and using renewable energy, such as solar power. Keywords: Green energy practices, Competitive advantage, Hotels, Nyeri County, Kenya   &nbsp

Energy conservation practices among undergraduate students of King Faisal University

Energy conservation practices among undergraduate students of King Faisal University

Household Energy Conservation Practices Used in Chalimbana Ward, Chongwe District

Energy conservation is a subject that has continued to attract global attention as it essential in ensuring that the growing energy demand does not pose a threat to the environment. In view of this, the aim of this study was to find out the household energy conservation practices used in Chalimbana ward of Chongwe district, Zambia. The study adopted a convergent mixed method research design. Qualitative data from 10 purposively sampled key informants was collected through in-depth-interviews using semi-structured interview guides. Additionally, quantitative data from 175 households selected through cluster sampling technique was collected using a questionnaire. The qualitative data was analysed though content analysis whereas quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The study found that most households in Chalimbana ward depend on traditional biomass energy (Charcoal and firewood). Through multiple linear regression, the study found that expenditure on household energy consumption in the study area is influenced is influenced by social economic factors such as family size, house size and education. To conserve energy, the households in this area use a variety of conservation methods of which the most used involves switching or putting off unused household energy appliances or sources. The energy used among these households causes air pollution, habitat loss, land use change, exposure to hazardous waste among other environmental atrocities While the study findings show that households in Chalimbana ward do practice energy conservation, this is not done at a substantive level that can yield sustainable environmental, economic and social benefits of household energy conservation.

An Examination of Energy Conservation Practices in Private Student Hostel Buildings in Awka, Anambra

An Examination of Energy Conservation Practices in Private Student Hostel Buildings in Awka, Anambra

Using a Unified Model of TPB, NAM, and SOBC to Investigate the Energy-Saving Behaviour of Urban Residents in Vietnam: Moderation Role of Cultural Values

This study integrated the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the norm activation model (NAM), and the stimulus–organism–behaviour–consequences theory (SOBC) to determine how external (subjective injunctive norm, subjective descriptive norm, and perceived behavioural control) and internal stimuli (ascription of responsibility, awareness of consequences) stimulate organisms (attitude towards energy saving and personal norms), which in turn drives behavioural responses (energy-saving intentions and behaviours) and their consequences (energy-saving habits). A sample of 1514 residents of five large cities in Vietnam and a multiple linear regression analysis were used to test the hypothesised model. The results show that external stimuli positively shaped a favourable energy-saving attitude, while internal stimuli aroused individuals’ personal norms. In addition, energy-saving intention, behaviours, and habits were serial mediators impacted by both internal and external stimuli. The results also indicate that a long-term orientation positively moderated the relationship between energy-saving intention, behaviours, and habits, but collectivism only moderated the nexus between energy-saving behaviours and habits. These findings imply that policymakers should focus on conveying information related to energy conservation among surrounding people, increasing citizens’ awareness of the consequences, personal responsibilities, moral obligations regarding saving energy, and should not neglect the informative role of cultural values in energy conservation practices.

Eco-Efficiency and Energy Audit to Improve Environmental Performance: An Empirical Study of Hotels in Bali-Indonesia

This paper examines a conceptual framework that describes the relationship between energy eco-efficiency, energy audit and environmental performance. In this paper, the authors argue that eco-efficiency and energy audits can directly affect environmental performance. This paper examines responses to a survey of general managers in hotel companies registered with the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics. The time horizon of data collection is cross-sectional. The hypothesis was tested using a multiple linear regression analysis approach by interpreting the regression model through the value of the significant coefficient to see the partial effect. In general, the proposed framework obtains adequate fit statistics. Furthermore, the results support the argument that eco-efficiency and energy audits positively and significantly affect the company's environmental performance. A limitation of this study relates to the small sample size, as environmental results and energy use are still considered confidential by many hotel companies. A causal relationship could not be confirmed for the results. The instrument used was fully adopted from previous research without unidimensional retesting. This study contributes to the literature-based view of natural resource energy conservation by responding to recent calls to examine energy conservation efforts on environmental performance. These results can be a special reference for policy-making in companies to improve their environmental performance continuously. This study also has important implications for energy conservation practices by describing the potential for energy savings through eco-efficiency and energy audits to improve environmental performance. These results indicate that energy conservation with improved environmental management accounting mechanisms in Indonesia seems to require more pressure as mandated by the government.

Energy conservation, minimum steps, and adaptations when needed: A scoping review.

Although many therapeutic approaches use energy conservation, only a few effectively report the steps involved. Thus, it is intended to identify energy conservation practices to be organized in flexible and adaptable stages. A scoping review was carried out, whose search strategies were applied in seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Portal BVS, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) following guidelines by Arksey and O'Malley on the Rayyan software. Searches were carried out from January 2010 to December 2020. Inclusion of refered publications with different study designs, participation of adults with or by demands of energy conservation, joint protection, and control of fatigue and/or pain. Exclusion of productions without an occupational therapist or involving merely pharmacological or surgical therapeutic strategies. 653 articles were identified, after the selection and eligibility steps, 30 articles were full review, 18 articles were included and 635 excluded. Energy conservation studies have been increasingly focusing on neurological and systemic diseases, especially regarding symptoms of fatigue and pain. The findings were arranged in six strategies whose interventions are essentially based on guidelines and setting goals for patients, client-centered approach. Merely supervised interventions are less frequent. The number of sessions is closed, but the duration of treatment is not yet. The signs of pain and fatigue are confirmed as indicators of energy conservation strategies, this delivery can be condensed from planning and organization, priorities, activity analysis, balance between activity and rest, outsourcing of tasks and physical/environmental adaptation. https://osf.io/rsyq4.

Awareness on energy conservation: a case study of first-year undergraduate students in Malaysia

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the awareness level of university students on energy conservation by focusing on their knowledge, attitude and practice. Energy awareness is a feasible energy conservation measure, but an inappropriate approach can cause the wastage of resources. The current number of reported awareness studies especially among the university student is quite limited, and focus is more given to the awareness on renewable energy, instead of energy conservation.Design/methodology/approachA paper-based survey using a set of questionnaires that involved 2,857 respondents. There are four sections in this questionnaire, which are basic background information of respondents, knowledge (yes/true or no/false choice of responses), attitude (a scale of 1–10, where 10 indicates “strongly agree” and 1 chooses “strongly disagree”) and practices (a scale of 1–10, where 10 indicates “Always” and 1 selects “Never”). The evaluation includes the correlation analysis of all awareness variables with an educational background to disclose the most critical aspects that should be highly considered in the forthcoming awareness campaign.FindingsThis research revealed that university students have a high level of awareness of energy conservation. They hold a high knowledge level and show a positive attitude with very good energy conservation practices. However, some issues require serious attention in preparing energy management plans. Effective approaches should be taken by considering the field of study, gender and family economic status to enhance the awareness level of the university students on energy conservation.Originality/valueThe absence of appropriate references complicates the preparation of energy management plans including the establishment of energy policy and strategies. The findings of this research can contribute some contextual information in the local perspective to ensure the effectiveness of the energy management program and strengthen academic leadership by emphasising the element of sustainability. This is crucial for developing an energy saving culture among the young generation that will be our future scholars and leaders.

Energy Conservation Practices among Undergraduate Students of King Faisal University

Energy Conservation Practices among Undergraduate Students of King Faisal University

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARENESS AND PRACTICES BASED ON ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

Currently, the main environmental concerns encountered by most countries are energy and its consumption. A green lifestyle and energy efficiency (EE) could reduce daily energy consumption. Nevertheless, low awareness and knowledge of EE prevent proper green lifestyle practices to save energy and the environment. Thus, the study aims to examine building occupants’ EE and energy conservation awareness and practices based on Islamic perspectives. The study objectives are to examine the level of EE awareness and practices among Malaysian building occupants and incorporate the potential of Islamic teachings from al-Quran concerning energy consumption and conservation in the EE awareness campaigns. The study used the qualitative research method, which involved a literature review, observation, and narrative study. As a result, the significant relevance of EE awareness and practices along with Islamic teachings is explained further in this study. Moreover, instilling knowledge, creating awareness and encouraging occupants to implement EE practices, which consequently reduce energy demand and energy consumption, hence, mitigating the detrimental environmental impacts. The study is crucial in raising public awareness of the Islamic perspectives linked with energy conservation and provides a framework for future development plans that embody EE elements aligned with Islamic teachings.

Sustainable construction through energy management practices: an integrated hierarchal framework of drivers in the construction sector.

Reducing energy usage and promoting energy management practices remain hot issues in the construction sector. Construction firms are not interested to adopt energy conservation and management practices in their projects. Despite the successful integration of energy management practices in developed nations, their adaptability in developing countries, especially in Pakistan, is at a slow pace. Therefore, drivers to energy management practices need to be realized for its adoption. Based on this, the current study intends to evaluate the drivers of energy management practices adopted in the construction sector of Pakistan by using a four-stage methodology. Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and Matrice d’Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliques a un Classement (MICMAC) analysis were integrated with prioritizing essential drivers. Increased tax imposition on construction companies for energy usage and pollution contribution, promotion of investment subsidies for energy efficiency technologies, and increased enforcement of government rules and regulations regarding on-site energy management practices arose as significant drivers to adoption of energy management practices in the construction sector of Pakistan. These results will be helpful for policymakers to develop effective policies for integrating energy management practices in the construction sector. This study contributes significantly by developing a novel model of drivers affecting EMP adoption in the Pakistani construction sector. Further research might be expanded to other developing countries to validate current results.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-022-21928-x.

Energy audit of thermal power plant: a literature survey

Energy consumption has increased dramatically and steps towards the energy efficiency goal and emphasizes that an energy audit is an ongoing operation. It addresses the feasible activities, such as how to conserve and efficiently use our limited resources, and identifies how it reduces the capacity and how to translate these efforts into reality. A plant or facility may undergo an energy audit to determine energy consumption and energy conservation practices, as well as where and how energy is used. Improved procedures, better tools, and more efficient equipment can help to save energy.

A sociotechnical approach to users’ heritage values and decision-making processes for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in heritage buildings: A pilot study in Mexico City

Historic buildings have been gradually considered within energy efficiency practices and renewable energy systems, but the implementation of such measures is more complex for historic buildings. It is fundamental to understand the importance of users in the heritage-energy sector. Thus, energy conservation practices of historic buildings that involve less invasive interventions that could lead to loss of value must be promoted. The paper illustrates how residents of historic buildings in the Historic Centre of Mexico City (World Heritage) make decisions on energy efficiency with the ultimate goal of improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. This study consists of five in-depth semi-structured interviews complemented by monitoring internal environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. The thematic analysis of the interviews was followed by a system dynamics analysis to better understand the changes in decision making over time. The dynamic hypothesis is that heritage values assigned to historic buildings change over time and they drive or prohibit changes in energy efficiency. Moreover, a tension arises over time between the limitations on listed buildings in which making many changes in use and energy efficiency interventions is prevented. Our results show that participants take passive thermal-comfort actions (e.g., wearing more clothes and closing windows) when internal temperatures are low. They oppose major interventions or invasive retrofitting to the building, given the high cost and potential loss of value assigned to their buildings. The changes the users would consider while dealing with uncomfortable internal conditions are small interventions in floors and ceilings; however, they avoid making changes to aspects they consider are important and must be preserved and protected (social and cultural values). Integrating the understanding of users’ behaviours toward energy efficiency and heritage values can enhance retrofitting policies and guidelines that help protect and maintain the heritage-built stock.