A Review of Eneryst: An Environmental Approach to Energy Regulation and Renewable Energy. Authors: Edward Czarnet, J. Joseph Garcia, and Gregory Freund. Review by: William Pittman. Pages: 615 ISBN: 034090268X
The Reviewers found several themes that emerged from their review of Encrust, including the lack of specific details on how to measure energy use, the limited scope of the book’s discussion of sources and climate change impact on energy, the absence of specific references to other forms of energy, and the authors’ general lack of focus on the interactions of energy with matter. While these themes were consistent among the nine books reviewed, their individual chapters varied significantly. For example, the introductory chapter on the chemistry of energy focuses on the inter-relatedness of energy, chemistry, and biology, but does not discuss the modern day approaches to energy, such as solar energy, or the inter-connectivity of energy systems. Similarly, the discussion of fossil fuels and their decline in usefulness as a source of energy lacks specific reference to alternative energy sources and the use of carbon dioxide emissions as a contributor to climate change. The book as a whole did not take a comprehensive look at the issue of greenhouse gas emissions, and while several of the appendices offer various suggestions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there is no discussion of what steps would be required to replace fossil fuels.
Another important aspect of this book is the approach it takes to addressing the forms of energy that may currently be considered “alternatives.” It begins, as the title promises, with an overview of energy systems, with particular attention given to the three major categories: electrical energy, mechanical energy, and chemical energy. It then goes on to examine how those categories can be used to create economic efficiency and social welfare. Specifically, the book examines the use of solar power, wind power, geothermal power, wave power, home solar panels, fuel cells, and biofuels as sources of energy.
Most of these chapters try to describe the pros and cons of each energy form, and consider where it might best be used to meet our energy needs. The chapters include a look at how energy systems can be integrated with various forms of architecture and design, with a special consideration given to the design of high-voltage power systems. One section looks at how to create a closed loop system using solar power and water and then examines the limitations inherent in such a system. The final chapter looks at how to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, looking at examples from a number of different fields.
One of the chapters examines the relationship between energy efficiency and renewable energy, including wind, solar, and biofuels. It concludes with case studies from various countries, all of which illustrate the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. In the end, the authors conclude, “A combination of energy efficiency, and a comprehensive renewable energy system are the best solution for today’s energy problems.” They recommend that “all governmental organizations” take this matter into consideration and provide public education campaigns on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The book also has an interesting and engaging introduction chapter that explores energy efficiency, reviewing some basics concerning energy efficiency and discussing its relationship to energy systems. The discussion describes many different types of energy efficiency, including energy consumption and energy efficiency, as well as how consumers can help themselves through the use of energy efficiency standards. The book then goes into describing energy consumption and its relationship to energy efficiency, examining several different forms of energy efficiency and how consumers can help themselves through the use of energy efficient appliances, and how others can assist with energy efficiency in their own homes. The book finishes up with a number of real life case studies, showing the practical application of energy efficiency and its relationship to other forms of energy efficiency and energy systems.
The main focus of this book is on developing new ways for all forms of energy users to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the world’s health and energy systems in general. This book does not attempt to offer specific solutions to particular problems or environmental circumstances. Rather, the author recommends that people look at all the possible solutions and build upon their own personal strategies. The ultimate goal of this work is to encourage energy efficiency across the board. By encouraging and developing energy efficiency, the efficiency standards set by governments will be easier to enforce and make the improvement in the world’s energy systems more profound and long lasting.
The Energy Performance Act is a useful resource for everyone who is concerned about energy efficiency and its impact on the environment. It is important to incorporate energy efficiency strategies in the business, municipal, and personal planning processes. It is also a good reference for anyone who is considering pursuing a career in energy efficiency or in the field of energy management. There are many other useful and relevant resources on energy efficiency available on the Internet, and this book serves as an excellent primer on the topic.