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Global Warming and the Evolution of Green Technology


Presented by

Bradley Bryan

________________________________________________________________________

IET – 698: Research Methods in Technology

________________________________________________________________________

Presented to

Dr. Ahmad Zargari

Morehead State University


Table of Contents

Section I – General Area of Concern: Introduction

Introduction

Problem Statement

Significance of Study

Section II – Literature Review

Review of Literature

Green Technology in Construction

Green Technology in Automotive

Section III – Methodology

Findings

Statistics of Improvements

Survey

Data Collection Methods

Data Analysis

Section IV – Conclusion


Introduction

Today in modern day society, ice caps are melting, seasons are changing, sea levels are

rising and storms are becoming stronger are a few major effects that cause global warming to be

a major factor to what planet earth holds for the near future. As we look to find solutions to this

major cause, the evolution of green technology has been somewhat a beneficial topic of reducing

global warming, whether it involved the automobile industry, construction (housing) industry, or

manufacturing.

Problem Statement

Global Warming is affecting the world on a daily basis; if we as a public don’t come

together as one to stop this issue the earth is going to take dramatic spin in terms of seasons,

losing wildlife, and experiencing horrifying weather patterns. The goal of this paper is to provide

as many useful solutions involving green technology that will help promote a cleaner and safer

earth for the future.

Significance of Study

As an an innovative designer in the near future, there are major concern on how the

future of earth will be in the upcoming years due to Global Warming. With a good

understanding on finding solutions on how to prevent Global Warming and promote green

technology, this research will provide good experience what I plan to do in the future.

Global Warming is the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to effect of

greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels or from

deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. This is a type of


greenhouse effect which is actually water vapor, not something produced directly by humankind

in significant amounts. However, it is an increase in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)

can cause a substantial increase in temperature.

As for Green Technology, refers to the generic terms of technology, industrial art or

products which can reduce environmental pollution and diminish employment of raw materials,

natural resources and energy.

Review of Literature

Green Technology in the Construction Industry

Green construction is the practice of erecting buildings and using processes that are

environmentally responsible and resource efficient. Green buildings limit their environmental

impact by conserving as much energy and water as possible and are constructed of recycled or

renewable materials in order to achieve maximum resource efficiency.

Green construction has grown more commonplace because it is more than just an

environmental movement: many companies prefer green buildings for financial reasons.

According to a 2009 McGraw-Hill Construction survey of high-level executives in firms that

own green buildings, 72 percent say that their firm participates in sustainability efforts to lower

operating costs. In the same survey, the executives named lowered costs and energy savings as

the primary drivers of sustainability. These financial benefits provide incentives to keep

constructing green buildings.

Energy efficiency


A building's level of energy consumption is frequently a good indicator of how green the

building is. Buildings use vast amounts of energy, for everything from keeping the lights on

during late work hours to keeping the heat on during cold winter months. The U.S. Department

of Energy reported that in 2006 commercial buildings were responsible for about 18 percent of

all energy consumed in the United States. Because buildings consume so much energy, it is

important for them to be energy efficient.

Architects and engineers who design green buildings use different techniques to

maximize energy efficiency. One popular practice is day lighting, which is the use of natural

light to illuminate a building. Sunlight is readily available during daytime hours, when many

buildings are at their highest occupancy. Architects can use their knowledge of structural design

and the building's orientation to maximize the amount of natural light within the building. During

times with sufficient daylight, traditional indoor lighting can be reduced to conserve energy.

Placing windows in areas that receive sunlight and using low-reflective glass are key

components of day lighting. Windows are also useful tools for insulating a building, because

some types of glass offer better insulation than others.

Designers of green buildings also can use the sun as a source of heat. Depending on the

building's orientation, the sun can be an effective supplement to internal heating systems. In

warmer climates or seasons, however, the goal may be to lower the building's temperature. In

these cases, planners use shade, from either trees or surrounding buildings, to keep the building

cool.


To be truly energy efficient, green buildings need to be equipped with green appliances.

Some models of every type of appliance from clothes washers to water heaters are more energy

efficient than others. Appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR qualification meet

energy-efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the

Department of Energy. Procurement and facility managers use the ENERGY STAR qualification

to help decide which appliances to purchase and install in green buildings.

Some green buildings not only conserve energy, but also produce it. By installing

alternative energy infrastructure onsite, some property owners can take their commitment to

energy efficiency a step further. For example, a green building might have photovoltaic solar

panels installed on its roof. Another could have a small wind turbine located on its property.

These local power sources can also be combined to help make a building self-sustaining or a net

producer of energy.

Even if they do not produce their own energy onsite, many green buildings can get their

energy from renewable sources. Utility-scale solar energy and wind energy are becoming more

commonplace and more cost competitive with traditional power options, such as coal and natural

gas. Depending on where the building is located and the energy portfolio of its local utility

company, facilities managers may have the option to obtain some of their building's power from

renewable sources.

Water conservation

Although water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface, only a small

percentage of it is usable by humans; the rest is saltwater or frozen in polar ice caps. Given how

critical water is to human survival, it is an important resource to conserve. Green buildings


contribute to conservation efforts by finding additional sources of water and by being designed to

lessen water usage both indoors and outdoors.

Not all types of water are equally valuable. Potable, or drinkable, water is of relatively

high quality, and no potable water, of lesser quality, can be used where drinking water is not

required, such as in toilets. Using common types of no potable water for purposes other than

drinking helps conserve drinking water.

Grey water is water from showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, and drinking

fountains. Although not safe for human drinking, grey water contains few contaminants and can

be used to water landscapes or flush toilets. Rainwater, also unsafe to drink, because of

pollutants in the atmosphere, can be collected in basins or runoff channels. In green buildings

using no potable water, plumbers are required to install separate pipes and storage tanks to

separate the no potable from the potable water.

To lessen water consumption, green buildings are often filled with water-efficient

appliances. Low-flow aerators limit the amount of water coming out of a faucet by blocking parts

of the mouth of the faucet. The water that flows out of the faucet is separated into several

different streams instead of a single solid one. Some models add highly pressurized air to the

stream of water, allowing the faucet to emit even less water while keeping the water pressure

high.

Water also is conserved in newer toilet models. These new dual-flush toilets have two different

flush settings: one for solid waste, the other for liquid. Older toilets use about 5 gallons of water

for each flush, but new ones may use only 1.6 gallons per flush for solid waste and less than 1

gallon for liquid waste. Waterless urinals, which use a cartridge system, also lower water usage.


When constructing green buildings, planners also have to consider how water will be used

outside of the building. Maintaining a landscape can be extremely water intensive.

Indoor air quality

Green buildings must benefit both the environment and the buildings' occupants. Most

green buildings are both well insulated and filled with synthetic products, which can emit

harmful chemicals. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may cause occupants to suffer from

sick building syndrome, symptoms of which include headaches and excessive fatigue. When

constructing green buildings, planners must be aware of the potential harmful effects of the

products used.

Many building materials, including paint and insulation, can pose hazards to a building's

occupants. Many paints are defined as volatile organic compounds. A cause of sick building

syndrome, these compounds also are found in many disinfectants, air fresheners, and other

products. To lessen building occupants' exposure to such compounds, facility managers use

paints and finishes with no volatile organic compounds or low levels of these compounds.

A building's insulation may have detrimental effects on its occupants. In some older

buildings, asbestos was used as an insulator. Fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose are now

frequently used as alternatives. The health hazards of asbestos are well documented, but even

fiberglass might carry some risks. Small amounts of fiberglass that have entered the airstream

can be a respiratory irritant. Other types of insulation also have drawbacks, so facility managers

must use their knowledge to decide which type is most suitable for a building's occupants.


Good heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are important

contributors to improving indoor air quality. HVAC units can be used to filter harmful particles,

such as fungal spores and pollen, from a building's air supply. Ensuring that HVAC units are

properly installed and regularly maintained is very important because broken or leaking HVAC

units can themselves become sources of mold. (Liming, 2009)

Green Roof Technology

A green roof, or rooftop garden, is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop. Green roofs provide

shade and remove heat from the air through evapotranspiration, reducing temperatures of the

roof surface and the surrounding air. On hot summer days, the surface temperature of a green

roof can be cooler than the air temperature, whereas the surface of a conventional rooftop can be

up to 90°F (50°C) warmer.

Reduced energy use: Green roofs absorb heat and act as insulators for buildings, reducing

energy needed to provide cooling and heating.

Reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions: By lowering air conditioning

demand, green roofs can decrease the production of associated air pollution and

greenhouse gas emissions. Vegetation can also remove air pollutants and greenhouse gas

emissions through dry deposition and carbon sequestration and storage.

Improved human health and comfort: Green roofs, by reducing heat transfer through the

building roof, can improve indoor comfort and lower heat stress associated with heat

waves.


Enhanced storm water management and water quality: Green roofs can reduce and slow

storm water runoff in the urban environment; they also filter pollutants from rainfall.

Improved quality of life: Green roofs can provide aesthetic value and habitat for many

species.

Green Technology in the Automotive Industry

Figure 1 (Lee, 2010)

Eco-friendly cars are cars that have a lower negative effect on the environment than

traditional automobiles. These cars include electric cars, hybrids and cars that run on alternative

fuels. These cars have many benefits.


The main benefit of eco-friendly cars is that they use less oil than traditional cars. Electric

cars use no oil at all, while hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles, such as those that run on ethanol

or liquid natural gas, use much less oil than regular automobiles. Using less oil has many benefits

in and of itself.

For example, using less oil means fewer harmful carbon emissions. Emissions from

automobiles have been linked to smog, global warming and health conditions such as asthma.

Using less oil also helps the environment because there is less chance of a spill or pipeline leak,

which can pollute land and water sources and kill wildlife. (gogreen.org)

Better Gas Mileage

One of the main benefits of eco friendly vehicles is due to the inherent nature of how

they’re engineered and designed by the automotive manufacturers by enabling drivers of these

vehicles to attain much greater gas mileage. Improved gas mileage not only means not having to

fill up so often, but it means drivers can travel much further on a single tank of fuel. The fuel is

usually not traditional gasoline as in non-eco friendly cars, but rather a combination of liquefied

petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity.

Less Dependence on Foreign Oil


When eco-friendly cars require much less fuel to power them across the same distances,

this means that the United States as well as other major countries don’t have to rely nearly as

much on expensive foreign oil sources from specific countries in the Middle Eastern parts of the

world. This provides both a monetary advantage to the countries who were formerly relying and

depending so much on having to purchase their fuel, but it also provides a substantive political

benefit as well since many countries now using eco friendly cars no longer have to be at the

financial mercy of these foreign countries.

Reduced Exhaust Emissions

Eco friendly cars with electrical batteries and electrical engines or hybrid vehicles have

proven to produce a dramatically decreased amount of harmful exhaust emissions when driving

at all speeds in all types of weather conditions. This directly helps keep nature cleaner and more

healthy and substantially diminishes the amount of pollutants released when driving these superb

vehicles.

Saves Drivers Money

Driving green vehicles allows owners of these cars to save enormous amounts of money

that they were formerly spending on unleaded or premium unleaded gasoline for their non-eco

friendly vehicles. Everyone can benefit by being able to save tremendous amounts of money at

the gas station or by never having to go to the gas station at all if their eco friendly vehicle is

100% electric. (gogreen.org)


Methodology

Findings

Global Surface Temperature

Figure 2 (Mary, 2013)

According to the graph since about 1950, the Earth’s global surface temperature has risen

by just more than 6 degrees Celsius or just over 1 degree Fahrenheit.



According to the image using data reported from the National Snow and Ice Data Center,

we can track the decline of Arctic sea ice. The image below shows the month of September with

the 1978 – 1981 averages on the left, and Arctic sea ice from September 2007 on the right, which

produced the smallest area of Arctic sea ice to date. This equates to a decline of nearly 32% in

the Arctic sea ice. While the sea ice area has since increased from the record low of 2007, the

level remains far below those recorded since 1979.


The following charts provide progression of sea levels. As we all know, when water

warms it expands. Add this to water melting from glaciers and the arctic and you will see a

measurable amount of sea level rise. While sea level rise by all accounts has been occurring for

as long as we can tell, what is of particular interest is the rate of change that has been occurring.

From 1870 to 1992, the average sea level rise has been 1.7 mm. As the chart below indicates,

those rates have nearly doubled starting in 1993.



Carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere has been around longer than mankind. As we

all know, CO2 is part of a natural process involving plants and animals as well as volcanic

eruptions. Manmade CO2 comes from the burning of fossil fuels used in energy plants,

manufacturing plants and the various modes of transportation we use. The chart below shows the

levels of CO2 measured in the Earth’s atmosphere over the past 400,000 years. Everything

appears quite normal up until about 1950 where instead of following the cycle of upward and

downward trends, the levels increased beyond any point in history and continued upward. April

2010 set yet another record of atmospheric CO2 at 392 ppm. (Mary, 2013)

Statistics of the Improvements of Green Technology


US consumers are increasingly falling for green, evidenced by the substantial growth in

domestic demand for green goods and services over the past decade. While the size of the

American green economy remains small, as the higher cost of green products remains an

impediment to the full-fledged development of the US market for green products, a considerable

number of consumers are willing to pay a premium for environment protection.

Indeed, it appears that US consumers are well aware of green issues, and are actually

making an effort to lead more environmentally-conscious lifestyles despite a challenging

economic environment, with a number of surveys conducted during 2011-2012 showing a

persistent shift in US consumer preferences towards environmentally friendly products. (Leung,

2012)

Survey

A global personal hygiene products company SCA in June 2012 released a survey

strongly suggesting that environmental awareness is increasingly shaping consumer attitudes in

the US. Conducted with polling firm Harris Interactive among 2,199 US adults, the survey shows

that 69% of those polled purchase green products or services, and 48% make such purchases

because they are better for the environment. (Tork USA, 2012)


Figure 6 (Leung, 2012)

http://economists-pick-research.hktdc.com/resources/MI_Portal/Article/rp/2012/09/452721/1347523218845_USgreentrends1_452721.jpg


An overwhelming 82% of surveyed adults are knowledgeable about which companies

and brands have a strong history of sustainability, and 80% of people in that group consider the

company’s sustainability history when making a purchase. Consumers are also more educated

about environmental claims than a few years ago, with 73% of those polled in the SCA survey

stating that they are able to determine if a green claim is true. Twenty-seven percent of those

people consider their own research to be the most reliable, while 19% rely on independent third-

party certifications. Also of interest is the fact that 32% of those surveyed expect green products

to be available, and 42% believe the movement toward green products is just getting started.

Green Employment

Figure 7 (Madrid, 2012)

Green Goods and Services (GGS) accounted for 2.4 percent of total U.S. employment in

2010, with almost a third of all jobs supporting the badly hit construction and manufacturing

sector, says a new analysis released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).


The vast majority of these jobs were in the private sector (2.3 million) while the public

sector accounted for 860,300. While the GGS sector certainly got a boost in 2010 from the

stimulus, considered the “Most Important Energy Bill in American History,” a similar analysis of

the clean economy by the Brookings Institution finds that this snapshot is part of a wider trend

showing green jobs is on the rise. (Madrid, 2012)

Conclusion:

In 2006 Davis Guggenheim directed a film that documented former Vice President Al

Gore’s findings about dangers and effects of global warming. The film “Inconvenient Truth”

explains global warming effects on the planet and various steps we can take to prevent further

damage. While he has always been a strong promoter of climate change, it was not until after the

2000 presidential race that he made it a primary focus. The film was very successful in the

United States and abroad. Many of the film’s viewers claimed to be more aware of the effects of

global warming after watching it. Some viewers also said they changed many of their ways of

life after learning about global warming effects on the planet. Global warming effects all of us

living on planet Earth in many ways. Al Gore is a strong advocate and warns us that we must

take the effects on global warming very seriously.


According to Gore, conservation biologists stress that deforestation, which is contributing

to the sixth mass extinction of life on Earth, should be stopped to prevent disastrous effects on

our current ecological balance. Furthermore, while deforestation often leads to short term

economic gains in industries such as logging and farming, these profits are not sustainable over

the long term. Managing deforestation ensures these industries have a longer future.

Also, Gore stresses that governments should start to enact policies to slow the population

growth that leads to higher energy demands. (Lui, 2009) Although there are some defects of

green technology, everything done should have both positive impacts and negative impacts.

Since we are now still at a starting stage of developing green technology, some defects are due to

its immature; for example, defects like low efficiency can be solved, when we keeping on

putting effort in doing research and improvement. In fact, one of us will agree that problems

like global warming and energy crisis cannot be solved within one or two years. It really requires

our determination and continued effort in improving the situation. Green technology will

definitely be the solution that gets the potential in helping us to solve those problems and

improve our environment.


References:

Xiaoqing, H., & Chengxiao, Z. (2010). How Can Green Technology Be Possible. Asian Social Science, 6(5), 110-114.

Liming, D. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/green/construction/

Lee K. S (2010). Challenges and Opportunities for Green Car Industry. Retrieved from http://www.oecd.org/sti/ind/45008864.pdf

Benefits of eco-friendly cars. Retrieved from http://gengreen.org/

Liu, A.(2009). Retrieved from http://scienceline.org/2009/11/blog-liu-global-warming-al-gore

EPA. (n.d.). Retrieved from website: http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/mitigation/greenroofs.htm

Mary, S. (2013). Retrieved from http://globalwarming.com/2010/05/statistics-of-the-global-warming-trend/

Madrid, Jorge (2012). Climate Progress. Retrieved from website: http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2012/03/23/450776/bureau-of-labor-statistics-reports-31-million-us-green-jobs-top-5-takeaways/


Leung, George (2012). Green Trends in the U.S. Retrieved from http://economists-pick-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/Research-Articles/Green-trends-in-the-US/rp/en/1/1X000000/1X09PBLI.htm

Tork USA (2012) SCAs Tork Brand Releases Green Business Survey for World Environment Day. Retrieved from: http://www.torkusa.com/Resources/news/News/SCAs-Tork-Brand-Releases-Green-Business-Survey-for-World-Environment-Day/

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bradleybryan10.weebly.com · Web viewToday in modern day society, ice caps are melting, seasons are changing, sea levels are rising and storms are becoming stronger are a few major