
Exploration of Energy and Water Resources
Home Audit Data
For 2 consecutive weeks, I tracked all the water and energy used:

Quantity of water used for each activity
Duration of time each item was in use
This experiment ultimately led me to the conclusion that drinking water, flushing the toilet, and hand washing account for the majority of my water use. If I take into account only myself, I use about 1,000 gallons of water a week. The refrigerator consumes the most energy because it is left on all day to keep food fresh. The total amount of energy I use in a week is about 58.9 kWh. It's necessary to make changes because even though we may not know it, we frequently consume a lot of water and energy in inconsistent ways.
5 Ways To Reduce Energy and Water Usage
We can conserve energy by:
- Using Energy-Efficient Lighting - Replace bulbs with LED or CFL lights
2. Maintaining Stable use of Heating and Cooling Systems
3. Using Energy Efficient Appliance
4. Implementing Systems that Manage Energy
5. Spreading awareness
We can conserve water by:
- Installing Water-Efficient Fixtures
2. Fixing and Managing Leeks Properly
3. Optimizing Irrigation Systems
4. Using Water-Saving Appliances
5. Reduce Irrigation and Recycle Water
While these adjustments might not seem like they might make a major difference, they are among the simplest strategies to save energy and, if everyone made them, it would undoubtedly have a significant impact on water and energy savings.
Equity Report Data
Zipcode 92111
For my exploration, I decided to do an equity report on the zip code I am located in, which is 92111. I discovered that although it has a higher population density of 5,331 persons per square mile, it has a slightly lesser land area than comparable U.S. ZIP codes. With a significant number of young adults, the area's population is primarily white and concentrated in the late 20s to early 40s. In comparison to the national average, the ZIP code has a lower proportion of families and a higher number of single parents, as well as fewer children under the age of 18. 17,268 housing units with a median home value of $387,100 and a median household income of $57,350 are found in 92111. Despite its tiny size (8.46 square miles) and lack of water, the neighborhood is both highly inhabited and economically thriving.
Energy Usage Divided By Sector
Water Usage Divided By Sector
These graphs indicate that the Residential category is the highest of all. Water usage appears to be less commercial than power usage. Water consumption appears to be higher in the industrial and agricultural sectors than in the electrical sector. We may observe from this comparison how the various industries use resources in different ways.
San Diego, California, 92111
Powerville High School
High School Location
Additionally, as a high schooler, I decided to investigate a high school and how it manages its water and energy resources. I created a few graphs to illustrate the price and consumption of gas, electricity, and energy.
These charts make it evident which buildings utilize energy most efficiently because they show a steady consumption pattern with regular gas and electricity use. This suggests that the buildings are efficiently and steadily managing their energy resources. On the other hand, because it uses energy all year round, outdoor lighting seems to be the least efficient region. Given that the lighting might not be adjusted for seasonal variations or daylight hours, this points to possible energy waste. Furthermore, the high water consumption rates point to a deficiency in practical water conservation measures.
In order to increase efficiency, I advise installing more sophisticated outdoor lighting systems, including LED lights with motion sensors that turn off the lights when not in use. Moreover, it's critical to raise staff and student knowledge of water conservation. Fixing leaks and avoiding needless water use are two ways to greatly improve water efficiency. These actions will support the school's transition to more sustainable practices while also addressing inefficiencies.
Powerville District Exploration
The graphs clearly show that the Powerville district's consistent energy cost percentage is its most efficient feature, demonstrating excellent cost control throughout the district. The buildings also exhibit a regular pattern of energy use, indicating that they use energy effectively and with little waste. The least efficient feature of the district, however, is the amount of electricity used for outdoor lighting, which surges during specific months, suggesting possible problems with system efficiency and lighting control. Additionally, variations in gas consumption point to potential inconsistencies and inefficiencies in school utilization.
Regular energy consumption monitoring is advised in order to prevent excessive use and spot inefficiencies in order to address these problems. Reducing overall consumption and waste can also be achieved by upgrading to more energy and water efficient systems. Further enhancing efficiency throughout the district might be the adoption of energy-efficient solutions for outdoor lighting management, including LED lights with automated controls, and the optimization of gas usage through improved maintenance procedures.
Career In Energy Sector
Through the analysis of energy consumption and cost data, an energy analyst assesses and optimizes the use of energy inside businesses. They carry out energy audits to find inefficiencies and provide recommendations for upgrades to increase energy efficiency and save expenses. To evaluate the financial effects of different energy-saving strategies, cost-benefit assessments must be carried out. Detailed reports with practical recommendations must also be prepared. In addition to making ensuring that energy operations adhere to industry standards and regulations, energy analysts support companies in making well-informed decisions around sustainability and energy management.
Daniel Yergin
Leading oil analyst Daniel Yergin is known for his in-depth knowledge of geopolitics and the world's energy markets. Yergin, who co-founded Cambridge Energy Research Associates and serves as Vice Chairman of IHS Markit, has been instrumental in influencing public perception of the energy sector. His book The Prize, which won the Pulitzer Prize, is still regarded as a classic on the history of oil. In his book The New Map, Yergin examines the effects of technological advancement and climate change on the future of energy, with a recent focus on the global energy transition. His opinions are greatly appreciated while debating the changing face of energy.
Reflection
I chose this internship because I wanted to learn more about how I could help conserve essential resources like energy and water. I was excited about the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact environmental sustainability and resource management. The most satisfying part of the internship was seeing the real results of my work, such as identifying areas where energy and water use could be improved and putting plans into action that led to actual savings. The most challenging part, however, was dealing with the complexity of the data and the many factors that affect resource use, which required balancing technical analysis with practical solutions. This complexity required a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving, but it also made the work more engaging. This internship has inspired me to learn more about sustainable resource management, particularly how new technologies, like smart grids and water-efficient systems, can be used to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact. I became particularly interested in how emerging technologies can be integrated into existing systems to make them more sustainable. Additionally, it has also made me more aware of the broader importance of conserving water and energy, not just for saving money, but for contributing to a healthier planet and ensuring these resources are available for future generations. The experience has influenced my future plans by deepening my commitment to sustainability and conservation. While I’m still exploring my career path, I know that I want to continue learning about and contributing to sustainable practices, whether that’s through further education, volunteering, or finding ways to implement what I’ve learned in everyday life. I'd like to keep building my knowledge in this area, exploring innovative solutions, and finding ways I can contribute to solving the global challenges related to energy and water use in my personal life.