Week 4 in-class assessment and feedback

The in class assessment was:

Give an example of how energy efficiency might help improve environmental conditions.

Explain how the "rebound effect" might cancel or wipe out any gains from this improvement.

Examples given:

• Good examles for which the rebound effect can be explained easily
  • hybrid or fuel efficient cars (people drive more miles)
  • increase home isulation or windows (people keep their homes warmer)
  • buy fluorescent or LED lights (then leave them on more)
  • install low flow showers (but then take even longer showers)
  • build dams (then use even more hydro power)
  • buy plastic bottles that are recyclable (and then consume even more)
• Examples for which the rebound effect doesn't really work
  • public transportation (more ridership isn't a rebound effect)
  • use space heaters instead of the furnace (can only use these a limited amount)
  • using recycled materials for tracks (recycling may not fit - see below)

Performance:

21 students made a statement that looks like the "rebound effect"

13 students didn't give a good statement -- BEWARE

 

Comments:

recycling - the damage isn't because you do more of it, but you need to look at the full life cycle of the product

unintended side effects are not the same as the rebound effect