International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN IN 0976 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH 6480(Print),

, ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (IJARET)

ISSN 0976 - 6480 (Print) ISSN 0976 - 6499 (Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October 2013, pp. 110-117 IAEME: www.iaeme.com/ijaret.asp Journal Impact Factor (2013): 5.8376 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com

IJARET
IAEME

EMISSION REDUCTIONS USING APPLICATION OF CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY STRATEGIES IN ENERGY INEFFICIENT AUSTRALIANS HOUSEHOLDS
Eshan Ahuja1, Dr. Navin Kumar Kohli2
1

Mechanical Engineering Dept. Australian National University, Canberra, Australia 2 DGM, MP Power Management Co. Ltd., India

ABSTRACT Substantial scientific evidence indicates that an increase in the global average temperature of more than 2 C above pre-industrial levels poses severe risks to natural systems & human health. Sustained warming of this magnitude could, for example, result in the extinction of many species & extensive melting of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets causing global sea level to rise between 12 and 40 feet. Australias residents have modern and energy reliant lifestyles leading to a very high value of carbon footprint of around 18.4 tonnes of CO2/ capita/year. Australia is one of the top 20 polluting countries in the world and produces more carbon pollution per person than any other developed country in the world. Australia's emissions are projected to increase by 24 per cent between 2000 and 2020. Recognising the importance of responding to the climate change challenge, countries all over the world are acting to reduce their emissions. Australia needs to reduce its carbon pollution and its action plan. The paper here discusses ways of emission reductions using application of conservation & energy efficiency strategies in energy inefficient Australians households. This paper elaborates various reasons why carbon footprints of different households within the country differ. Various technologies and strategies have been proposed to mitigate. A detailed assessment made indicating conservation and energy efficient strategies applied to reduce emissions to subject household. The mitigation strategies present & quantitative measure of their impact defining the factors contributes towards reduction of emissions. Key words: Energy reliant, Carbon footprints, Conservation & energy efficient strategies. 1. INTRODUCTION

As per fact sheet of Australia emission reduction target 2020,[1] Australia would reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25 per cent compared with 2000 levels by 2020 if the world
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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

agrees to an ambitious global deal capable of stabilizing levels of GHGs in the atmosphere at 450 ppm (parts per million) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) (CO2 or lower. Australia will unconditionally reduce its emissions by 5 per cent compared with 2000 levels by 2020 and by up to 15 per cent by 2020 if there is a global agreement that falls short of securing atmospheric stabilisation at 450 ppm CO2-e e under which major developing economies commit to substantially restraining their emissions and advanced economies take on commitments comparable to Australia's. Australi These targets have been anchored under the Cancun Agreements. A detailed statement of Australia's target conditions can be found below. Australia will reduce GHG emissions by 80 per cent compared with 2000 levels by 2050.[1] Australia remains on track k to meet its Kyoto Protocol target of limiting average annual emissions over the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period (2008 to 2012) to 108 per cent of 1990 levels. Australia's emissions are projected to average around 580 Mt CO2-e CO2 e per year over 2008 to 2012, which is 106 per cent of 1990 levels. Without further policy action, Australia's emissions are projected to continue to increase. In 2020, emissions are projected to reach 686 Mt CO2 CO2-e, or 24 per cent above 2000 levels. Australia's unconditional target target of 5 per cent represents a 23 per cent decline below business as usual.

Fig1: Australia's emissions trends, 1990 to 2020 (http://www.climatechange.gov.au http://www.climatechange.gov.au)[13] 2. CARBON ARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATORS

The Carbon Footprint Calculator is a tool to measure ones carbon footprints which helps to improvise our lifestyle choices. The following figures depicts the facts in details.

Fig2: Carbon Neutral Calculator[8], Calculator Origin meter[12]

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

Fig3: Australian Greenhouse Calculator [3] The following table gives the definitive characteristics of different carbon calculators and reasons which account for differences in results. Table1: : Characteristics of different carbon calculators & its reasons for differen differences Calculator Carbon Neutral Characteristics CO2emission Tonnes/year Reasons for differences Accounts for 5 different factors to calculate final value Other sources like use of paper are also considered.

profit solution providing Its a non-profit organization. Accurate. Accurate Requires more details details. Emission factors based on methodologies of Commonwealth National Carbon offset standard standard. Gives results in form of 3 scope taking data from climate change department, CISRO and Australian Bureau of Statistics. Origin meter Origin Energy a green energy based investing firm established in 2000 with an ORIGIN FOUNDATION to support & encourage use of energy efficient appliances. Covers fewer areas. areas

12.43

11.82

Australian Greenhouse Calculator

Most accurate Highly detailed Compares your household value with typical greenhouse values This is version 3.0, version 1.0 came in the 1990s.

13.24

Different benchmarks Takes in average values instead of exact ones for electricity and gas consumption values. Gives results for energy consumption by appliance as well as on the room basis basis. Use of different calculation factors factors. Prompts user to put in maximum values. values Covers all aspects of carbon emissions emissions. Uses assumptions Australian guide to GHG calculator.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

3. COMPARISON OF EFFICIENT & INEFFICIENT HOUSEHOLDS To investigate in details the contributions with different reasons of carbon emissions, the following table shows some explanations regarding my new and old households and the technologies they implemented & their possible impacts: Table2: Results of differences in carbon footprint- (*)represents energy rating [4] & [7] Differences in carbon footprints Causes more load on the Insulation heating system leading to Ceiling Walls high energy consumption in floor case of later. Electricity rev cycle Electric fan/ Reverse cycle systems have Heating system (not ducted) radiator: a very high efficiency Air conditioner rev Air conditioner compared to the later. Cooling system cycle. standard. Use of solar heater reduces Hot water service Electric instant & Electric large (o/p) (30% heated by solar) emissions Front loader that heats Top loader that Top loader type is 15% less Washing heats its own water efficient than front loaders machine & dryer its own water *** 191 kwh/yr. *** 218kwh/yr Standard Later one consumes more Dishwasher Standard ***184 kwh/yr. energy thus has drying ** 294 kwh/yr. + water consumption efficiency <60% 6 incandescent CFL can last up to 8 times Lighting 9 CFC @ 4 Hrs. Daily ones @ 5 Hrs. longer. ( incandescent , Daily. Consume 75% lesser than CFL)@Hrs. daily incandescent. 1 normal compressor 2 normal No. of fridges and their Refrigerator *** 130kwh/yr. compressor energy consumption was quantity & type ** star 279 kwh/yr more in the case of later Fan forced type are 15 % Standard oven & Fan forced oven & Standard oven & more efficient than standard microwave microwave microwave ones. 2 LAP & 1 T.V (LED) 2LAP & 2 LED appliances consume Laptop & TV **** 171 kwh/yr. T.V/LCD less energy than LCD *** 246 kwh/yr. Non- Vegetarian Non-Vegetarian Use of tin/canned/frozen Expenditure on 40 $ + 0 $ Per week 77 $ + 35 $ exported food, alcohol Food + Alcohol Per week consumption is high in case of later. as compared, Wastage of Wastage% 18 7 food is half / yr. The potential reduction of CO2 emission per annum with corresponding sources is worked out. The following table gives the tonnes of CO 2 emissions reduced per year when the following methods are used. (Lowanna Residence).
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Sources(kwh/yr)

Watson St ACT (old residence) Complete insulation

Lowanna St ACT current residence Ceiling only

International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

Table3: Tones of CO 2 emissions reduced per year Potential reduction of CO2 Sources Emissions Tn/yr Heating & cooling systems 2.973 Energy guzzlers (washing 1.889 machine , dryer dishwasher, refrigerator) Moderate intensity (microwave, 0.676 TV , other small appliances) Lighting 0.336 Food habits 1.483 Total Emissions Reduced 7.357 4. MITIGATION STRATEGY

After a detailed analysis of my carbon footprint calculation at my current Residence (Lowanna St) I have formulated a mitigation strategy. These strategies have been divided into three major strategies: 4.1. Strategy no- 1 No of stars (*) represents the minimum rating for systems to be energy efficient. This concept has been applied in the following table according to the analysis of the households. Table 4: Minimum rating for systems to be energy efficient households [7] & [10] Energy Proposed Mitigation Strategy Benefits Barriers to Sources implementation Canberras minimum insulation Reductions up to 65 High capital costs Insulation levels (total R-values) requirements % on carbon are emissions + wall, Roof/ceiling 4.1 ceiling insulation. wall-2.8 (Australian Government, n.d.) Fridges & Make sure the seals on your fridge Significant reduction High costs Reluctance are clean and that the door closes in CO2 Footprints to change habits Freezers properly. Fridge settings between 3C-4C and freezer 15C-18C *** selecting the cold wash do not saves a lot of power, Public awareness Washing overload *** M/c & Dryer Turn off if not in use. Not to prefer Reduction up to 150 kg More vigilance T.V & Sleep mode. *** of GHG/yr(Australian required laptops Government, n.d.) Set cooling between 23C 26C. Fans easily spread Requires change in Air cool air further to habits conditionin Its better to use fans instead of air help clear out hot air. g conditioners or with them. Windows help maintain natural ***1/2 ventilation & air flow
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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

Set heating between 18 C and 21C. 3/4th of total heat loss can be An efficient ducted system prevented.Substantial amount of savings in running costs. Hot water While purchasing preference should Govt. incentives & be given to solar hot water systems. rebates reduction in system Set the system between 60C CO2. On a sunny 65C. Use of AAA-rated water day a solar system shower rose. Fix leaking taps and can save more than of the hot insulate water pipes 3/4th water costs Energy and water Dishwasher Run the dishwasher when full Use the economy settings and let savings dishes air-dry. ***1/2 Install programmable timers Long term savings Lighting & motion sensors. use lightings such as CFCs or LEDs. Can cook food 3 Microwave Prefer Microwaves over standard ovens times faster and can s save upto 70% *** electricity. Heating system

Space heating Economical only when small areas of the house are being used. People have developed a tendency to not care for energy wastage. Changing this will be a big challenge

High capital costs

High cost Change of habits required

Expensive to purchase

4.2. Strategy no 2 This strategy involves the use of renewable energy for everyday activities. These technologies if used for heating & cooling purpose can save up to 800 MT of CO2 emissions / yr. by 2050. [11] The following bar chart demonstrates the average energy production by a 3KW solar panel if used in a household located in ACT, Australia. [2]
700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 JAN FEB MAR APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Fig 4: Average Monthly Production (Kwh) The table clearly demonstrates that solar energy produces more than 300KW in most seasons with the values peaking form November to March. [9]

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

Table 5: Benefits and Barriers System with specification Evacuated tubes solar water heating system-300 L Benefits Energy saver, Reduces CO2 emissions, improves air quality. Availability for hot water 24 hours a day. Government rebates 480-1500AUD in total for residential sector. works in subzero temperatures too. a family of 4 can save up to $920 a year on water heating bills. Energy production = 5015.64 Kwh Greenhouse emissions offset = 6515.14 kg/yr. Barriers High Initial cost Lack of public awareness.

A 3kw solar panel

High Initial Costs Of about 5500$

4.3. Strategy no-3 The primary elements of this strategy involve the requirement of lifestyle and behavioural changes, energy awareness of people and the initiation of a home savings program. The following are the major elements of the strategy: i. A free energy audit service in the NSW: which enables to save 20% on energy bills thus saving on carbon emissions. [4], [7] ii. Green Power, which is a government accredited program, enables not only to reduce emissions, but indirectly contribute to the development of Australia. iii. Creating Energy Awareness: Spread awareness through word of mouth, media and social networking, Join a local or global environmental group, Educate yourself, your family, your friends, your co-workers and everyone you meet and Tell people the savings they can generate just by little changes in their habits. 5. POTENTIAL RESULT The emissions that can be reduced based on these strategies equal an approximate 7.357 tons of CO2/year per person defined in preceding paras. The following pie chart represents the carbon emitting sources and the percentage of reduction in the carbon emissions after the implementation of the strategies.

Carbon Emissions Reductions

Hot water Refrigerator Cooking Heating Others

6 25

50 8

Fig5: Carbon emission reduction for different processes. [3]

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 6, September October (2013), IAEME

6. CONCLUSION What we have observed that Australias residents predominantly have modern and energy reliant lifestyles which yield high level of carbon footprint. Carbon footprints of different households of various households within the same country differ to each other. Investigation of technologies like heating, cooling, cooking, etc used which resulted in the differences in carbon footprint results. To cater these to lowest possible levels, detailed conservation and energy efficient strategies can be applied to reduce emissions in various households. After conducting a detailed analysis and the potential savings based on mitigation strategies, it is proposed that one strategy alone cannot have desired effects due to social and economic barriers. A blend of all strategies synergize the effect of one and thus lead to best results in implementation of reductions in emissions. Conservation, efficiency and awareness all are valuable strategies if applied in conjunction and these can be easily seen when calculated for two households one of which applies this strategy and the other which does not. The inefficient households contribute almost three times to modern houses those implementing these strategies. It is inferred that a smart implementation of strategies can achieve emission targets quite quickly. Author Biographies Eshan Ahuja has completed his BE Mechanical Engineering in the year 2012 and has worked on energy efficiency consulting firm in Chandigarh, India. He has published two papers on energy sector. He is recently pursuing his Master of Energy Change from Australian National University, Canberra. Dr. Navin Kumar Kohli, is working as DGM in Govt Power Sector in India and has more than 30 years experience in power sector. He has published twenty five papers on Engineering and Management part of energy sector. REFERENCES
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] Fact sheet, Austarlia emission reduction target 2020. accessed on 20.9.2013. Anon., n.d. Energy Matters. [Online] Available at http://www.energymatters.com.au/energyefficiency/#Heating [Accessed 2013]. AUS EPA, 2011. Australia EPA. http://apps.epa.vic.gov.au/AGC/home.html Australian Government, n.d. Energy Ratings. available at www.energyrating.gov.au. Australian Government, n.d. Environment. Available at www.environment.gov.au. Australian Government, n.d. Savepower. [Online], Available at savepower.nsw.gov.au/freehelp, Accessed 2013. Australian Government, n.d. Yourhome. [Online],Available at http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs47.html. Accessed 2013. Carbon Neutral, n.d. Carbon Neutral. [Online], Available at: http://www.carbonneutral.com.au/carbon-calculator.html. Energy Matters, n.d. Energy Matters. [Online], Available at: http://www.energymatters.com.au/energy-efficiency/#Heating, [Accessed 2013]. Go Switch, 2012. Go Switch. Available at: www.goswitch.com.au, [Accessed 2013]. IEA, n.d. IEA. [Online], Available at: www.iea.au. Origin, n.d. Origin Energy. [Online], Available at: http://www.originenergy.com.au/2103/Residential-Efficiency, [Accessed 22 08 2013]. Wikipedia, 2009. Wikipedia. [Online], Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions_percapita. http://www.climatechange.gov.au/climate-change/greenhouse-gas-measurement-andreporting/australias-emissions-projections/national, accessed on 13.9.2013
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