Energy Efficiency in Lombardy Region

This assignment analyzes the drivers behind energy efficiency investments in Lombardy, Italy. It explores various aspects including building energy performance improvements, cost-benefit analyses of green buildings, and the impact of low investment strategies for space heating control. The study utilizes case studies and considers relevant policies and regulations.

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QUEENSLAND ENERGY CONSUMPTION
By Student’s Name
Code+ course name
Professor’s name
University name
City, State
Date

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Executive summary
This report examines energy consumption in Queensland. They are affected by mild winters and
summers and require air conditioning, refreshing in pools mining and showers. All these
activities consume a lot of electricity. Use of energy grows daily due to increased demand in the
countries. From the reported increase in consuming energy impacts the environment and leads to
risks of production of emissions. More of electricity produced comes from the burning of fossil
fuel, coal, gases, mining, and oil. Gases that are produced from combustion of fuel are
greenhouse gases that result in global warming, acid rain, ozone depletion and negative effects.
This report presents an analysis of lighting energy consumption of Queensland. Potential
solutions for saving energy are presented. In order to reduce energy one needs to use better
appliances in order to reduce energy consumption costs. Lighting has an opportunity of saving
energy. A cost-benefit analysis using payback period is used on the use of LED to replace
another existing bulb is used to show benefits. The initial use of LED installation may be greater
than traditional light installation. The use of LEDs results in lower energy consumption cost and
cost of maintenance. This results in a reduction of TC of installation of energy over time and
saving of energy.

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Introduction
Accessing energy is important to the community. In Australia, energy use and supply change
every time. They use energy productively and as a result, the price goes up, the economy

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changes and new technologies are used. The perspectives and expectations of individuals
about design and functions of energy systems differ. This is due to changes that happen and
differ over time. Some people aim to attain lowest economic costs while others aim to attain
a stable energy supply (Salvalai, et al., 2015, p. 23). Majority of people believe in the climate
and environment as the most crucial elements to consider before implementing and designing
the energy systems. Therefore the community must balance these perspectives and
expectations. Production has changed due to changes in fuel, distribution, and importance of
energy (Shen, et al., 2016, p. 234).
Background information
Queensland is among the states in Australia and one of the famous because of the heritage sites.
The climate ranges between subtropical to tropical. It is a winter tourist attraction sites.
Queensland has dry and wet seasons because of the latitude. Energy in Queensland is developed
through energy and water supply department (Caputo, et al., 2016, p. 378). Increase in
consuming energy impacts the environment and leads to risks of production of emissions. 80%
of electricity produced comes from burning fossil fuel. Gases that are produced from combustion
of fuel are greenhouse gases that result in global warming, acid rain, ozone depletion and
negative effects (Tan, et al., 2016, p. 265).
Queensland is affected by mild winters and summers that require air conditioning, refreshing in
pools mining and showers. All these activities consume a lot of electricity. According to
Söderqvist, et al., (2015, p. 256) 40% of Australian energy is spent on cooling and heating
activities.
Means in which Queensland uses energy

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Queensland uses energy in:
1. Cooling and heating
Most homes in Queensland use energy in cooling and heating in rooms in order to maintain and
attain comfortable temperatures. Installing air conditioning in houses increases energy
consumption. Changes in temperatures make individuals install this appliance and therefore one
needs to take proper measures in order to reduce costs of energy consumption (Shen, et al.,
2016, p. 134).
2. Home appliances
Home appliances energy to heat water, dry clothes, cook, store and iron clothes. These activities
consume a lot of energy making it expensive at homes. Before purchasing home appliances on
should consider the amount of energy used so that they choose one that consumes low energy
and has alternatives. Fridges and freezers use a lot of energy and should be properly regulated
with the required amount of light (Salvalai, et al., 2015, p. 278).
3. Lighting
Energy is used by homes to provide illumination through lighting. Installing LED lights, natural
lights and fluorescent lights reduces the energy required to achieve an equal amount of
illumination as compared to the traditional approach of lighting. To improve lighting energy
consumption one needs to use new technology (Cumo, et al., 2013, p. 543).
4. Mining
Coal mining is one of the major fuels of generating electricity in Australia. Queensland uses
Natural gas to drill water wells and electricity in refineries and mining smelters. This leads to a

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large amount of energy being used to make extraction and supply of coal, fuel, oil and other
minerals thus increasing its consumption (Bisegna, et al., 2015, p. 567).
Appliances that consume lot of energy
1. Home appliances
Queensland is affected by mild winters and summers that require air conditioning. Australians
use 40% of energy for cooling and heating. This meant to keep individuals comfortable by
maintaining the temperature of the rooms.
This includes Fridges, ovens, dishwashers, clothes washers and freezers consume a lot of energy.
One can minimize energy consumption by installing cloth line. This will reduce the cost of the
dryer. Use of refrigerators will reduce energy by 40%. If everyone in Queensland uses new
appliances, they will save approximately 20 billion kWh of electricity which in turn minimizes
carbon dioxide emissions by 18billion kg using new appliances is the most efficient means of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Turning these appliances off or maintaining low power is
also energy efficient (Cumo, et al., 2013, p. 543).
2. Mining
Consumption of energy in the mining industry has been growing rapidly since 2013. This is due
to increase in demand and production of commodities and resources across the world. Energy
consumption has increased by 7% in 2013 (Science, 2015, p. 256). In the process of extraction,
oil consumption has increased by 11% due to increase in production of gas for household uses in
Queensland. Mining of fuels and transporting oil and gas in pipelines leads to the emission of

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greenhouses gases due to use of road transport and coal power thus polluting the environment.
Importing these products leads to a reduction of energy by 7%.
Sources of energy
1. Coal
In 2014 coal was recognized as the biggest source of energy with 33% in Queensland. The state
contributes to coal mining. This is one of the major fuels of generating electricity in Australia.
Coal seam gas and coal are significant sources of fuel. According to Science, (2015, p. 256)
Queensland contributes 98% of coal seam gas in Australia. This is because of the growth of
energy industries like mining, population growth, and economic growth that have increased high
demands of energy. Mining of fuels and transporting oil and gas in pipelines leads to the
emission of greenhouses gases due to use of road transport and coal power thus polluting the
environment. The energy policy resolved not to issue licenses for coal unless best low emission
technology is used. Queensland was recognized as the first state to produce oil and natural gas,
using hydroelectric power and supply the city with natural gas.
2. Electricity
Queensland generates a capacity of electricity of over 14000 MW. The highest demand for
electricity is about 8891 MW in 2010. The resource sector of Queensland demands electricity in
refineries and mining smelters. Queensland exports 1380 MW and imports 880 MW of
electricity. In 1985 workers disputed over wages. Electricity generation was deregulated in the
year 2007 and nuclear power banned. People in the remote areas have resulted in electricity
prices being subsidized by the community.

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3. Oil
Oil was first distributed in Queensland the year 1980. The pipeline used busted in 2003 causing
split of oil. Approximately 30billion of oil barrels is in Queensland. It produces petroleum
products that result in the majority of states’ fuel. The state was affected by high prices and there
were no alternative sources of energy and it is upon the state to find a solution to mitigate this
problem. In 2014 oil was recognized as the biggest source of energy with38% in Queensland.
4. Gas
In 2014 natural gas was recognized as the biggest source of energy with 24% in Queensland.
Coal gas was produced at Queensland and was extracted from coal in 1964. Natural gas was used
to drill water wells. The first pipeline for the gas was 435km. mine gas is used to generate power
in small quantities. This mine gas is 45MW and generates less power that reduces greenhouse
emissions. In 2010, coal gas has grown by 43% compared to other years. The effect of coal gas
production and exploration has increased environmental issues. From Science, (2015, p. 256) 34
wells had detectable wells. Five wells that leaked were flammable which is dangerous to human
life.
5. Solar
Solar energy is used by 27% homes in Queensland. This gives a total of 937 MW. A third of
solar panel owners receive 6.4% kW/h for extra power and the remaining receive 44c/KWh.
Clean energy office offers hot water by installing solar systems for water. Rooftop solar
installation is affected by deficiencies in electricity grid since grids were designed to operate
from the power station.

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6. Renewables
They contribute to about 15% of electricity generation in Queensland. This is because of hydro.
It has increased from 7% in 2013. They fall under the policy of renewables and have signed up to
20% target schemes. Renewables still lag behind compared to other sources of energy. They emit
fewer greenhouse gases in the environment (Carbonara, et al., 2015, p. 100).
Regulation authority
Queensland government policy has led to fuel diversification of sources of fuel which has given
rise to regulatory organization e.g. 13% gas scheme. The target for electricity consumption is to
increase by 15% in 2011 and 8% in 2020 (De Santoli & Di Matteo, 2003, p. 111). Fuels include
natural gas, LPG, waste gas, and coal seam gas. This has led to the formation of regulatory
bodies to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emission.
1. Australian energy regulator
AER is an organization used to regulate gas markets and wholesale electricity in Australia. They
control the monopoly of energy distribution and transmission. They monitor wholesale and
enforce rules of the electricity market. They have powers from the national electricity laws.
2. Australian capital authority
This policy is meant to provide a framework to manage economic, environmental and social
challenges in relation to energy consumption and production. They provide reliable and
affordable gas and electricity supply in Australia. It aims at providing a sustainable supply of
energy to reduce carbon dioxide.
Soft tools

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1. Office of clean energy
It was started in 2008 to enable industries in initiating clean energy projects for Queensland. It
administers SBS (solar bonus schemes) to pay surplus electricity for small customers and
households (Garcia, et al., 2013, p. 765).
2. Solar school programs
This program aims at reducing the number of energy consumptions in schools by 30%. This
initiative began in 2008. This program involves installing a solar panel of two KW in each
school in Queensland. Kindergarten and crèche services were funded for solar power installation
systems (Fioretti, et al., 2015, p. 123).
3. Government energy strategy.
They initiated WCR water project which was built to ensure supply of water from source to
power stations. This was meant to minimize peak demand and initiate new power stations. It
involves initiatives of off-peak tariff for systems of hot water and easy accessibility to off-peak
energy for pools. The strategy aims at establishing energy management Centre for advice on
power efficiency and tariff for home appliances e.g. air conditioners, fridges and freezers
(Gabay, et al., 2014, p. 654).
Adopting these strategies would save a $3.5 billion of infrastructure cost.
Ways of reducing consumption
Lowering consumption of energy is not only due to use of reduction of cash but also conserving
the environment. These ways are categorized according to use.

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1. Saving lighting energy
In order to reduce energy used due to lighting, we can do this by
 Using the light from the solar panel in order to conserve electric consumption.
 Always turn off lights when not using
 Users should use light bulbs that save energy and offer standby power and efficient
energy.
2. Saving energy on home appliances
Hot water, clothes dryers, and air conditioners are appliances that consume a lot of energy
making it expensive at homes. Before purchasing home appliances on should consider the
amount of energy used so that they choose one that consumes low energy and has alternatives
(Science, 2015, p. 345). They should conserve energy by:
 Drying clothes from the line since the sun is always available at Queensland.
 In case one has more than one fridge, always turn them off when not in use or when only
needed. Also, have the temperature of fridges regulated between 3-5degerees and 15-18
degrees for freezers.
 Switch off other appliances that are not in use e.g. toasters and electric kettles
 One can iron a lot of clothes at the same time. This will help reduce the amount of energy
used in heating and reheating of ironing appliances.
3. Saving energy on hot water
Hot water uses a lot of energy in homes. This according to Belpoti & Bizzarri, (2015, p. 89) is
approximately 25% and contributes the biggest part of emissions of greenhouse gas. Therefore
users should:

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 Implement and use a 4-minute shower that will help reduce energy.
 Stop using a standard showerhead and use a 3-star head. This will reduce the amount of
energy spent on hot water by 50%.
 Mixer tap can be left in cold position to avoid wasting hot water in cooling pipe.
4. Saving energy on cooling and heating
Queensland is affected by mild winters and summers that require air conditioning, refreshing in
pools and showers. All these activities consume a lot of electricity. According to Bulut, et al.,
(2015, p. 765) 40% of Australian energy is spent on cooling and heating activities. To reduce
energy one should consider:
 Before using the air conditioner in cooling the house, one should use fans, close curtains
and shut down windows. This will help reduce the amount of sunlight heating the house
directly.
 In case of soaring of mercury, do not turn on the air conditioning below 24 degrees. From
the study by Di Matteo & Monaco , (2011, p. 222) shows that turning on air conditioner
below 24% increases between 5-10% consumed units of energy.
 In case one uses cooling or heating systems in their homes, always cool or heat the place
you want to work from to avoid cooling or heating other rooms which are not needed.
This will help in reducing energy consumption on such goods.
Cost-benefit analysis
For Queensland to provide the safe, productive and comfortable environment, the system of
lighting must offer suitable condition with the required level of illumination. Systems of Lighting
should be designed to consume the maximum amount of energy. Currently, sources of light

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produce equal light compared to traditional systems of light. Lighting is alone consumes 20-30%
of electricity. Using new technologies will be sufficient for energy reduction. Energy saving
solutions are used by 30 business sectors (Pagliaro, et al., 2015., p. 89).
The use of LEDs bulbs has led to architects and customers competing to use new technology in
the homes in Queensland. However, the use of these LEDs needs care. Not all appliances require
LED installation. For instance, the maximum selling price for LED compared to the use of a
conventional source of light may not be considered when installing. Therefore TC of ownership
method is important, investment analysis in luminaires, costs of energy, cleaning costs and cost
of lamp change. In addition, sensors need to be considered in order to reduce costs of energy and
improve the lifetime of the luminaire. Mostly, LED solutions of annual costs like capital costs
can be lower than conventional solutions. For example, one bulb costs $3 and uses 100W
(Viholainen, et al., 2016, p. 100). It lasts two years and rate of usage is $4h/d. We want to reduce
energy by replacing existing bulb with an LED bulb that costs $8 and uses 10W. The bulb lasts
for a year at a usage rate of $4h/d. we want to use CBA to help make a decision on whether to
replace a bulb or retain the existing one. Assuming electricity price to be $1.2 per KWH and
service gain is two years at the rate of $4h/d. the company needs to buy two LED and one 100W.
Conclusion

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Use of energy grows daily due to increased demand in the countries. In order to reduce energy
one needs to use better appliances in order to reduce energy consumption costs. Lighting has an
opportunity of saving energy. A cost-benefit analysis on the use of LED to replace another
existing bulb is used to show benefits. The initial use of LED installation may be greater than
traditional light installation. The use of LEDs results in lower energy consumption cost and cost
of maintenance. This results in a reduction of TC of installation of energy over time and saving
energy by 44 days while using existing one saves energy in 37 days.
References List

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