Energy Engineering

Prof.ssa Elena INTORCIA

Green issues

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Contents

Energy p. 2

Energy sources p. 2

Activities p. 4

How is electricity made? p. 5

Why is it important not to waste electricity? p. 5

Energy efficiency and energy conservation p. 6

How can we save energy? p. 6

Saving energy p. 7

Energy saving campaigns p. 8

Environmental issues p. 9

The greenhouse effect p. 10

Alternative living p. 11

Green cities. Masdar City and Fujisawa p. 12

Eco-projects: CAT and Eden project p. 13

Energy Performance Certificates p. 15

Green buildings p. 17

Glossary p. 19

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ENERGY

WHAT IS ENERGY?

People use energy each day for transportation,

cooking, heating and cooling rooms, manufacturing,

lighting, entertainment, and many other uses. The choices people make about how they use

energy—turning machines off when they’re not using them or choosing to buy fuel-efficient vehicles

and energy-efficient appliances—affects the environment and everyone’s lives.

The nature of energy is very complex, but it is best described by these characteristics:

• energy is the ability to do work;

• work is the application of a force through a distance;

• force is that which can put matter into motion or stop it if it is already moving;

• motion is a change in distance or direction with time.

Energy comes in different forms:

~ heat (thermal)

~ light (radiant)

~ motion (kinetic)

~ electrical

~ chemical

~ nuclear energy

~ gravitational

There are two types of energy:

~ stored (potential) energy;

~ working (kinetic) energy.

If the energy possessed by an object is due to the fact that matter is moving or is in use, it is called

kinetic energy. If it is due to the position, structure of matter, or composition, it is called potential

energy (it is stored energy).

For example, the food a person eats contains chemical energy, and a person's body stores this energy

until he or she uses it as kinetic energy during work or play.

ENERGY SOURCES

When people use electricity in their homes, the electrical power was probably generated by burning

coal or natural gas, by a nuclear reaction, or by a hydroelectric plant on a river, to name just a few

sources. Therefore, coal, nuclear, and hydro are called energy sources.

Although most of the energy consumed in the Western world comes from fossil fuel sources, there

are many other potential sources of energy available. In all cases, there are pros and cons to our use

of these sources. Some of the energy sources are limited by their availability or environmental

impact; others need technological improvements before they can become widely used. For scientists

and engineers, research is the best way to learn about unknown topics.

Energy sources are divided into two groups:

~ renewable (an energy source that naturally regenerates or that can be easily replenished)

~ non-renewable (an energy source that cannot be easily replenished)

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Renewable and non-renewable energy sources can be

used as primary energy sources to produce useful

energy such as heat or used to produce secondary

energy sources such as electricity.

The five renewable energy sources used most often

are:

~ biomass (including wood and wood waste, municipal solid waste, landfill and biogas, ethanol, and biodiesel);

~ hydropower (from moving or falling water);

~ geothermal energy (i.e. the natural heat from the earth’s interior);

~ wind power;

~ solar energy (from the sun).

We can use them today and we will still be able to use them tomorrow if we apply what is called sustainable development.

Non-renewable energy sources, instead, are those that can be depleted. They do not renew

themselves in a useful amount of time, but they are being used up faster than nature could ever

replace them. These include:

~ fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)

~ nuclear fuels.

Crude oil, natural gas, and coal are called fossil fuels because they were formed over millions of

years by the action of heat from the earth's core and pressure from rock and soil on the remains (or

fossils) of dead plants and creatures like microscopic diatoms.

Nuclear energy is produced from uranium, a nonrenewable energy source whose atoms are split

(through a process called nuclear fission) to create heat and, eventually, electricity.

Why don’t we use more renewable energy?

Renewable energy is at the centre of the transition to a less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy system. Renewables have grown rapidly in recent years, accompanied by sharp cost reductions for solar photovoltaics and wind power in particular. However, renewable heat and transport are lagging behind, despite good potential.

In general, renewable energy is more expensive to produce and to use than fossil fuel energy.

Favorable renewable resources are often located in remote areas, and it can be expensive to build

power lines from the renewable energy sources to the cities that need the electricity. In addition,

renewable sources are not always available:

~ clouds reduce electricity from solar power plants;

~ days with low wind reduce electricity from wind farms;

~ droughts reduce the water available for hydropower.

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definition

ACTIVITIES

Summarize the main ideas about ENERGY and ENERGY SOURCES by completing the following mind maps.

For each energy source listed below, answer the following questions:

biomass - fossil fuels - geothermal – hydropower - uranium - solar - wind

1. Where can we find this energy source?

2. How does it work?

3. Are there different types or uses of this source? If yes, what are the differences?

4. What are the environmental impacts of this source?

5. What are the economic impacts of this source? How much does it cost per KWh?

6. What countries currently use this source? What percentage is used in Italy?

7. How is this energy source currently used? (ex.: at farms, in industry, etc.) Could this source be

used in a family home?

List some “pros” and “cons” of using these energy sources.

Energy Source “pros” “cons”

biomass

fossil fuels

geothermal

hydropower

uranium

solar

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. If you had to choose an energy system to tell your community about, based only on the aspect you researched, which system would you choose? Why?

2. Why do we as a nation depend so much on fossil fuels? What do you think we could do to reduce this dependence on fossil fuels?

types

energy forms energy sources

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HOW IS ELECTRICITY MADE?

One of the fossil fuels (usually coal) is burned in a power plant to heat water. The hot water

turns into steam and forces a machine called a turbine to turn. The turbine powers a generator

into electricity which is sent through power lines to provide energy for buildings of all types.

In summary, coal � hot water � steam � turbine � generator � electricity

Electricity can also be made from water behind a dam or by windmills. Falling water or rotating

windmill blades will cause the turbine to generate electricity.

Electricity is the most useful form of energy. We take it for granted because it is such an

important part of our lifestyle. It makes our everyday endeavors convenient and practical. For

example, electricity makes alarm clocks ring in the morning to wake us for university or work,

keeps our food cool in the refrigerator, and operates the blow dryer that styles hair.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT NOT TO WASTE ELECTRICITY?

The conversion of energy from one form to another is covered by a natural law – the Law of

Conservation of Energy (The First Law of Thermodynamics). This law states that:

energy can be neither created nor destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another.

This change, however, is one of quantity, not quality. As energy does work, it changes from

higher (more concentrated) form of energy to a lower form of energy. For example, of the

electrical energy that goes into a typical light bulb, 5% becomes light, the other 95% of the

electrical energy is lost as heat.

In another example, the chemical energy of gasoline is converted into heat energy in an

automobile. A small portion (10%) is converted into mechanical energy that moves the car. The

remaining portion (90%) is lost to the environment. You notice this when you stand near an

idling car's engine and feel the heat. This concept helps explain why it is important to save

(conserve) energy.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENERGY CONSERVATION

The terms energy efficiency and energy conservation have

distinct meanings:

Energy efficiency is using technology that requires less energy to

perform the same function. Using a compact fluorescent light bulb

that requires less energy instead of using an incandescent bulb to

produce the same amount of light is an example of energy efficiency.

Energy conservation is any behavior that results in the use of less energy. Turning the lights off

when leaving the room and recycling aluminum cans are both ways of conserving energy.

HOW CAN WE SAVE ENERGY?

Energy saved is energy gained for another day! Saving energy will cut down on pollution and help

our fossil fuels last longer, at least, until renewable energy sources become more practical.

Conservation is the least expensive source of energy available today. Every bit of electricity that is

not used to light a room that no one is in, could be used to operate a computer. Power companies

have found that mining this kind of wasted energy is often more profitable than generating more

energy. The amount of energy that a utility can get its users to save can be sold to other users;

incentive programs for saving energy turn out to be profitable to the utility companies.

Because of peak-use problems, the utility must have enough energy available to satisfy the needs of

all users at peak hours. This often means building an entire power plant (or more) just to cover the

demand over a 2-4 hour portion of the day. When everyone conserves energy, the utility can meet

peak demand without a new plant, and the building and maintenance expenses that it would incur.

Finding a way to do more with less, benefits everyone.

Consumers can actively participate in energy conservation through recycling. Some communities

have recycling centers; they often provide containers for gathered materials, handle all the pick-up,

and even supply educational materials!

Citizens need to realize that each and every one of us does make a difference. The solution to

energy problems will be solved by individuals. While it may seem nebulous we are the ones who

need to pass laws or quit polluting, it will be us who will write letters to, and cast votes for, the

lawmakers. Likewise it will be individuals who ride the bus or a bike, instead of driving our own cars.

The sum of our individual, daily decisions determines the net outcome of the world’s energy use.

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SAVING ENERGY

Most of the energy we use today comes from coal, oil, and natural gas.

They are fossil fuels. They take millions of years to form as they are non-

renewable. We need to save energy whenever we can.

REDUCE

A good way to save energy is by not wasting things. Don’t use paper plates

or cups all the time: you only use them once, then throw them away.

Write on both sides of your paper. Use a lunch box and thermos instead of paper bags and box

drinks. Buy one big bag of chips not ten little ones. Reducing waste saves energy. It takes energy to

make things and to get rid of them. Buy things without a lot of packaging.

REUSE

Try to use things more than once—reuse them. Wash out plastic sandwich bags and use them again.

Use the comics from newspapers to wrap presents. Paint your big sister’s old bike instead of buying a

new one. Fix old things whenever you can. Give your old clothes and toys to someone who needs

them—don’t throw them away.

RECYCLE

You can recycle lots of things: cans, paper, glass, and plastic. It only takes a minute to recycle, and it saves energy. It takes a lot of energy to dig up metal and make a can. It only takes a little energy to

make a new can from an old one. Cans can be recycled over and over again. Plastic bottles can be

recycled into clothes and rugs. Paper can be recycled into boxes and bags. Don’t throw away anything you can recycle.

SAVE ELECTRICITY

You use a lot of electricity every day. Use only what you need. Don’t turn on two lights if you only

need one. Remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Turn off the TV and video games,

too. On a sunny day, read by a window. It’s a simple way to save energy.

Keep the refrigerator door closed. Know what you want before you open the door. If you’re pouring a

drink, don’t leave the door open. It takes a lot of energy to cool things.

If the air conditioner is on, keep doors and windows closed. Don’t go in and out, in and out. If you

can, just use a fan and wear light clothes instead of using the air conditioner. SAVE GASOLINE

It takes a lot of energy to operate a car. Walk or ride your bike wherever you can. If you and some of

your friends are going to the same place, go together. Take the bus instead of asking for a ride to

school. SAVE HEAT

It takes a lot of energy to heat houses and water. If the heat is on, keep doors and windows closed.

Wear warm clothes instead of turning up the heat. At night, use blankets to stay warm. When you take a bath, use only the water you need. And don’t stand in the shower for a long time. Heating

water uses energy. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The things you do every day make a difference. If everyone saves just a little energy, it adds up to a

lot. When you save energy, you save money, too. You can spend it on other things. Saving energy

also helps protect the environment.

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Energy Saving in Italy: M’illumino di Meno

(adapted from: https://www.elilaspigaedizioni.it/res/ftpeli/resources/houseandgrounds/Module%207%20-%20Worksheet%203.pdf)

M’illumino di Meno is a famous annual radio campaign on energy conservation, launched by the programme Caterpillar on Rai Radio2. This campaign gets its name from the famous verses of a poem called Mattina by Giuseppe Ungaretti (“M’illumino/ d’immenso”) and usually happens about the 16th February which coincides with the date when the Kyoto Protocol, which commits countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, entered into force.

This campaign aims at increasing public awareness of sustainable energy and people are invited to concentrate in an entire day all the virtuous actions which lead to a lower consumption of energy. The public is encouraged not only to reduce energy waste as much as possible, but also to choose sustainable mobility. This means getting about town on foot, by bike or using public transport rather than taking the car. The organisers also stress the importance of recycling and reuse, and many initiatives are planned throughout Italy on this day.

Since its first edition, the radio programme Caterpillar has managed to reach a massive public with its advice on the ‘correct’ consumption of energy, and many schools, shops, restaurants, pubs, libraries and institutions all over Italy have joined in their initiatives. Between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on the day of the campaign, the public is invited to switch off any lights or electrical appliances which are not absolutely necessary.

However, like every year, M’illumino di Meno isn’t just a simple

parade in the dark, but an opportunity to discuss important themes regarding not only the rational use of electricity, but also the use of renewable energy sources. This initiative is also sustained by many national government bodies and the Emilia Romagna region comes tops for the number of activities it has organised dedicated to the Caterpillar campaign.

READING COMPREHENSION

Read the text and answer the following questions.

1. Why does the radio campaign M’illumino di Meno usually take place on about 16th February?

2. On the day of the campaign, what should people do?

3. Why has this energy saving campaign worked so well?

4. Apart from switching off unnecessary lights, what else is this day important for?

What do you do – or what could you do – to save energy? Make a list of actions.

WARM UP

Choose the best

alternative.

1. Switch on/off lights when not required.

2. If the room is too hot, turn up/down the

thermostat instead of

opening the window.

3. If you have curtains in front of a

radiator, then keep

them open/shut.

4. Use your car as much/ little as possible.

5. Defrost/Clean your fridge frequently.

6. When cooking, use a flame which is bigger/

smaller than the

bottom of the pot.

7. Don’t leave electrical appliances on stand by/

up.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Match the words, then use them in sentences of your own.

1. depletion of a. a campaign

2. climate b. oil 3. genetic c. change

4. organic d. engineering

5. separate e. bulbs 6. recycling f. products

7. start g. a difference

8. harm h. rubbish 9. low energy i. centre

10. make j. environment

Look at the pictures. What problem does each of them match?

earthquake – landfill site – flood – hurricane – avalanche – wind farm – drought – famine – oil spill

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What are the main causes of these problems?

Do you think the climate is changing?

Has any of these natural phenomena happened recently in Italy or in other countries of the

world?

Example: The depletion of oil

reserves will force us to find new

sources of energy.

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THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Incoming radiation from the sun takes form of ultraviolet and visible radiation.

Some of this radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and some of the radiation is reflected

back into space by the Earth’s surface (ground).

The radiation which is reflected back into space takes form of infrared radiation.

The greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation and reflect it back

towards the Earth’s surface.

Thus, heat energy becomes trapped inside Earth’s atmosphere and accumulates, leading to the

greenhouse effect and an increase in average mean temperatures on Earth.

Chain reaction:

Global warming reduces ice/snow cover. This causes a decrease in albedo and increases the rate of

heat absorption by the Earth.

The solubility of carbon dioxide in the sea decreases with increasing temperature, leading to an

increase in atmosphere carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) concentration.

Effects:

~ Rise in mean sea level by the melting of ice on land.

~ Extreme weather such as heat waves and heavy floods.

Write a short definition of climate change, then report one or more recent episodes related

to it.

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ALTERNATIVE LIVING

Watch the video “Alternative energy” at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oIbJ9Wn9E

then answer the questions below.

One of the biggest challenges we face today: …

What do we need energy for?

Which problems are caused by traditional energy sources?

Why is the development of alternative energy sources becoming important?

Which forms of energy do we need?

What kind of energy will we be using in the future?

Which green energy is used in Iceland?

What are they building in the UAE?

Describe the main features of this place.

****

~ Find information about environmental projects in Italy and/or abroad.

~ Some examples are CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology) in Powys, Wales and the Eden Project, Cornwall, England (see p.13).

GLOSSARY

Energy Alternative energy

available: …………………………… carbon footprint: ……………………………

availability: …………………………… climate change: ……………………………

food scraps: …………………………… development: ……………………………

fossil fuels: …………………………… factory: ……………………………

landfill: …………………………… harmful: ……………………………

waste: …………………………… safe: ……………………………

to deplete: …………………………… to damage: ……………………………

to regenerate: …………………………… to design: ……………………………

to use up: …………………………… to increase: …………………………… to reduce: ……………………………

to supply: ……………………………

PHONETICS

Word Phonetic transcription Meaning

source

energy

renewable

water

fuel

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GREEN CITIES

Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. As the urban population grows and

the effects of climate change worsen, our cities have to adapt. It’s time for us to invest in efficiency

and renewable energy, rebuild our cities, towns, municipalities and states. Cities need to accelerate

their transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more economically viable future through improvements

in efficiency, investments in renewable technology, and regulation reform.

“Green cities” all over the world are aiming at achieving these goals. Some examples are Masdar City, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Fujisawa, in Japan.

MASDAR CITY

Visit the website http://www.masdar.ae/ and find information

about Masdar City, its mission, features and connection to the

environmental sustainability.

FUJISAWA, JAPAN

Visit the website https://fujisawasst.com/EN/ and find

information about Fijisawa, a sustainable town located in

Japan.

While watching the video at

https://fujisawasst.com/EN/movie/ write down some

relevant information related to its mission, features and

connection to the environmental sustainability.

MY GLOSSARY

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ECO-PROJECTS

CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY (CAT)

CAT is a leading eco-center located in Powys, Wales.

People at CAT offer solutions to some of the most serious

challenges facing our planet and the human race, such as

climate change, pollution and the waste of precious

resources. They demonstrate practical ways of addressing

these problems and focus on every aspect of the average

lifestyle – especially renewable energy, environmental

building, energy efficiency, organic growing and

alternative sewage systems.

CAT promotes its ideas in a variety of ways. Its Visitor Centre is open seven days a week. Interactive

displays show global issues such as energy generation and transport, and practical, everyday

solutions for everyone. CAT also runs a free information service, answering enquiries on a massive

range of topics by phone, letter or email, five days a week. For bigger projects, there is also a

consultancy service.

CAT is situated high in the hills of Wales. If you go by bike or public

footpath, you’ll receive a discount off your ticket price. If you don’t want

to walk up the hill, you can take the cliff railway, with two carriages, that

uses only water power from a lake at the top of the hill.

CAT is a great place to learn new things, for all ages. A range of

residential courses is run there - from weekends to a yearlong MSc. Its

dedicated Education Department arranges school trips to CAT, which can

be tied in with the National Curriculum. They also publish books on

various 'green' topics, and sell eco-books and products through a shop

and mail order service. The Media Department is available for all kinds of

press enquiries.

There is a small community living at the Centre, experimenting with different ways of living, putting

cooperative and environmental ideas into action. Through positive example and promotion of

effective solutions, they try to inspire people to lessen their impact on the world in the same ways

they have for more than 30 years.

CAT is a charity, so it relies on people's support, both financial and practical. CAT’s fundraising team

receives donations from members of the public and businesses. Volunteers have always played a very

important role at CAT; they can stay there from one week to six months.

The role of CAT is to explore and demonstrate a wide range of alternatives, communicating to other

people the options for them to achieve positive change in their own lives. This communication

involves:

~ inspiring - instilling the desire to change by practical example

~ informing - feeding the desire to change by providing the most appropriate information

~ enabling - providing effective and continuing support to put the change into practice.

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THE EDEN PROJECT

The Eden Project is located near the sea in Cornwall, England, in a valley that was once a quarry. It is

nestled in a huge crater. It has two gigantic domes – a tropical and a Mediterranean one – with

plants from around the world.

These massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and

stories serve as a backdrop to striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts and exciting year-

round family events.

Visitors can see even amazing architecture

and sculptures at Eden, like the WEEE

(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

Man sculpture showing all the waste we

produce when throwing away electronic

gadgets.

The Eden Project, an educational charity,

tries to connects us with each other and the

living world, exploring how we can work

towards a better future. Money raised

supports our transformational projects and

learning programmes.

ACTIVITIES

Answer these questions, then use your answers to prepare a short presentation about either

CAT or the Eden Project.

1. What is CAT?

2. What does it do?

3. How does it promote its ideas?

4. Is people’s support important? Why/Why not?

5. Visit CAT’s website - http://www.cat.org.uk/ - then find out more information you consider

relevant for our environment and explain why.

6. Do you believe anything similar to CAT could be done in Italy? Why/Why not?

7. What is the Eden Project?

8. What kind of activities are carried out there?

9. Browse the Eden Project’s website http://www.edenproject.com/ and note down any

information you consider relevant.

10. Watch the video “The Eden Project” at the following website:

https://elt.oup.com/student/identity/level02/unit06?cc=it&selLanguage=it#tracktitle

and summarize its main features in a short paragraph.

11. What are the similarities or the differences between CAT and the Eden project?

12. Which one do you prefer? Why?

13. Are there any environmental projects close to where you live? Briefly describe them.

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

Improving the energy performance of buildings

Did you know that buildings too produce carbon

emissions? The way a building is constructed, insulated,

heated, ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contribute

to its carbon emissions.

Since January 2009, EU Member States have been required

to effectively comply with the 2002 Energy Performance of

Buildings Directive (EPBD). One of the requirements set by

the EPBD is to introduce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) which are required to be issued

when a building is constructed, sold or rented, i.e. as a part of a property transaction. You must

order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent.

The EPBD sets several general requirements to be adopted in the EPC scheme but gives enough

flexibility for Member States to adjust these requirements to appropriately fit their national context.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document which contains:

~ information about a property’s energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and typical energy costs;

~ recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money through improvements to the

building.

Information about energy efficiency and carbon emissions is summarised in two charts that show the

energy and carbon dioxide emission ratings. The charts look similar to those supplied on electrical

appliances, like fridges and washing machines.

An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and is

valid for 10 years. Such ratings compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions

with potential figures that your home could achieve if energy saving measures were put in place.

EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing what you could do to help reduce the

amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions. The report lists:

• suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation

• possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made

• how the recommendations would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.

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Which buildings need an EPC

When a building is constructed, rented or sold it will need an EPC if it has a roof and walls and uses

energy to ‘condition an indoor climate’. This means it has heating, air conditioning or mechanical

ventilation. For example, a garden shed would not need an EPC if it doesn’t have any heating.

The building can either be a whole building or part of a building that has been designed or altered to

be used separately. If a building is made up of separate units, each with its own heating system, each

unit will need an EPC.

Which buildings don’t need an EPC

The following buildings don’t need an EPC when they are built, rented or sold:

~ places of worship;

~ temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years;

~ standalone buildings with total useful floor area of less than 50 square metres that aren’t used to

provide living accommodation for a single household;

~ holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence

to occupy;

~ industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that don't use a lot of

energy.

Tackling climate change

The EPC is part of a series of measures being introduced across Europe to reflect legislation which

will help cut buildings’ carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

Other changes include requiring public buildings - for example town halls, libraries, hospitals - to

display certificates showing the energy efficiency of the building and requiring inspections for air

conditioning systems. This takes the form of a Display Energy Certificate and is based on energy

data from how the building is actually running. This is the tenants’ responsibility and lasts for 12

months.

DISPLAY ENERGY CERTIFICATES

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) show the

actual energy usage of a building, the Operational

Rating, and help the public see the energy efficiency

of a building. This is based on the energy

consumption of the building as recorded by gas,

electricity and other meters.

The DEC should be clearly displayed at all times and

clearly visible to the public.

Display Energy Certificates are only required for

buildings with a total useful floor area over 1,000 m2

that are occupied by a public authority and

institution providing a public service to a large

number of persons and therefore visited by those

persons.

They are valid for one year and are accompanied by

an Advisory Report – valid for seven years – that lists

cost effective measures to improve the energy rating

of the building.

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GREEN BUILDINGS

Green building is a holistic concept that starts with

the understanding that the built environment can have

profound effects, both positive and negative, on the

natural environment, as well as the people who inhabit

buildings every day.

Green building is generally meant as the planning,

design, construction, and operations of buildings with

several central, foremost considerations: energy use,

water use, indoor environmental quality, material

section and the building’s effects on its site.

What is a Green Building?

A green building is an environmentally sustainable building1, designed, constructed and

operated to minimise the total environmental impacts.

Sustainable, or “green building”, design and construction provide an opportunity to use resources

more efficiently, while creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes and commercial

buildings. Green buildings optimise energy efficiency, limit water consumption, make maximum use

of recycled, recyclable and non-toxic materials. They also generate as little waste as possible during

the construction process and subsequent occupation. In other words, green-building design

involves finding the delicate balance between homebuilding and a sustainable environment.

Green building design elements include: foundations, electrical, plumbing, flooring, roofing,

insulation, wall coverings, windows, acoustics, doors, finishing.

Green Building Strategies

The main strategies to achieve a green building include:

• reduced energy consumption

• water conservation

• recycling waste

Well designed green buildings will save money, increase comfort and create healthier environments

for people to live and work, using improved indoor air quality, natural daylight, and thermal

comfort. They will also involve 30-50% water saving, 20-30% energy saving, besides conserving

natural scarce resources and generating less waste.

Energy use by depleting natural resources as well as CO2 emissions is one of our most important

environmental impacts. Volatile energy markets, rising energy costs and increasing environmental

awareness about issues such as global warming make energy efficiency and conservation a high

priority.

Monitoring Energy Use

Monitoring, analysing and reporting energy consumption are three essential elements of an

effective energy management strategy.

• Monitoring is the process of measuring and recording data.

1 The concept of “sustainable building”: reducing the harmful effect on the environment of buildings and

construction activities.

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• Data analysis involves comparison of data with targets or benchmarks to assess performance.

A report can provide valuable information such as whether the building is performing poorly

compared with other similar buildings, identifying areas where energy efficiency could be

implemented and how much money could be saved.

ACTIVITIES

GLOSSARY & PRONUNCIATION

Word Phonetic script Meaning

1 holistic

2 environment

3 minimize

4 consumption

5 warming

6 insulation

Speaking activity. An oral presentation.

Choose a “green building” and describe it outlining its main features (designer, location, concept,

materials used, etc.).

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GLOSSARY

Write new vocabulary in this section, adding also the corresponding phonetic transcription and the meaning in Italian.

energy /'enəȴi/ = energia

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