Author: Simmon Thind

What is the 2000-Watt Society?

The 2000-watt society is an environmental and engineering concept which envisions each person in the world using only 2000 watts of energy per year (this would account for 48 kilowatt-hours per day) by the year 2050; without lowering the person’s current standard of living or mobility.
This concept stands for sustainable development! It takes into account all aspects of sustainability which includes the environment, the economy, and society. It is neither safe, nor fair, that today’s society should like at the expense of future generations.
To add to this concept, at least 75% of the energy needs to be created using renewable energy sources (ex. geothermal energy, solar power, wind power, etc.). This would mean that on an annual basis, only one tonne of greenhouse gasses is emitted per person/year (their carbon footprint will be reduced greatly).

All cited sources of information, pictures, descriptions/labeling of pictures, videos, legal information, contact information, and more information can be found at: http://www.2000WattSociety.weebly.com/
All content is created by: Simarjeet Singh Thind
School: Chinguacousy Secondary School Program: Regional SciTech Program Grade: 10 Class: Grade 10 SciTech Academic Science Course Code: SNC2DR-B Teacher: David Weightman SciTech Logo:

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2000-Watt Society

Creating a United World Where Efficiency, Consistency, and Sufficiency Matter

A Detailed Information Brochure.

Created By: Simarjeet Singh Thind
For More Information, Please Visit: http://www.2000WattSociety.weebly.com/

Global Balance
This concept was first introduced by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (and others); because the average total energy usage in the world is 2000 watts. This is compared to first world countries using much more energy than the world average; than developing and third world countries which are forced to survive on, in some cases, less than 500 watts of energy per year! Today, on average, each person requires 17500 kilowatt-hours of energy/year on global average. In most first world countries, this number is higher; for example, Switzerland uses 6000 watts. Some countries, such as Bangladesh, require only 300 watts. The concept of a 2000-watt society would allow for everyone to have a balance of energy, and for industrialized and developing countries to enjoy a similar, good, and balanced/fair standard of living. Countries such as India and China, who have large growth rates, must reduce their consumption to this 2000 watts. This is because these large growth rates are causing large energy usage, more CO2 emissions, etc. This will allow for sustainable and suitable developments to be made in developing nations and third world countries because they will have a higher amount of energy to use than what is currently used by them.
Our Energy Usage
The 2000-watt society requires people to use only 500 watts of energy generated by fossil fuels; one tonne per capital. If fossil fuel energy needs are reduced by the levels set out by the 2000-watt society , this goal can be reached by the second half of this century! There must be new adaptions of buildings, facilities, vehicles and equipment, and a new understanding of energy services must be adopted. This is a difficult task because the primary idea of energy services currently is to use fossil fuels as they are the most widely used, most prevalent, and most effective. If we are unable to make these changes (use materials more efficiently, use resources selectively, etc.), the 2000-watt society will just be a concept which was no more than a declaration of intent!

Higher Quality of Life
Well, the 2000-watt society does not entail and restrictions. In fact, security, health, comfort, and the development of the individual are all improved, with incomes increasing by around 60% over 50 years! To achieve this goal by 2050. Many advancements are needed to be made like energy efficiency and renewable energies; many advanced energy services offered, and mentoring from construction companies who already have necessary expertise to pass on. Sustainable buildings would also need to be implemented; where new housing estates, school buildings, and retirement homes must correspond to the Minergie Standard (for low-energy housing). Transportation in the cities must also be changed (namely public transportation, walking, bicycle, etc.). Lastly, awareness of the 2000-watt society concept must be created even further; regular events, annual environment days.
What about the Future Generations?
Global reservoir of fossil fuels (ex. oil) are depleting; due to it being our primary source of fuel and energy to power the technologies in the expanding nations. Soon, these deposits will become exhausted and deeper deposits will have to be drilled with even greater difficulty. When this reservoirs are exhausted, major economic collapses will occur as oil and natural gas is a major export for many nations. This could also cause military conflicts. We are living at the expense of the future generation. We must contain and prevent climate change from reaching catastrophic proportions; it is estimated that if we do not change our current habits of using fossil fuels, the average global temperature will increase by 4-6°C by 2030! This may not seem like a lot but it will have catastrophic events which include extreme weather, arctic ice to melt, Eco zones to change, etc. Would you want your future children living in a planet like this? A planet on which you have enjoyed and extracted most of the fossil fuels; leaving them to clean up your mess? No. This is why we need to contain and prevent further climate change caused by human activities. The increase of CO2 content in the atmosphere (385 ppm) needs to be lowered!

Renewable, Sustainable, and Efficient Energy
We must reduce our emissions of greenhouse gasses and start to use renewable energy which are both sustainable and efficient. This must also be complimented with mentoring, from companies who have already implemented energy efficient methods and use renewable energy as their primary source of energy. More money must also be invested in these renewable energy sources. Using energy-efficient appliances should be promoted and there should be a greater incentive to use them. Lastly, stricter building requirements must be put in place so that buildings are built to save energy. For example; housing estates should be built implementing the Minergie standard (for low-energy). Also, the Minergie passive (zero energy building) standards should be implemented (like it was implemented in the construction of a new hospital in Zurich, Switzerland). Together, we can make a change. All it requires are simple changes to our mindsets and to architectures of buildings.
You Can Make a Difference
The concept of a 2000-watt society is definitely possible! Although, it can only be established if a change in people’s attitudes and mindsets takes place around the world – in every continent, country, city, town, household, and in every person! It will allow for the future generation to successfully master the challenges of globalization and climate change. This is the type of world you want the future children to live in – your future children. Have regular events to spread the news and annual environment days. Have days where cars are closed to cities so we can limit greenhouse gas emissions for a day! You can make a change…