Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Built Environment

Paul Wilkinson, Kirk R Smith, Sean Beevers, Cathryn Tonne, Tadj Oreszczyn. "Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Built Environment." The Lancet (2007) 370: 1175-87, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4PNF2PB-3-2&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S0140673607612550&_origin=mlkt&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=10%2F05%2F2007&_sk=996290406&wchp=dGLbVzW-zSkzS&md5=29ada16e84720d36571650a28e3dce23&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

The article examines infrastructure-buildings where we live and work as the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. The authors discuss some of the problems with better energy sources in buildings and why renewable energy sources in buildings are necessary for better health. Increase in energy efficiency results in increased demand. Converting existing buildings is more expensive than just adding the new technology to new construction. So people may be reluctant to invest the money for the improvement unless they understand the larger issue-health benefits. Existing houses account for a quarter of carbon emissions in the UK. Mortality rates are higher among people living in energy inefficient homes than those living in more energy efficient homes. Studies performed in the UK and New Zealand have reported more incidences of disease, days off work, and increased visits to doctors by people living in inefficient homes. The carbon dioxide emitted by individual homes not only affects the inhabitants of that particular home but also the rest of the population because of the health side effects from the air pollution in the community. Researchers believe adoption of renewable energy could lead to considerable reductions in premature deaths, chronic respiratory

This article provides supportive information for my research question. It is also good because it points to alternative forms of electricity specifically which is where solar power can play a role in conversion.

Are People Aware of Health Benefits from Switching Homes to Solar Power?

Solar energy as an alternative power source interests me because of its availability to people. We hear people talk about the need for use of alternative power sources but most often they talk about government or corporations using it to cut back carbon dioxide emissions or our dependence on foreign countries for oil. However, people do not have to wait for government or corporations to make moves in this direction. Solar energy is a viable alternative energy source available to anyone. Many alternative energy sources such as wind turbines are not a realistic power source for the average person. Who is going to put a wind turbine in their front yard, especially if they live within city limits? Most likely no one. However, solar energy provides a solution for the average homeowner. Converting a 1500 square foot home to solar power is no more expensive than many home improvement projects, such as installing a new septic system. Converting a home to solar power reduces carbon dioxide emissions which have been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The United States is the second leading contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in the world. It is time individuals take action to reduce this ongoing health risk. Homeowners have significant power to change the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted in the United States but most are unaware of how easy it would be to convert, the savings they would receive in power costs, and the positive effect conversion would have on the health of Americans. The purpose of my research is to bring awareness about the health benefits from using solar power.