Part 3: Reflection and Recommendations
Summary: Students will A) analyze energy data during the energy conservation phase and compare this with the baseline period; B) revise their energy conservation design in response to data and intended results; and C) reflect on the experience.
Details:
A) Analyze your and the class’ data during the conservation period, using the following criteria.
● What was your average electricity and natural gas energy use for the baseline period compared to the conservation period? Explain the changes observed (how much electricity, natural gas, and CO2 emissions were saved), and why you did or did not achieve your designed goal.
● Summarize the classroom energy use, comparing baseline with conservation period data. How large of a reduction in electricity and natural gas usage was there for our class? What about CO2 emissions? Who were the 5 biggest energy savers?
● How does your energy use compare with the average in Santa Clara County? The average home in Santa Clara County uses 540 kWh of electricity per month, or 18 kWh per day. The average home uses 45 therms of natural gas per month, (60 therms in winter and 24 therms in summer) or 1.5 Therms per day. Is your home above or below the average, and why do you think this might be?
B) Revision of Energy Conservation Design. Based on your data analysis and what you have learned, how would you revise your design in the future to produce further energy and carbon savings? Justify your suggested changes.
C) Reflection. Explain what you learned from participating in the contest. How easy or hard was it to make the changes for yourself and your household? Do you think some of the changes you made could become permanent? Do you think it would be easy or challenging for others to make similar changes? How could the city of San José encourage energy conservation in households?