Why is there so much energy wasted in big, rich, hot cities like Hong Kong? In part, it’s because real estate is so expensive that energy costs seem trivial, a tiny fraction of the building’s value. The main alternatives are oil, coal, nuclear, and renewables like solar. Little attention is paid to the “fifth fuel,” consuming less energy. This is surprising because energy efficiency and reduced consumption are relatively easy to achieve. A huge building boom is underway in developing country cities, so there’s plenty of opportunity to cut energy waste before blueprints become buildings. However, energy conservation and efficiency do have limits, so it’s important to seek new energy sources too. GR

CITY TECH BLOG
Wind Power: Environment’s Gift By City Tech Blogger Eusebe Pierre Louis
Wind power is one of the greatest renewable ways of producing electricity as no toxic emissions are generated, it does not attach to global warming, and is one of the most obtainable sources of sustainable energy. Also, hypothetically it is a limitless source of energy. In adequately windy