What are green technologies?

Energy efficiency is the process of using energy more effectively to produce the same benefit with less energy used.  Energy efficiency differs from energy conservation because conservation just means using less energy or changing behavior (ex. turning down the thermostat without adding more thermal insulation).  Energy efficiency coupled with renewable energy production are said to be the “twin pillars” of a sustainable energy policy.  Efficient energy use coupled with sustainable energy development can significantly reduce our use of fossil fuels.

For existing buildings more efficient energy use might begin with an energy audit which is an evaluation of a building structure and its mechanical components to determine where changes could be made to improve occupant comfort or reduce energy use.  This could be done for residences as well as industrial facilities.  Once the energy-wasting areas are identified, weatherization techniques could be applied to stop air infiltration or more efficient electric appliances and equipment could replace less-efficient devices.  Weatherization might be adding more insulation, changing door or window seals, calking, installing outlet seals, insulating pipes, or otherwise doing air sealing or insulating to keep the conditioned interior spaces more comfortable and reduce energy losses. 

Industrial settings might improve their energy use by changing the type of energy they use by generating power from waste or by using combined heat and power systems (cogeneration) to meet their energy needs.  Mechanical systems could be converted to variable speed drives to match a motor’s energy output to the required load.  Motors made of superconducting materials or using voltage compensation can also be used to reduce energy use.  Pumps, compressors, conveyors and a nearly unlimited number of systems can benefit from electronic controls, variable speed drives, and improving their maintenance practices.  There are many possibilities to improve energy efficiency in an industrial setting and the savings improve profitability and flow right to the bottom line.

Lake Land offers TEC 059, Weatherization Technician/Installer and TEC 065, Energy Efficiency, as part of the green technology program.  These courses prepare students to assess homes according to current industry standards, apply building weatherization techniques, and learn the fundamentals of energy transfer, distribution, conservation, and efficiency as it relates to residential, commercial, and industrial use. 

Career pathways in energy efficiency could include Weatherization Technicians, individuals and subcontractors who install weatherization products, Energy Efficiency Engineer/Manager/Field Engineer, Energy & Sustainability Analyst, Energy Advisor/Auditor, field Inspector, Installation Specialist, Building Controls Technician/Engineer, Marketing Specialist, Energy Consultant, Plant Operator, HVAC Technician/Manager, Energy Management Specialist, or dozens of similar titles.