Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

good text for class
this is a very informative textbook used for a very informative class- tons of info in it

Energy for Sustainability
Pretty well written book, I enjoy learning from it.The book is too large and is heavy.The authors or book company should have split the book into two separate books,(Energy for Sustainability I & Energy for Sustainability II).It a lot of weight to be carrying around.

great book!

This book provides a clear, comprehensive and an excellent introduction to the technical basis, systems design, economic analysis, environmental impact and planning/policy of renewable and sustainable energy. Based partly on Prof. Masters' earlier work (Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems), this volume is completely redesigned and rewritten from the ground-up taking a multidisciplinary and whole life cycle approach.

Entirely new chapters are presented on:
a.energy analysis - history, future, market, economic, environmental and life-cycle analysis
b.energy theory - mechanical, thermal, chemical, nuclear, electrical, etc.
c.green buildings - cradle-to-cradle analysis of the built environment, ZEH, etc.
d.transportation - well-to-wheels analysis, PHEV, FCEV, etc.
e.land use planning - transit-oriented development, smart growth models, etc.
f.policy/planning - regulations, standards, ITC, PTC, FIT, carbon trading, RPS, etc.

The above are in addition to full chapters (with the latest updated material) on various renewables such as
a. solar (both photo-voltaic and thermal)
b. wind
c. biofuels
d. microturbines, fuel cells, CHP, etc.

The book provides most anything (nearly 800 pages) one wants to know under the clean-tech sun (at the undergraduate level prior to doing further advanced research on a specific area of interest). The book analyses each topic fairly thoroughly and explains everything very clearly. It is published by a non-profit which prolly explains the too-good-to-be-true low price. One thing to note is that the end-of-chapter problems are slated to be online and aren't in the book itself. Reading is a joy with numerous colorful graphs, tables, diagrams, flowcharts, real-world examples and actual photos. If you had to buy only one book in this space, u couldn't go wrong here - it is destined to be a classic. ... Read more

Product Description
Today energy and sustainability are areas of primary concern throughout the world. Energy Systems and Sustainability provides a thorough introduction to the economic, social, environmental, and policy issues raised by current systems of energy use. In addition, it describes the key physical and engineering features of these systems.

The book begins with an introductory account of the present world energy situation. This is followed by chapters explaining basic energy concepts and describing the magnitudes and patterns of human energy needs. The central part of the book deals with the historical evolution and present status of conventional fossil- and nuclear-fueled energy systems. These systems, along with hydropower and traditional biofuels, currently supply the majority of the world's commercial energy. In addition, a section on economics describes the basic methods by which the monetary costs of energy are calculated, and discusses the external costs of energy production. The concluding sections deal with the sustainability problems associated with both fossil and nuclear fuel use, and possible solutions using new technological developments.

Energy Systems and Sustainability is the only text on the market to provide a fresh, contemporary perspective on energy and sustainability for an undergraduate audience. It is ideal for courses in energy, sustainable development, environmental science, and architecture.

FEATURES


·Includes extensive coverage of the important concepts and issues behind modern energy production


·Provides detailed descriptions of the main methods used to produce energy today


·Lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs and diagrams


·Presents in-depth case studies and further explanations on more advanced topics in boxed sections throughout the text ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Never got the book.
I never received my book. And now i have to deal with returns. it sucks. but might be a legit seller.

Interesting Overall and Initial Approach
The author presents an overall about the Renewable Energy Sources (RES). I recommend this book for those ones with no previous experience in this subject. Good book for a fresh start in RES business.

Excellent Resource
This book, and its companion "Renewable Energy", are excellent introductory books to the topic of energy.The basics are explained in clear language, the references are up-to-date and the graphics are colorful and very helpful.These two books take a HUGE topic and make it understandable and interesting. I hope that new editions continue to be published.

If I had to make one complaint, it's that it's focused on the UK, which in terms of energy is a relatively small country.But in today's world, that is a minor issue. The book gives you the tools you need evaluate other sources of information. ... Read more

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During the past year, energy prices have fluctuated wildly, from historic highs in the winter and spring to the lowest wholesale prices in decades a few short months later. As the largest user of fossil-fuel energy, the United States is the key player in the world's energy markets, and our nation's energy policy (or lack thereof) has become a subject of increasing concern.

Energy: Science, Policy, and the Pursuit of Sustainability is an essential primer on energy, society, and the environment. It offers an accessible introduction to the "energy problem" - its definition, analysis, and policy implications. Current patterns of energy use are without question unsustainable over the long term, and our dependence on fossil fuels raises crucial questions of security and self-sufficiency. This volume addresses those questions by examining the three broad dimensions of the issue: physical, human, and political-economic. Chapters consider:

• the laws of nature and the impacts of energy use on our physical and ecological life-support systems
• the psychological, social, and cultural factors that determine how we use energy
• the role of government actions in adjusting costs, influencing resource consumption, and protecting the environment
• how markets work, and the reasons and cures for market failures in responding to long-term environmental and energy problems

Product Description
In the year 1900, the industrial world was almost entirely reliant on coal for its commercial energy.Only 50 years later, a new system - based on oil - had spread across the entire globe.By the end of the twentieth century, yet another system - based on natural gas - was achieving world-wide diffusion.Global Energy Shifts explores thesocietal forces that led to the expansion of these energy systems and demonstrates that the convergence of specific geopolitical, commercial, and social conditions can generate rapid and far-reaching transformations in the energy foundations of our world.In an important concluding chapter, Podobnik describes opportunities for fostering a similarly rapid shift toward renewable energy systems in the twenty-first century drawing on lessons from world history. ... Read more

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As societies face the challenge of securing an efficient and environmentally sound energy supply, researchers have strived to determine the future development of energy consumption, infrastructure and technology endowment. This book proposes a new agent-based approach to studying the development of urban energy systems. Decisions of private and commercial investors and operators are modeled using a bounded rational decision model which are parameterized by socio-economic data.

Product Description
Sustainability at the Cutting Edge is an essential guide to understanding the future direction of sustainable technology. This fully updated new edition deals not only with current best practice and state of the art case studies, but with the very latest emerging technologies which will transform the relationship between buildings and energy.

Professor Smith describes how buildings can be made to significantly reduce their reliance on fossil-based energy by the use of solar and geothermal resources. He also describes a range of renewable energy generating technologies. As sustainable building becomes increasingly essential with the advance of climate change, government legislation and international treaties, this is valuable knowledge for every architect, engineer and designer.

This immensely practical book is packed with useful diagrams, charts and colour photographs to illustrate a variety of the most recent case studies, including the education building, the Core, at the Eden Project in Cornwall. As well as exploring cutting edge developments in photovoltaics (PV) this revised edition also includes the latest data from the 2006 Carbon Trust report on wave and tide, and new material on the latest advances in bioenergy and marine technologies.

Buildings are currently a major part of the carbon emissions problem. This book indicates how they may become part of the solution.

* Introduces the very latest in practical sustainability techniques

* First point of reference for all architects and engineers who want their designs to be both responsive and cutting edge

* Useful diagrams, graphs and photographs illustrate the diverse technologies being developed to create optimum eco-efficiency in our built environment
... Read more

Product Description
This book offers a unique insight into the corporate health of energy companies in an evolving landscape of deregulation.Cutting across both historical and present-day situations, it demonstrates important elements vital to the success of energy companies coming out of a safe regulated structure and dealing with a new competitive environment.

Targeted at corporate executives, energy professionals, the financial and investment communities, strategic planners and regulators, readers will find this resource helpful to understand how energy companies can meet the challenges of a competitive environment, what it will take to evolve into healthy energy companies, the impacts of deregulation and assessment of successful and unsuccessful strategies for energy companies, the role of technology in business/product reinvention and a successful business model, and the differences and similarities of electricity to other commodities-the challenges to generation, power delivery, environmental science and end-use sectors of the business. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Improving the Electric Power Industry
"Visions..." is a compelling read concerning the health and outlook for electric power in the U.S.

If the industry is going to meet the increased demand for electric power, at least some of the ideas in this book will have to be pursued in earnest.The content of the book might bethought of as a composite of the best thinking of the most enlightened professionals in the industry.The book sets forth specific steps the industry can take toward more respect for the environment and for more careful use of resources while meeting the need for additional power capacity.

The demand for electricity will continue to grow and may grow more rapidly than it has in recent years.For example, more electric capacity is needed to operate data centers that are the foundation of the digital economy and to allow plug-in hybrid vehicles to serve as alternatives to automobiles fueled exclusively with gasoline."Visions..." presents a large number of specific suggestions on how a progressive electric power industry in the U.S. can meet its obligations in a responsible manner. ... Read more

Product Description
Energy is central to achieving the interrelated economic, social and environmental aims of sustainable human development. The World Energy Assessment affirms that solutions to the many urgent problems are possible and that the future is much more a matter of choice than destiny. It analyses the social, economic, environmental and security issues linked to energy supply and use, and assesses options for sustainability in each area. Among the many issues discusses are: renewable energy technologies; advanced energy supply technologies; rural energy in developing countries; energy and economic prosperity; and energy policies for sustainable development. ... Read more

Product Description
This dazzling introductory textbook encompasses the full range of today's important renewable energy technologies.

Solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal energy receive balanced treatment with one exciting and informative chapter devoted to each. As well as a complete overview of these state-of-the-art technologies, the chapters provide:

• clear analysis on their development potentials;
• an evaluation of the economic aspects involved;
• concrete guidance for practical implementation; how to reduce your own energy waste.

If we do not act now to stop climate change, the consequences will be catastrophic. The current world situation is demonstrated here with the aid of full-colour figures and photographs, data diagrams and simple calculations and results. A multiplicity of impressive examples from countries across the globe show international ‘alternative’ energy in action.

With its easy-to-read approach, this is an essential textbook for students on renewable energy courses, also environment and sustainability courses. Planners, operators, financers and consultants will find this an excellent manual for planning and realizing climate protection. Furthermore, this book makes great background reading for energy workers, designers, politicians and journalists, and anyone who is interested in the topic of climate change.

Looking for further study? Visit the complimentary website; it hosts many useful related internet sites: www.wiley.com/go/quaschning_renewable ... Read more

Product Description

This book examines the roots of the present environmental crisis in the neoclassical economics upon which modern industrial society is based. The author explains that only when we view ourselves in the larger context of the global ecosystem and accept the physical limits to what is possible can sustainability be achieved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent introduction to the ecological economics paradigm
For students wishing to get a grip ofthe ecological economics conception of the ecological-economic process, this boook is highly recommendable. Peet delivers an excellent discussion of some of the most revealingecological economic criticisms of the conventional economics viewpoint. Andmost of all, this is done in a very curioussity provoking way, which offcause is a great recommodation for an introducory textbook.

For folksalready familiar with the ecological economics, the book will, althoughapleasure to read, not yield many unfamiliar insights. But the bookprovides an apt taxonomy of central ideas within the field.

Lastly, aword forthe student which has already read this book, and wonders how toget deeper into the subject. For you I would strongly reccommend NicholasGeorgescu-Roegens (1971) classic "The entropy law and the economicproblem," or to aslighter degree one of Herman Daly's books. Roegen'swork has (as will be immediately appearent in Peets book) served as a majorinspiration and pathbreaker in the development of the ecological economics.His work is, however, of a natural philosofhic content, which is NOT easilyunderstood - but it is a true masterpeace.

Fantastic challenge to existing paradigm.
This book may knock your scientific socks off.It is a cogent criticism of existing scientific perspectives, especially regarding classical economic theory.

It is reasonable to assume that the environmentalproblems that have been created by our current economic practices are areflection or the outcome of our current reductionist, deterministic (e.g.Newtonian) scientific paradigm.It is obvious that demonstrated success inmechanical physics is not a priori evidence that the tools are available tosolve more complicated problems in natural and economic systems.(As anexample, we can put a man on the moon, but why can't we feed the world?)Peet offers a new perspective -- the systems perspective -- as appropriatefor the construction of new models of the natural and economic world.

Itis not surprising that economic theories dating back to Adam Smith andinspired by analogies with Newtonian mechanics (what might facetiously becalled "Newtonian economics") should be found inadequate in thecontext of the systems perspective.Simply put, human behavior does notsubmit to the calculus of mechanical reasoning.If one accepts Peet'sarguments (which are difficult to undermine), then it becomes clear thatour most urgent research need is in establishing and articulating a newparadigm of scientific reasoning that offers hope for addressing theenvironmental problems of the present (and presumably the next two hundredyears, give or take).Peet suggests that an "ecological view" isthe proper basis for a new science called Ecological Economics.

There isa wide and growing body of literature associated with Ecological Economics. Peet is only one spokesperson of the new paradigm, but he benefits from abackground in chemical engineeringthat distinguishes his voice from thoseof the economists, ecologists and biologists that are also eminent in thisnew field.As such, the principle scientific underpinnings of his messageare the laws of thermodynamics.Not the dreaded thermo endured bysophomore engineering students (e.g. heat engines and temperature-pressurediagrams), but a more accessible thermodynamics that offers a newperspective on familiar problems.

This text should be required reading inengineering graduate programs everywhere.It is increasingly moredifficult to do engineering in the narrow, puzzle-solving context of thelate 20th century and the broader perspective provided herein is essentialfor solving the problems that have been left for us by previousgenerations. ... Read more

Product Description

This book examines the roots of the present environmental crisis in the neoclassical economics upon which modern industrial society is based. The author explains that only when we view ourselves in the larger context of the global ecosystem and accept the physical limits to what is possible can sustainability be achieved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent introduction to the ecological economics paradigm
For students wishing to get a grip ofthe ecological economics conception of the ecological-economic process, this boook is highly recommendable. Peet delivers an excellent discussion of some of the most revealingecological economic criticisms of the conventional economics viewpoint. Andmost of all, this is done in a very curioussity provoking way, which offcause is a great recommodation for an introducory textbook.

For folksalready familiar with the ecological economics, the book will, althoughapleasure to read, not yield many unfamiliar insights. But the bookprovides an apt taxonomy of central ideas within the field.

Lastly, aword forthe student which has already read this book, and wonders how toget deeper into the subject. For you I would strongly reccommend NicholasGeorgescu-Roegens (1971) classic "The entropy law and the economicproblem," or to aslighter degree one of Herman Daly's books. Roegen'swork has (as will be immediately appearent in Peets book) served as a majorinspiration and pathbreaker in the development of the ecological economics.His work is, however, of a natural philosofhic content, which is NOT easilyunderstood - but it is a true masterpeace.

Fantastic challenge to existing paradigm.
This book may knock your scientific socks off.It is a cogent criticism of existing scientific perspectives, especially regarding classical economic theory.

It is reasonable to assume that the environmentalproblems that have been created by our current economic practices are areflection or the outcome of our current reductionist, deterministic (e.g.Newtonian) scientific paradigm.It is obvious that demonstrated success inmechanical physics is not a priori evidence that the tools are available tosolve more complicated problems in natural and economic systems.(As anexample, we can put a man on the moon, but why can't we feed the world?)Peet offers a new perspective -- the systems perspective -- as appropriatefor the construction of new models of the natural and economic world.

Itis not surprising that economic theories dating back to Adam Smith andinspired by analogies with Newtonian mechanics (what might facetiously becalled "Newtonian economics") should be found inadequate in thecontext of the systems perspective.Simply put, human behavior does notsubmit to the calculus of mechanical reasoning.If one accepts Peet'sarguments (which are difficult to undermine), then it becomes clear thatour most urgent research need is in establishing and articulating a newparadigm of scientific reasoning that offers hope for addressing theenvironmental problems of the present (and presumably the next two hundredyears, give or take).Peet suggests that an "ecological view" isthe proper basis for a new science called Ecological Economics.

There isa wide and growing body of literature associated with Ecological Economics. Peet is only one spokesperson of the new paradigm, but he benefits from abackground in chemical engineeringthat distinguishes his voice from thoseof the economists, ecologists and biologists that are also eminent in thisnew field.As such, the principle scientific underpinnings of his messageare the laws of thermodynamics.Not the dreaded thermo endured bysophomore engineering students (e.g. heat engines and temperature-pressurediagrams), but a more accessible thermodynamics that offers a newperspective on familiar problems.

This text should be required reading inengineering graduate programs everywhere.It is increasingly moredifficult to do engineering in the narrow, puzzle-solving context of thelate 20th century and the broader perspective provided herein is essentialfor solving the problems that have been left for us by previousgenerations. ... Read more

Product Description

There is increasing attention to the need to preserve and improve the global environment for current and future generations. This book summarizes new research done in this area based on a number of important collaborative projects in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China.

Sustainable Urban Housing in China features case studies and recommendations for new approaches to environmentally responsive sustainable building. It illuminates many principles of sustainability and energy efficiency applicable to buildings throughout the world, and in developing countries in particular. These projects identify practical new and existing technologies that will enable designs to provide energy-efficient, healthy, and comfortable conditions. Individual chapters treat aspects of sustainable design including ventilation, controls, materials, and daylighting; design guidelines and organizational methods used in urban projects are also discussed.

This book will be an important reference for architects, developers, planners, and engineers active in the emerging field of sustainable or green residential construction, and will serve as a useful guide for professionals and NGOs working on sustainable solutions for the rapid growth in the developing world.

Product Description
Text reviews various energy technologies, as well as taking a critical look at the political, social, and economic aspects. Emphasizes renewable energy sources such as wind, wave, solar, and biomass; but also includes a discussion of fossil fuels and nuclear power. Softcover. ... Read more

Product Description
The way in which our society exists, operates and develops is strongly influenced by the way in which energy is produced and consumed. No process in Industry can be performed without sufficient supply of energy, and without Industry there can be no production of commodities on which the existence of modern Society depends. The energy systems evolved over a long period and more rapidly over the last two centuries, as a response to the requirements of Industry and Society, starting from combustion of fuels to exploiting nuclear energy and renewable resources. It is clear that the evolution of the energy systems is a continuous process, which involves constant technological development and innovation. The presentation on the Second International Conference includes: Renewable Energy Technologies; Energy Management; Energy Polices; Energy and the Environment; Energy Analysis; Energy Efficiency; Energy Storage and Management. ... Read more

Product Description
Important progress has been made in recent years in the valuation of social costs of energy and transport. This progress has encouraged the insight that systems of "Green Accounting" considering social costs and policy instruments for the internalization of social costs are necessary tools to realize the worldwide goal of sustainable development. This workshop report provides an excellent survey of the latest results of social costs in the energy and transport sector. Further, the theoretical framework of social costs is extended to a broader concept of sustainable development. Finally, concepts and first experiences of the internalization of social costs e.g. through least cost planning or an ecological tax reform are reviewed. ... Read more

Product Description
This book publishes papers presented at the First International Conference
of Energy and Sustainability, held June 20-22, in The New Forest, UK.Featured topics include: Energy Management; Energy and the Environment; Energy Markets and Policy; Energy Efficiency; Energy and External Costs; Computer Modelling; Energy Resources Management; Nuclear Fuels; Rational Use of Energy; Solid Fuel Energy; Energy and Built Environment; Exergy and Ecology; Energy and Life Cycle Analysis; Education and Training; Energy Systems and Pollution Control; Energy and Climate Change; Renewable Energy Technologies; Energy Storage and Transportation; Energy Analysis of IndustrialProcesses; Exergy and Economics; Regulations and Policies and Hydrocarbon Exploration and Recovery. ... Read more

Product Description
This book examines and decodes some of the basic elements of sustainability; food, water and energy. Current resource uses and human development strategies are discussed that can help maintain resilient environments and societies at a country level. It explores how a range of countries make decisions regarding their energy and bio-resource consumption and procurement and how these choices impact not only their societies and environments, but the world in general.

Sustainability Unpacked reviews the merits of various sustainability and environmental metrics and applies these to 27 countries that are ranked low, medium or high on the human development index. It assesses their resource capacities and the environmental impacts, both within and outside their country boundaries, from consuming food, water, and energy. It explores how well the available country-level indices enlighten us regarding our ability to accurately measure the continued sustainability of food, water, and energy for future generations. The authors discuss both the commonality and uniqueness of several countries' food, water, and energy stories as a process to identify the links between resource uses and sustainability at a country level. The final section uses the lessons derived from the earlier analyses of resource consumption to explore the importance of geography, climates and sustainable management of forests and other natural resources for building resilient societies in the future. ... Read more

Product Description

A first step in developing a clean and sustainable future is to think differently about everyday products, in particular how they influence energy use. Green Nanotechnology: Solutions for Sustainability and Energy in the Built Environment explores the science and technology of tiny structures that have a huge potential to improve quality of life while simultaneously achieving reductions in the use of fossil fuels. This book examines energy flows in nature and how the optical properties of materials can be designed to harmonize with those flows. It then discusses the properties that can be achieved in real materials to take advantage of nature’s energy flows.

The authors cohesively examine a number of topics, highlighting their applications and the significance of their nano features. They provide a cursory discussion of well-reviewed subjects such as nanostructured solar cells and turn their attention to timely topics such as methods for preventing excessive temperature and approaches to passive cooling. The book identifies key materials and elucidates how their properties can be understood in terms of contemporary materials physics and chemistry. It concludes with a detailed description of a scenario for future buildings that use much less energy while also providing better comfort.

A valuable side effect of most nanotechnologies is that they inherently put us in closer touch with the natural world. With broad coverage of how nanoparticles impact energy use in the built environment, this book opens readers’ eyes to a fascinating vision of how technology and nanoscience can merge and lead to commodity-scale products that help preserve our planet.

Product Description
Reducing and managing humanity's demand for energy is a fundamental part of the effort to mitigate climate change. In this, the most comprehensive textbook ever written on the subject, L. Danny Harvey lays out the theory and practice of how things must change if we are to meet our energy needs sustainably. The book begins with a succinct summary of the scientific basis for concern over global warming, then outlines energy basics and current patterns and trends in energy use. This is followed by a discussion of current and advanced technologies for the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. The book then considers in detail how energy is used, and how this use can be dramatically reduced, in the following end-use sectors:

- buildings
- transportation
- industry
- food and agriculture
- municipal services

The findings from these sector-by-sector assessments are then applied to generate scenarios of how global energy demand could evolve over the coming decades with full implementation of the identified and economically-feasible energy-saving potential. The books ends with a brief discussion of policies that can be used to reduce energy demand, but also addresses the limits of technologically-based improvements in efficiency in moderating demand and of the need to re-think some of our underlying assumptions concerning what we really need. Along with its companion volume on C-free energy supply, and accompanied by extensive supplementary online material, this is an essential resource for students and practitioners in engineering, architecture, environment and energy related fields.

Online material includes: Excel-based computational exercises, teaching slides for each chapterand links to free software tools. ... Read more