Released March 18, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Before embarking on a renewable-energy project, such as installing a wind machine or solar panels, consider the Energy Pyramid, urges an energy expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Considerable enthusiasm has developed for using renewable energy resources, both to reduce expenses associated with traditional sources and to improve environmental conditions for ourselves and for future generations, noted Dennis Buffington, professor of agricultural and biological engineering. But conserving energy, he contended, is every bit as important as generating new energy.
"No one would ever consider building a pyramid with the peak first," he said. "Rather, a pyramid is built with the base first and then progressive layers are added until we finally get to the peak. Likewise, no one should install a renewable energy project without first implementing programs for energy conservation, energy efficiency and energy demand at the site -- whether it is a home, business, farm, industry or public facility."
continued on Penn State University news
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