By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2010-03-10 17:13
In case studies 3-4 the environmental benefits of a Low-Energy House (LEH) were compared to a Passive House (PH) both equipped with the best available technology to suit the house type.
In this case study, the environmental comparison was complemented with an economic assessment of the decision alternatives. This case study can be thought of as a cost-benefit analysis of building a new house with different environmental and economic costs and benefits.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2010-03-10 17:06
In previous case studies, the best available fossil fuel-based heating system was compared with the best available electric heating system. A relatively outdated technology of heaters, however, may in the future prove to imply the environmentally cleaner solution. Night storage (or accumulation) heaters are electric appliances that produce and store heat overnight when electricity from the grid is cheaper due to a situation of more available provision than demand, and release it throughout the day.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2010-03-10 15:48
Developing economic well-being and preserving a healthy environment are not opposed forces but do, on the contrary, have a primary relationship and require a similar way of thinking: maximising the efficiency of a product over its life cycle will minimise its total financial cost as well as the total environmental impact over its life cycle.
The case studies below were developed to substantiate this Life-Cycle-Thinking by delivering high-level messages supporting decision making on the sustainable energy arena.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Tue, 2009-05-19 12:46
The second policy briefing brochure in the series looks at distribution transformers.
Electricity distribution losses vary from 4% to more than 20%. The adoption of efficient Distribution Transformers could save Europe about 18.5 TWh per year, equivalent to about 7 million tCO2/year.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Fri, 2009-04-24 07:27
Leonardo ENERGY opens here a new series of policy briefing brochures with a sharp look to pertinent topics on the European energy agenda aiming at providing its users instruments to interpret these issues and have an objective opinion on them!
Motor Driven Systems account for about 50% of electricity consumed in Europe and represent a major potential for energy savings!
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Ecodesign
By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Fri, 2009-04-17 09:10
The EU's EuP Directive is one of the major opportunities for energy efficiency improvement currently ongoing on the end-use sector!
Leonardo ENERGY has developed an Ecodesign Toolbox and consequently several case studies as one of its contributions to seizing this opportunity.
This Microsite is an information point following the EuP process and pinpointing many case studies and developments across the ecodesign world!
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Mon, 2009-02-16 09:30
The Ecodesign EuP Directive is currently one of the most powerful instruments working towards energy efficiency in Europe. Adopted in 2005, it has since opened the way for 19 preparatory studies that are currently at different stages of preparation. Each of these studies analyses one product group and proposes implementing measures aimed at an efficiency improvement.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Mon, 2008-10-06 11:07
Last week, the EU Member States Ecodesign Regulatory Committee endorsed two proposals for regulations setting performance standards to reduce electricity consumption in Europe.
The two regulatory proposals refer to two distinct product groups: Set-top boxes for televisions and office, industrial and street lighting.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Mon, 2008-09-22 13:04
How sustainable is a kWh?
What is the best technology to produce it?
These questions are often asked and the answers are not clear-cut, as there are a lot of variables.
Therefore, Leonardo ENERGY has produced this eco-sheet to help clarifying the issue. The environmental burden of generating one kWh from 7 different energy sources is quantified. It shows that there is no silver bullet solution, but there are advantages to explore.
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By Angelo Baggini / Published on Tue, 2008-07-01 09:00
Year: 2006
Policy Status: In force
In 2006, the Czech government amended the Energy Management Act/Energy Economy Act (Act on Energy Management of the Czech Republic No. 406/2000), Chapters III and IV of which pertain to energy efficiency.
The Energy Management Act aims to increase energy efficiency during distribution and transfer, energy consumption and gas storage together with related activity.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Fri, 2007-09-21 11:42
Concerns about CO2 and climate change are greater than ever. Residential heating is responsible for a considerable part of CO2 emissions that go into our atmosphere.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Thu, 2007-07-26 17:41
Following a successful Phase 1 of the project “Ecodesign Toolbox for EuP”, Leonardo ENERGY has developed the project with a Phase 2, this time including a systems approach.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2007-07-04 16:22
The objective of this case study is to analyse the effects of improving the efficiency of a 15kW induction motor in various countries with different energy mixes. The results show that an improvement of efficiency has higher environmental benefits in countries with an electricity generation based on fossil fuels rather than renewable energy sources or nuclear. Electricity mixes from EU25, France, Germany, Poland and Austria were used.
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By Bruno De Wachter / Published on Tue, 2006-09-19 05:30
A close look at the Ecodesign Directive
Where does it come from, and where does it go to?
In July 2005, the European Parliament and Council officially signed the Ecodesign Directive for Energy Using Products (2005/32/EC). The final aim is to oblige manufacturers to reduce, by the design of a product, its energy consumption and other negative environmental impacts over its life cycle. It is a framework directive that clears the way for the introduction of specific implementation measures, which must be agreed to by July 2007.
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By Hans De Keulenaer / Published on Tue, 2006-08-01 14:08
Leonardo ENERGY has developed an ecodesign toolbox for energy-using equipment, in partnership with material producers, equipment manufacturers and academic organizations. The tool harnesses the full power of the GABI software and database, yet presents a simple interface to users, who need not be experts in lifecycle assessment (LCA). It allows for fast turnaround, yet accurate LCA of equipment such as motors, transformers and cables in up to 3 design alternatives. It can be used for a variety of applications:
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By Hans De Keulenaer / Published on Sun, 2006-07-23 21:58
This new minute lecture introduces the concept of the 'big 6' environmental impact categories, i.e. 6 impacts that have a fundamental impact on the earth's eco-system, that are universally applicable and for which a scientific approach for quantification exists:
- acidification potential
- eutrophication potential
- global warming potential
- ozone depletion potential
- photochemical ozone creation potential
- primary energy use
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By Hans De Keulenaer / Published on Tue, 2006-07-04 07:20
Increasing efficiency of rural transformers can produce significant environmental benefits. A 25% loaded 100 kVA high efficiency transformer saves almost 37 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its 30-year lifetime. Around the world, over 100 million distribution transformers are in use (source), many of which are in rural areas.
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By Hans De Keulenaer / Published on Mon, 2006-07-03 10:48
Increasing efficiency of industrial transformers can produce significant environmental benefits. A 50% loaded 1.6 MVA high efficiency transformer saves almost 400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its 30-year lifetime. The environmental payback on the additional material used for improving efficiency is more than a factor of 100, according to this eco-sheet.
The global installed base for distribution transformers is well over 100 million units (source), with around 10% of these industrial transformers.
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