Saturday, September 6, 2008

Efficient Energy Use

Green, green, green! That is what we will be looking at in five to ten years down the road. Probably, green would be the only color we see everywhere. There would be green houses, green cars, and even more green trees around! In fact, this is in response to the increasing environmental damages that we are inflicting today. Often, we do not see the impact of the damaging the Earth when we are doing so, however, small damages done by individuals would enlarge to become a huge problem. Take for example; the overwhelming amount of emission of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere is deteriorating the global warming problem and creating trouble for us. Hence, it is really important for us to create awareness of resource conservation and to pay attention to the problems that it can create.



Taken from:http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c445409a.jpg


One possible research topic could be on creating the awareness of conserving NUS ‘free’ resources, reducing wastage so as to create a more energy-efficient and environmental friendly university. This is with respect to ‘free’ resources like electricity, water and paper usage etc. The notion of efficient energy use is probably foreign to many science faculty students as there is minimal exposure to it. In fact, would they consider conserving energy at home by investing in energy efficient appliances?

Taken from: http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/gc/harmony/images/cfbulbs.jpg


Hypothesis: Most students in the Science Faculty at NUS lack the awareness and willingness to conserve ‘free’ resources so as to reduce wastage and maintain the efficient use of energy.


Problem statement: One of the objectives of this research study is to determine the extent of the knowledge on efficient energy use in NUS and subsequently at home. It is also to determine if they are aware of the existence of efficient energy buildings (also known as ‘green’ buildings).


Taken from: http://www.osakagas.co.jp/rd/next21/img/energy1_1e.gif


Purpose statement: The objectives of this report are to collate the results and sent it to the National Environment Agency (NEA) or the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to inform them the actual level of awareness of NUS science faculty students on the efficient use of energy. Hence, by knowing these results, subsequent actions could be done to better the situation. Perhaps the authorities could organize workshops and a series of events on efficient energy use to increase their awareness, could be done to better the situation.

Reasons for survey: The surveys will reflect the extent of interest and level of awareness the science faculty students have towards the idea of efficient energy use. From the surveys, we can also deduce the reasons that they have for their apathy towards the issue of efficient energy use.


The issue of global warming is very much at heart. Every little effort counts. Hence, we should start by creating the awareness of conserving energy, and the use of efficient energy to reduce wastage of energy.

*edited on 9th Sept

7 comments:

Brad Blackstone said...

Thank you for a comprehensive framework for your possible research. This could prove to be a very stimulating topic.

Very good effort, Xiu Wen!

Brad Blackstone said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sammy said...

Hi Xiu Wen,
I like this topic also. I feel the same way that students in NUS care less about the "free" energy available in the university or at home.
"Most of us don't care much about the conserving energy becuase we are not the one paying the utilities's bills usually". I think students might have this kind of attitude.
I think it is an interesting topic to invistigate too.

Eileen said...

Hi Xiuwen,
I think your idea is very fresh! Like what Sammy mentioned, although this is a known fact to everyone that we need to conserve energy, many of us still have the thinking that since we are not the ones paying the bills, we can waste electricity as and when we like and there is no need to help the government save money.
Indeed this type of thinking among students should be changed or we would be facing much higher electricity bills than what we are paying now in near future.
Hence I support your idea!=D

weiren said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
weiren said...

Hi Xiu Wen,

I certainly feel your research topic is very defined.

Typical students will feel that their usage of electricity and water are all covered by their 'astronomical' tuition fees, hence would seem to exploit these resources in every means.

I for one is guilty of such petty acts. Sometimes, I would insist on plugging my laptop even I do not need them during my revision in the library, or small little acts of such.

I look forward to your results!

Xiuwen said...

Dear all!

Thanks all for your comments!

Yes, I feel that efficient energy use is something that affects us very much at heart. This is especially so in NUS as there are
many power plugs available in school that are free for all students to use. This is essential as all our laptops require power source as the battery will be used up after 2 to 3 hours. However, it is also this very reason that students 'overuse' the power plugs or rather using it even when they do not need it. Hence, much energy could be conserve when students learn the importance of efficient energy use.

Another arising concern is that most students do not have the habit to close the lights after they leave the classrooms even when they are the last ones to leave. Hence, I feel that it is essential for students to make it a habit to switch the lights. We can achieve that by showing them the increasing need for energy conservation.

Hence, the approach would be to increase the students' awareness for efficient energy use and then, to increase their participation in the conservation of energy. It is also important to let them understand the idea where every little efforts counts! =)