Now, what does that remind you of? I know! Us. Human society is currently using a massive, astronomical amount of energy every day, just to do all those amazing human-y things that we do. Playing computer games, talking on the phone, driving our cars around the block for groceries, etc. Many of our current sources of energy are simply not sustainable. Coal, oil, gas… these are all fixed resources that we will eventually deplete. Continuing at our current rates of consumption, we will finish off these resources sooner rather than later. As much as politicians and scientist like to debate precise quantities and dates, the end result will always be the same if nothing in the equation is changed.
The hummingbird can get away with eating more than its own weight in food and running an insanely high metabolism, because it has evolved within a natural system complete with renewable sources of energy (nectar from flowers, delicious juicy insects, etc.). The hummingbird is unlikely to starve to death. Humans? We are facing a bit more of a problem. We need to learn to be more like the hummingbird: highly efficient, living sustainably, adorable.
Fortunately, we are extremely clever creatures and have uncovered two solutions to our predicament. Energy efficiency and renewable energy. The adorable part is probably a lost cause.
Renewable energy is the high profile, sexy-in-stilettos solution. Wave energy, wind energy, solar energy… the list of ways to use completely renewable resources to fuel our energy-hungry society is extensive. And frankly, these are all pretty cool. But these exciting options are only a part of the solution.
Energy efficiency is the girl-next-door-who-dresses-like-your-mother solution. Behind that drab, unexciting exterior lies a brilliant alternative. Becoming more energy efficient is “…the largest, cheapest, safest, cleanest, fastest, most diverse, least visible, least understood and most neglected way to provide energy services” (Amory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute).
If you want to know everything there is to know about making your building more energy efficient- this is definitely the place for you. From energy hogs like data centers and commercial real estate, to corner stores and homes with much smaller carbon footprints, I will investigate all the options for greater energy efficiency. Not only will the Smartcool blog be sharing news on innovative technology and tips to become more energy efficient, but I will also throw in regular updates on new legislation, financial incentives, and interesting programs that are working to encourage us all to become more energy conscious. Although Smartcool’s focus revolves around air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump systems, I’ll also take a look at some other building systems where you can be saving energy and money.
As for the range? Well, since Smartcool is an international company we will be taking an international view of things. Developments in North America, Europe and Australasia are of particular interest to us, but I will also include highlights from South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
So that’s what we’re all about and why we’re sporting a hummingbird picture in our banner. It’s important to have something to aspire to, and for us its becoming more like a thumb-sized bird with a really big nose. I hope you will join me as I blog my way through the often overwhelming amount of information on creating a new, sustainable world through better energy efficiency in our buildings. Whether you are a building owner or manager, a technology provider or even just a regular, run-of-the-mill energy user, this blog should help you make sense of the challenges and opportunities we all face in becoming more energy efficient.
I haven’t quite finalized the title since I am still waiting for inspiration to leap out and smack me upside the head. If you have any clever suggestions, please feel free to share them (preferably without the smacking part). If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, I would love to hear from you- feel free to leave a comment or drop me a note through the contact form.
