Basic 8 · Social Studies · Conserving Energy
Conserving Energy at School and in the Nation
In this topic you will further examine how energy can be conserved at school, in transport and industry, and through community and national action.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Describe ways of conserving energy at school
- Explain how transport and industry can save energy
- Discuss government and community roles in conserving energy
What you already know
- Conserving energy at home
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Conserving Energy
- Indicator
- B8.1.1.2.1 – Examine the means of conserving energy
Introduction
Schools, offices and factories use much more energy than a single home. Saving there can make a big difference.
1. Saving Energy at School
- Assign an energy monitor in every class.
- Turn off lights and fans when leaving the room.
- Use daylight when it is bright enough.
- Shut down computers after use.
- Report dripping taps and faulty wiring.
- Use the school's kitchen stoves carefully.
Boarding schools use a lot of energy for cooking and lighting, and some are using biogas or solar lighting to reduce costs. Savings can then be used to buy books or fix desks.
2. Saving Energy in Transport
| Action | How it helps |
|---|---|
| walking or cycling for short trips | uses no fuel and improves health |
| sharing rides | fewer vehicles on the road |
| using buses and trains | moves more people per litre of fuel |
| servicing vehicles | engines burn less fuel |
| correct tyre pressure | reduces fuel use |
| avoiding speeding and idling | saves fuel and improves safety |
3. Saving Energy in Industry
Factories and mines use large amounts of electricity and fuel. They can save by maintaining their machines, using efficient motors and capturing waste heat. Adding insulation to pipes and buildings keeps heat where it is needed. Regular energy audits show where energy is being lost. Many companies have begun to install solar panels. Lower energy costs make businesses more competitive, which can protect jobs and allow prices to stay lower for consumers.
4. Saving Energy in Offices
Government offices and banks use many air conditioners. Setting them at about 24 °C and closing doors and windows saves a lot of power. In 2007, Ghana gave out millions of energy-saving bulbs in exchange for old ones. This shows how a simple change on a large scale can reduce the country's demand for electricity.
5. Peak Demand
Electricity use is highest during the evening, when people get home and turn on their lights, TVs and fans. This time is called peak demand. Power companies must generate enough for this peak, even if demand is low at other times. Using less during peak hours by, for example, ironing in the morning, reduces pressure on the system and can make the supply more reliable.
New words
- energy audit
- A check of how energy is used.
- insulation
- Material that stops heat escaping.
- peak demand
- The time of highest electricity use.
- idling
- Running an engine while not moving.
Summary
- Schools can save energy through simple routines.
- Transport savings include walking, sharing and servicing vehicles.
- Industry saves through maintenance and efficient machines.
Class activity: School Energy Audit
- Walk round the school and record energy use.
- Note what is wasted.
- Suggest three changes.
You need: LED bulb, Switchable power strip, Sample ECG electricity bill
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which saves transport fuel?
- A. sharing rides
- B. speeding
- C. idling
- D. driving alone
Show answer
Answer: sharing ridesFewer vehicles.2. The time of highest electricity use is…
- A. peak demand
- B. low tide
- C. midnight
- D. harvest
Show answer
Answer: peak demandEvening.3. Regular servicing helps a vehicle use less fuel.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueEfficiency.4. Material that keeps heat in is ______.
Show answer
Answer: insulationHeat.5. State three ways of saving energy at school.
Show answer
Answer: Turn off lights and fans, use daylight and shut down computers.Any three.6. How can saving energy help a business?
Show answer
Answer: It lowers costs, makes the firm more competitive and protects jobs.Economy.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Conserving Energy
- Indicator
- B8.1.1.2.1 – Examine the means of conserving energy
Introduction
Saving energy takes both personal habits and national planning. The government, businesses and citizens all have roles.
1. Institutions
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Energy | sets national energy policy |
| Energy Commission | licenses and promotes efficiency |
| Public Utilities Regulatory Commission | sets tariffs |
| ECG and NEDCo | distribute electricity |
| Volta River Authority | generates power |
| National Petroleum Authority | regulates petroleum |
2. Government Actions
Governments promote conservation through laws, education and investment. Ghana's standards require efficient appliances. Renewable Energy Act, 2011 (Act 832) encourages the development of renewable energy. Prepaid meters help consumers to see what they use. Government-run campaigns on radio and TV share tips. Investment in the transmission system also reduces losses, while public transport projects can reduce fuel use.
3. Community Action
- Plant woodlots to supply firewood.
- Install solar street lights.
- Report illegal electrical connections.
- Teach households to save energy.
- Encourage the use of efficient stoves.
- Form energy clubs in schools.
4. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| poverty | Efficient appliances cost more at first. |
| attitudes | Some think that public energy is free. |
| illegal connections | Unmetered users have no reason to save. |
| poor maintenance | Old lines and machines waste power. |
| weak enforcement | Standards are not always followed. |
Illegal connections are especially harmful, since they are dangerous and force paying customers to bear the losses. A related idea is that of "free government power". People may leave lights on in public offices and schools since they do not pay the bill. However, it is all paid for by taxes and public funds.
5. Energy and Our Future
Ghana's population and economy are growing, so demand for energy will rise. To meet this demand, we need to generate more and waste less. Clean energy is part of that picture. It also matters for climate change. A generation that values saving energy will save money and leave a healthier country behind for future generations.
New words
- policy
- A plan of action adopted by government.
- regulator
- A body that supervises an industry.
- illegal connection
- Unlawful, unmetered use of electricity.
- woodlot
- A small area of trees grown for fuel.
Summary
- Government sets policy, standards and tariffs.
- Communities can plant woodlots, teach and report problems.
- Poverty, attitudes and illegal connections are key challenges.
Class activity: Energy Club
- Plan an energy club for your school.
- Write its aims and activities.
- Present your plan.
You need: LED bulb, Switchable power strip, Sample ECG electricity bill
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which body sets electricity tariffs?
- A. PURC
- B. WAEC
- C. NHIA
- D. GES
Show answer
Answer: PURCRegulator.2. A small area of trees grown for fuel is a…
- A. woodlot
- B. dam
- C. meter
- D. pipeline
Show answer
Answer: woodlotFuel.3. Illegal connections are dangerous.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueFire and shock.4. A plan of action adopted by government is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: policyGovernment.5. State two community actions for saving energy.
Show answer
Answer: Plant woodlots and form school energy clubs.Any two.6. Why are illegal connections harmful to honest customers?
Show answer
Answer: Losses must be covered by others through higher costs or poorer supply.Fairness.
Homework
- Make a poster on saving energy for your school.