Energy thematic network of cross-border Greek and Bulgarian local authorities

1. Energy thematic network of cross-border Greek and Bulgarian local authorities efficiency Еnergy “LA-GrBg-EnergyNet”

2. What are the similarities between the two devices? What is necessary for their work? Almost all devices and mechanisms around us needs energy to work. Energy: the ability a  physical system has to do work on other physical systems. Since work is defined as a force acting through a distance (a length of space), energy is always equivalent to the ability to exert pulls or pushes against the basic forces of nature, along a path of a certain length. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

3. Is the energy that we use now endless? Main source of energy nowadays are the fossil fuels: oil, petroleum, coals, въглища, uranium. Their depletion is irreversible! LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

4. What price do we pay for fossil fuels? The biggest ecological catastrophes has been caused by fossil fuels like: Chernobyl accident, many oil spills, the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere causing the global warming, etc. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

5. Science for the benefit of nature: "useful" machines Alternative of the energy from fossil fuels are a number of technological equipment such as: - Wind turbines;- Photo solar plants;- Production of biodiesel;- Production of energy from waste;- Geothermal energy;- Energy efficient construction of buildings, thermal observations and isolations of buildings. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

6. Wind turbines A wind turbine  is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind, also called wind energy using an electromagnetic transducer. The technology is relatively expensive and  requires certain climatic conditions: the existence of permanent currents of air. Generally individual devices are built in a separate wind farms. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

7. Solar plants Solar plants (parks) consist of solar cells (photovoltaics) connected in a single system. They use the so-called photoelectric effect in which sun energy is converted into electricity. Their main disadvantage is their huge dependence on the presence of sunlight. Increasingly popular is the installation of  small autonomous solar power systems for accumulation of separate buildings LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

8. Production of biodiesel Biodiesel is a fuel produced from biological resources different form petroleum It can be produced from vegetable oils (depends on the location of the production line. For the Europe is typical to be used rapeseed and sunflower, for the South and North America – soybeans, for the Asia – coconut) or from animal fat and has been used for auto engines and other engines. This is the most perspective and ecological fuel. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

9. Biogas production by thermal treatment (pyrolysis) Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures without the participation of oxygen. From the source materials - organic materials (domestic and industrial wastes) by thermal treatment fuels are produced. The main effect is that the process is an autonomous and part of the energy produced is used for its further course. The process is very cost effective and environmentally friendly. The only waste product is carbon, which is used for manufacture of filters for water treatment systems. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

10. Geothermal energy Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of minerals (80%) The only cost for this type of equipment is the original building and maintenance of the system. This type of extraction is completely environmentally friendly, with no waste products. In ecological building geothermal systems are used for both heating and cooling LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

11. The future depends on us! To live ecologically means: - To save energy, raw materials and water; - To limit the waste we produce and to limit the pollution of the environment; - Not to be indifferent to the people polluting the nature and our environment LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

12. Leaf Houseis a house house with zero carbon emissions, which fully satisfy its energy needs from clean energy sources(solar and geothermal power). Steps have been taken against energy waste - a very good thermal insulation of walls and windows, as well as collecting rainwater tank to be used for domestic purposes. To be modern and useful for the nature! LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

13. The old buildings: expenses for us us and damage for the nature What is building isolation? Through the isolation, the buildings become more environmentally friendly. It saves costs for heating and cooling and using it we help for a better nature And about your home?... LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

14. Passive and low-energy buildings The most ecological buildings today are called "Passive houses.  They use natural sources of heating and cooling, thereby reducing energy consumption. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

15. How to choose ecological electrical appliance? On the basis of an EU directive, electrical goods must also be labeled with a sticker, according to their energy consumption. In today's electrical devices the energy consumption is lowered  drastically. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

16. Fluorescent lamps are becoming more and more wide-spread. One  fluorescent lamp consumes approximately one-half less energy than an ordinary bulb. This technology is based on inorganic (LED - Light Emitting Diodes)semiconductors. In this technology the efficiency is achieved at the expense of lower heat loss in the process (so-called. "Cold light). Using the same technology as well are produces the extremely economical LED TVs and monitors. The age of LED LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

17. Comparative analysis between the fluorescent lamps and the one incandescent:- LEDs have more than 10 times longer lifetime, consuming up to 100 times less power for the same light output, withstand 100 times more on and off cycles. The main problem with incandescent bulbs is that part of the energy is emitted as heat. So far their only advantage is the relatively inexpensive production technology, and hence lower cost. EU adopted a directive that ordinary lamps will gradually be removed from use, starting from the most powerful. LED Advantages LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

18. We usually have the habit to switch off the TV with the remote control rather than using the main switch (On / Off). In this state, the TV does not work, but it still consumes electricity ("stand by" mode). This is eligible also for the rest of the electrical devices with remote control. To limit these energy consumption we have to switch off the device totally (the best is to unplug it. Take your attention on: ИЛИ LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

19. Take your attention on: - One TV on status stand by consumes around 2 Wper hour (or around 14,6 кWhper year); - According to the IEA – International energy agency research, all wind turbines in the world put together could not meet the electricity needs of all household appliances left in standby mode; -If in the Europe all “stand by” electrical appliances were switched off this would be enough to provide the necessary electricity for a country as big as Belgium. -In a “stand by” mode, one computer consumes as much energy as two 45 watt lamps. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

20. It is up to us to save the Earth! 1/ Clean lamps and lighting fixtures: kitchen dust and condensate reduces light intensity by 20%. 2/ Use light colors for walls and furniture - they reflect light better and thus reduce the need for lighting. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

21. It is up to us to save the Earth! 3/ If possible, replace your old appliances with more efficient. 4/ Do not leave the fridge open and avoid its frequent opening. Do not put hot food in it. Adjust the internal temperature between 3 and 5 ° C and defrost it regularly. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

22. It is up to us to save the Earth! 5/ Switch off electrical appliances when are not in use and do not leave in ”stand by” mode TVs, stereos, DVD-equipment, computers, etc. 6/ If possible, place the cooling and heating equipment at a maximum distance from each other. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

23. It is up to us to save the Earth! 7/ Do not leave the chargers for mobile phones, laptop or others switched on. 8/ Set the air conditioner at higher temperatures (in the summer), it is preferable the difference between in and out temperature to be maximum 8 -10 degrees. Any increased degree equals at about 6%  electricity saving. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

24. It is up to us to save the Earth! 9/ Do not cover radiators and close them with furniture. Regularly clean the surface of the heating equipment. 10/Replace old windows or seal joints. Adjust hinges and locks for fastening. If possible, insulate walls. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

25. It is up to us to save the Earth! 11/ Use a water flow restrictor to reduce to 50% water consumption. Use the shower instead of a bath to save up to 100 liters of water and to use 4 times less electricity needed for bath heating. Close the tap when brushing your teeth to save up to 15 liters of water. 12/ If possible, collect garbage separately. Limit food residues by optimizing purchases. Renovate old objects and furniture. Make a list of the useless of them and give them away. LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

26. Find the differences: THE DIFFERENCES DEPENDS ON OUR CASE FOR THE NATURE! LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet

27. Dear student, This material has been created especially for you within the project “LA-GrBg-EnergyNet” in a partnership of 7 municipalities from Greece and Bulgaria: Thermaikos (Leading partner), Paggaio, Komotini, Soufli, Mineralni bani, Satovcha, Momchilgrad. Your individual energy consumption can make a huge difference for the environment and the future generation. Enjoy your trip in the world of sustainable energy and become the greenest and most efficient energy consumer! The project “Energy thematic network of cross-border Greek and Bulgarian local authorities”, with acronym “LA-GrBg-EnergyNet”, has been financed by the European regional development fund and the national funds of Greece and Bulgaria within the “European territorial cooperation programme Greece – Bulgaria 2007-2013” – contract № В1.11.06 / 30.03.2011 LA_Gr-Bg_EnergyNet For additional information: www.u4energy.eu www.learn-energy.net