StoryMap - Andrew
This StoryMap was completed for the TEC Internship.
Home Audit Data and Action Plan
In my household, there are many methods of reducing my energy usage.

- Turning off appliances when not in use
- Doing laundry in full loads
- using natural light rather than superficial lighting
- install a smart thermostat in my house

pie chart of my household's energy usage
There are also many methods to diminish my household's water usage

pie chart of my household's water usage
- Fix any leaks as soon as possible
- install low-flow faucets
- install a drip-irrigation system for gardening
- Doing laundry with only full loads
- Ensure to fully turn off faucets when not in use
Equity Report Data
Demographics in Orange County
Orange County population by age
From the Equity Report, I've learned that my county, Orange County, has a diverse community. Orange County contains many ethnicities: Hispanics/ Latinos, Whites, Asians, African Americans, Hawaiians, and Native Americans. Because of the many cultures that are present, there are many different buildings and facilities that are built. Higher-income communities may have higher energy consumption rates. Minority communities may have a lower consumption rate because they have lower incomes.
There are many school sites in Orange County, from elementary schools to universities. Since there are many school campuses in Orange County, Orange County's energy usage will be high. School campuses must use a lot of energy to maintain heating and cooling. Larger schools may use more energy to accommodate the large number of individuals.
Comparative Energy Analysis Report Data (Powerville High School: Building)
Comparative Energy Analysis Report Data (Powerville High School: Outdoor Lighting)
Comparative Energy Analysis Report Data (Powerville High School: Pumping)
Powerville High School uses more energy when it is near summertime. These months include June, July, and August. Because of the hot temperatures, more students and individuals want to cool themselves off. As a result, more energy is being used. To reduce the amount of energy used in this time period, students can install energy-efficient appliances. Reducing the amount of energy used will reduce the cost of electricity bills.
Comparative Energy Analysis Report Data (Powerville Unified School District: District Buildings)
Comparative Energy Analysis Report Data (Powerville Unified School District: Outdoor Lighting)
Comparative Energy Analysis Report Data (Powerville Unified School District: Pumping)
Powerville Unified School District uses more energy during the seasons of Summer and Winter. This is because students are using more energy to accommodate the weather. When it is colder, students are inclined to use more energy to heat their homes. When it is hotter, students turn on the air conditioning to cool themselves off. As a result, the students use more energy during these seasons. Installing a smart thermostat can reduce the energy usage during these periods of time.
The School District is doing a good job at reducing the gas usage. Although the school district uses gas for buildings, it does not use gas for outdoor lighting or pumping. Using electricity over gas is better for the environment since little to no greenhouse gasses will be produced.
Career Within the Energy/ Water Sector
Laboratory Technician:
A Laboratory Technician conducts quality testing to ensure that water meets the standards for the public to use. They work will all sorts of data. They analyze water on a physical and biological level. Their main focuses are to ensure that water meets the regulations are met, monitor contaminants from the industry, and make internal decisions. Laboratory technicians require individuals to work precisely, communicate with others clearly, keep detailed records, and be able to work with data.
Internship Reflections
I chose this internship because I believed I could obtain quality advice from experts within the energy field. I hoped that the skills and lessons I learn during this internship carry on into my future as well. The skills and advice that was given to me will greatly benefit my living spaces and career.
The best part about this internship was learning about the different methods and techniques used to reduce energy in my household. By installing energy-efficient appliances, I can reduce the amount of energy used inside my home. As a result, my energy and water bills will be reduced as well.
The most challenging part of the internship was getting through all the readings and videos. Since there were many readings, it took a lot of time to read and take notes. However, although it was very time-consuming, I learned lots of valuable information from the articles and videos.
The internship has inspired me to learn more about my community and household. Although I have learned about my community through the equity report, there is still much I can learn. I can also learn about other areas outside of mine. I can broaden my perspective and knowledge by researching other communities and areas.
By going through this internship, my goal for the future is to live in an energy-efficient household. If I can achieve this, my bills will not be very high. I also aspire to live in a household that is beneficial to the environment. Rather than using gas, which can be harmful to the environment and atmosphere, I will use electricity and other forms of energy efficiently.