Problem 1
Imagine that you live at the Rocky Mountain Institute headquarters building, powered mostly by the sun (Core Case Study). Do you think that you would have to give up any of the conveniences you now enjoy? If so, what are they? Describe any adjustments you might have to make in your way of living.
Problem 2
Some people in China point out that the United States and European nations fueled their economic growth during the industrial revolution by burning coal, with little effort to control the resulting air pollution, and then sought cleaner energy sources later when they became more affluent. China says it is being asked to clean up before it becomes affluent enough to do this, without greatly slowing its economic growth. How would you deal with this dilemma? Since China's outdoor air pollution has implications for the entire world, what role, if any, should the developed nations play in helping it to reduce its dependence on coal and to rely on more environmentally sustainable energy sources?
Problem 3
Explain why you agree or disagree with the following proposals made by various energy analysts as ways to solve U.S. energy problems: (a) find and develop more domestic supplies of crude oil; (b) place a heavy federal tax on gasoline and imported oil to help reduce the waste of crude oil resources and to encourage use of other alternatives; (c) increase dependence on coal; (d) phase out coal by 2050; (e) increase dependence on nuclear power; (f) phase out all nuclear power plants by 2025.
Problem 5
Congratulations! You have won \(\$ 500,000\) to build a more sustainable house of your choice. With the goal of maximizing energy efficiency, what type of house would you build? How large would it be? Where would you locate it? What types of materials would you use? What types of materials would you not use? How would you heat and cool the house? How would you heat water? What types of lighting, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer would you use? Which, if any, of these appliances could you do without? Suppose you decide not to build a house. How would you use the money to promote environmental sustainability?
Problem 6
A homebuilder installs electric baseboard heat and claims, "It is the cheapest and cleanest way to go." Apply your understanding of the second law of thermodynamics (Concept 2-3b, p. 34) and net energy (Figure 13-A) to evaluate this claim.
Problem 7
Should buyers of energy-efficient motor vehicles receive large rebates funded by fees levied on gas guzzlers? Explain.
Problem 9
Congratulations! You are in charge of the world. List the five most important features of your energy policy.
