Energy Efficiency
Learning about UPS and how proficient they have become at managing their professionals was really enlightening. I had no idea that they monitored how often their drivers reverse. With that type of technology in vehicles insurers could track how fast their customers drove, how often they came to halting stops, etc. For customers this could be really beneficial if they lowered rates for safer drivers.
Collecting data constantly about traffic and or pressure points on bridges is such a worthy investment! As America’s building projects are aging it would be extremely helpful to be able to plan ahead and budget in advance for the necessary maintenance before a disaster. I am all for using technology in an effort to prevent calamity. In the METRO accident that occurred a few months ago in Washington DC the train was operating automatically. The software said that there was no train on the track when their actually was one up ahead. I wonder how METRO determines when their trains should be in automatic as opposed to manual mode. I assume that there must be some data analysis involved in their choice.
Learning about energy efficiency was really interesting. I am sure that we would all waste less energy if we were aware of exactly how much we used and in what ways it was used. One application that I thought of immediately was how much energy we waste at school. Rooms that are unused or used irregularly are often left with lights and fans on. Lights in public places should be built to automatically detect vacancies since most people view power in public places as expendable. People are definitely more inclined to turn off a light switch at someone’s home.
Another interesting factor was that peer pressure is one of the most significant factors in determining whether to “go green.” Contrary to the belief that it is an intrinsic desire to preserve the environment that motivates people. It is the desire to be cool or do what is trendy that will drive major advancements in implementing environmentally friendly business practices. I thought the psychology of this movement was worth noting. I have always cared about the environment and would love to have a garden, solar panels on my roof, and a hybrid automobile. But until these options become more affordable or I earn more money, I am limited in my support for the cause. Perhaps popularity and widespread usage will drive prices down as energy efficient devices become the norm.
Collecting data constantly about traffic and or pressure points on bridges is such a worthy investment! As America’s building projects are aging it would be extremely helpful to be able to plan ahead and budget in advance for the necessary maintenance before a disaster. I am all for using technology in an effort to prevent calamity. In the METRO accident that occurred a few months ago in Washington DC the train was operating automatically. The software said that there was no train on the track when their actually was one up ahead. I wonder how METRO determines when their trains should be in automatic as opposed to manual mode. I assume that there must be some data analysis involved in their choice.
Learning about energy efficiency was really interesting. I am sure that we would all waste less energy if we were aware of exactly how much we used and in what ways it was used. One application that I thought of immediately was how much energy we waste at school. Rooms that are unused or used irregularly are often left with lights and fans on. Lights in public places should be built to automatically detect vacancies since most people view power in public places as expendable. People are definitely more inclined to turn off a light switch at someone’s home.
Another interesting factor was that peer pressure is one of the most significant factors in determining whether to “go green.” Contrary to the belief that it is an intrinsic desire to preserve the environment that motivates people. It is the desire to be cool or do what is trendy that will drive major advancements in implementing environmentally friendly business practices. I thought the psychology of this movement was worth noting. I have always cared about the environment and would love to have a garden, solar panels on my roof, and a hybrid automobile. But until these options become more affordable or I earn more money, I am limited in my support for the cause. Perhaps popularity and widespread usage will drive prices down as energy efficient devices become the norm.
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