Energy Efficiency: Reducing Air Pollution, Improving Our Future

Energy generation is one of the greatest sources of air pollution, with coal-fired power plants being the most polluting. Therefore, improving energy efficiency is one of the best ways to reduce air pollution. This can be achieved by making systems more efficient and improving how much energy is generated per unit of air pollution. For example, by designing green buildings and infrastructure, improving the efficiency of fossil fuel power plants, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Additionally, reducing energy consumption can also help decrease power plant emissions. This can be achieved through simple measures such as using energy-efficient appliances, improving vehicle fuel efficiency, and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Switch to electric vehicles

One of the most important technologies we have to reduce air pollution and decarbonise the transport sector is electric vehicles (EVs). Significant progress has been made in this industry, with the costs of batteries declining by 90% in recent years.

While EVs are a much better alternative than fossil fuel vehicles, as the latter generate much higher emissions over their lifetime, it is important to note that producing EV batteries requires greater resource extraction, which has substantial destructive consequences for the environment and local communities. However, this is an aspect of the industry that cannot be ignored, and EV companies are building a much more sustainable supply chain by improving the efficiency and lifespan of batteries, researching ways to build them using other resources, and recycling old batteries to reuse raw materials.

EVs are an essential part of a clean energy future. They are far more efficient than conventional vehicles when it comes to energy use, with EVs using approximately 87-91% of the energy from the battery and regenerative braking to propel the vehicle, compared to gasoline vehicles, which only convert about 16-25% of the energy from gasoline into movement.

EVs also have no tailpipe emissions, which means zero emissions from the vehicle itself. However, generating the electricity used to charge EVs may create carbon pollution, depending on how local power is generated, e.g. using coal or natural gas, which emit carbon pollution, versus renewable resources like wind or solar, which do not. Even accounting for these electricity emissions, research shows that an EV is typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average new gasoline car.

To further reduce GHGs associated with EVs, more renewable energy sources like wind and solar can be used to generate electricity. In 2020, renewables became the second-most prevalent US electricity source, and it is estimated that by 2050, about 60% of carbon pollution from the transportation sector will come from passenger vehicles. If we electrify all of them with renewably generated, zero-carbon electricity by 2050, we will address a huge part of the climate challenge for transportation.

Shenzhen, China, for example, has switched from diesel-powered public transportation to an electric bus fleet with an expected 48% reduction in CO2 emissions and significant reductions in particulate matter.

In addition to reducing GHGs, electrification of the transportation sector can also improve air quality by reducing harmful ground-level ozone, the principal component of smog. This is because electrification lowers net emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Many urban areas that currently fail to meet federal air quality standards could see reductions in ozone levels, with Los Angeles and Long Beach port areas potentially seeing reductions of up to 4 ppb.

Electrification of the transportation sector is a crucial step towards reducing air pollution and improving air quality, and it is encouraging to see the progress made in this industry, as well as the efforts of governments and policymakers to implement and support the transition to EVs.

Phase out fossil fuels

Phasing out fossil fuels is crucial to reducing air pollution and mitigating the climate crisis. Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, are the primary drivers of climate change due to the carbon pollution emitted when they are burned. Here are several strategies and initiatives to phase out fossil fuels:

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources

The transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, is essential. These sources produce significantly fewer emissions compared to fossil fuels and can provide reliable energy access globally. Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industrial sites can also reduce the demand for electricity generation, thereby lowering air pollution. "Green" buildings with better insulation, natural lighting, and strategic window placement can reduce the need for heating and cooling, lessening the reliance on fossil fuels.

Policy and Legislation

Various policies and legislation can accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels. This includes passing laws that mandate fossil fuel companies to bury an amount of carbon equivalent to their emissions. Additionally, implementing carbon pricing or taxes on fossil fuel products can reflect their true environmental cost. Removing fossil fuel subsidies and providing incentives for renewable energy sources can further encourage the transition.

International Cooperation and Agreements

International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to keep global warming well below 2 °C compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this, the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves must remain unextracted. Countries are working towards meeting these targets by setting dates to stop selling petrol and diesel vehicles and transitioning to electric alternatives. Additionally, the Powering Past Coal Alliance includes countries committed to advancing the transition away from coal-powered generation.

Public Awareness and Advocacy

Advocating for the phase-out of fossil fuels involves engaging with world leaders, policymakers, and the public. Initiatives like the Climate Reality Project aim to send a message to global leaders, urging them to create plans to phase out fossil fuels and transition to clean energy. It is crucial to counter the misleading information spread by wealthy petrostates and fossil fuel companies, who often lobby country leaders to hinder progress.

Alternative Transportation

The transportation sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly oil. Encouraging the use of human-powered transport, public transportation, electric vehicles, and biofuels can reduce this dependence. Additionally, improving fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and investing in the development of electric vehicle technology can further decrease emissions.

Addressing Social and Economic Impacts

Phasing out fossil fuels may lead to economic and social challenges, particularly for workers in the industry and communities relying on fossil fuels. It is essential to address these impacts through a just transition that provides alternative economic opportunities, such as the creation of high-paying union jobs in renewable energy sectors.

In summary, phasing out fossil fuels is a complex but necessary process to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy changes, technological advancements, public advocacy, and international cooperation. By transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their harmful impacts on the environment and human health.

Improve energy efficiency in buildings

Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to combat air pollution and climate change. Buildings and manufacturing plants account for about two-thirds of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. Therefore, improving energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for reducing air pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Efficient Home Design

Before designing or remodelling a home, investing in energy efficiency is essential. This involves conducting a home energy assessment to understand how the home uses energy and identify areas where energy use and costs can be reduced. A whole-house systems approach is recommended, considering factors such as appliances, insulation, lighting, space heating and cooling, and windows.

Ultra-Efficient Homes

Ultra-efficient homes combine state-of-the-art energy-efficient construction, appliances, and lighting with renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. Designers can incorporate passive solar heating and cooling strategies by taking advantage of local climate and site conditions. This reduces home energy use cost-effectively and allows for the use of on-site renewable energy systems.

Advanced House Framing

Advanced house framing, also known as optimum value engineering, is a technique that reduces lumber use and waste while improving energy efficiency in wood-framed houses. This method is applicable when building a new house or adding to an existing one.

Cool Roofs

Cool roofs use highly reflective materials to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, helping to keep homes cooler during hot weather. This is especially beneficial in warm climates or during heat waves.

Passive Solar Home Design

Passive solar home design utilises climatic and site conditions to provide natural heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This strategy reduces the need for artificial heating or cooling systems, thereby decreasing energy consumption and associated air pollution.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and electronics can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. Examples include using LED lighting, installing a heat pump, and choosing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Insulation and Air Sealing

Improving insulation and air sealing in buildings can reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling, leading to lower energy costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

Renewable Energy Systems

When designing or remodelling a home, it is worth considering a renewable energy system to provide electricity, water heating, or space heating and cooling. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, do not produce harmful emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional power plants that burn fossil fuels.

Use cleaner household energy

Using cleaner household energy is an important step towards reducing air pollution and its associated health risks. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Cleaner Fuels and Technologies

The transition to cleaner fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting is crucial. This includes the use of biogas, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which minimize health risks from household air pollution. Electric stoves, including lower-cost induction cookers, are the cleanest option for health, provided the electricity supply is adequate, reliable, and affordable. Solar stoves and wind energy are also viable alternatives for communities with limited grid access but abundant wind or sunlight. Additionally, low-emission biomass stoves with features like secondary combustion and insulated combustion chambers can significantly reduce emissions.

Improved Ventilation and Housing Design

Installing ventilation systems, such as chimneys or hoods, in households can help reduce indoor smoke exposure. However, pairing ventilation with cleaner fuels and low-emission stoves is essential to prevent smoke from re-entering the home. Strategic placement of windows, insulated walls, and reflective roofs can also reduce the demand for space heating in cool climates, improving energy efficiency and air quality.

Government Policies and Economic Incentives

Government policies play a vital role in increasing access to cleaner technologies and fuels. This includes shifting fuel subsidies towards cleaner household energy options, providing subsidies for clean fuels and technologies to support under-resourced families, and offering tax incentives for the sales of clean household energy solutions. Microfinance schemes and consumer credit/lease arrangements can also make clean energy more accessible and affordable for households.

Education and Awareness-Raising

Educational campaigns, radio ads, flyers, billboards, and posters can be used to raise awareness about the benefits of clean fuel use and the negative impacts of polluting fuels. Highlighting the advantages of clean technologies, such as ease of use, reduced smoke, and faster cooking times, can empower individuals to make informed choices. Establishing clean energy practices as a social norm, with support from trusted community members, can further encourage adoption.

Behavioural Changes

Transitioning to clean energy may require behavioural changes related to social and cultural practices. For example, opening windows and doors while cooking or cooking outdoors can reduce personal exposure to harmful air pollutants. Understanding household preferences and priorities is essential to achieving the necessary behavioural shifts towards cleaner household energy practices.

Reduce energy usage in homes

Energy efficiency in homes is a crucial aspect of reducing air pollution and its detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to reduce energy usage in homes:

Heating and Cooling:

• Adjust your thermostat settings: Turning down the thermostat by 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling bills.
• Insulate and air seal your home: Proper insulation and air sealing help retain heat during winters and keep the house cool in summers, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
• Maintain heating and cooling systems: Regular maintenance of boilers, furnaces, or heat pumps improves efficiency, comfort, and prolongs the life of the unit, saving money in the long run.
• Use programmable or smart thermostats: These allow you to track and control energy usage remotely and adjust temperatures based on your schedule, keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
• Insulate heating ducts: Insulating ducts in unheated areas prevents heat loss and reduces heating bills.
• Maintain air intake vents: Regularly vacuum air intake vents to remove dust buildup, ensuring maximum efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
• Ensure unobstructed airflow: Make sure furniture or other objects are not blocking the airflow through registers.

Water Heating:

• Lower water heater temperature: Reducing the temperature setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can save up to 5% in energy costs for every 10-degree reduction.
• Use efficient water heaters: Consider replacing electric water heaters with heat pump water heaters, which are two to three times more efficient as they transfer heat instead of generating it.
• Reduce hot water consumption: Opt for showers instead of baths, as they use significantly less hot water.
• Maintain water heaters: Regularly replace the filter on your furnace, as a dirty filter increases energy consumption.

Electronic Devices and Appliances:

• Use advanced power strips: These automatically cut power to selected outlets when the master outlet is inactive, reducing "vampire power," the small amount of electricity consumed by devices even when turned off.
• Unplug chargers: Chargers often continue to draw small amounts of energy when left plugged in, so unplug them when charging is complete.
• Use energy-efficient lighting: LED bulbs are highly recommended as they use 75% less electricity and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Turn off lights when not in use: Turning off lights when leaving a room, including hallways, conserves energy and reduces costs.
• Utilize natural light: Take advantage of daylight by opening curtains or blinds during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Install automatic light sensors: Using timed or automatic light sensors for outdoor lighting ensures lights are only on when needed, saving energy.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances: Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing appliances, as these products are guaranteed to use less energy.

Cooking and Laundry:

• Cover pots when boiling: Preventing the release of heat speeds up cooking and reduces energy usage.
• Avoid opening the oven door: Opening the oven door lowers the temperature inside, increasing cooking time and energy consumption.
• Use cold water for laundry: Over 90% of a washing machine's energy is used to heat the water, so using cold water can significantly reduce energy costs.
• Air-dry clothes: Hanging clothes to air-dry instead of using a dryer saves energy and prolongs the life of your clothing.
• Clean refrigerator coils: Dirt and dust buildup on refrigerator coils increase energy usage and can lead to appliance failure, so regular cleaning is essential.
• Seal refrigerator door: Ensure the door seals are airtight to prevent cold air from escaping, reducing the need for extra energy to maintain temperature.
• Thaw frozen foods in the fridge: This helps keep the fridge cold and reduces the workload on the appliance.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce energy usage in your home, contributing to lower energy bills, decreased electricity demand, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a more sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions