Issue link: http://digital.corporatepress.com/i/186210
Energy costs are volatile, but knowing the energy value (typically expressed in British thermal units (BTU), kilowatthours (kWh), and gigajoules (GJ) is necessary. Whatever unit used, it is important to know the cost of that unit for the fuel selected (electricity, natural gas, coal, propane, gasoline, nuclear) and associated costs of the waste products of the fuel. The unit costs are relatively easy to understand, even though they vary depending on a number of factors. However, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding the costs associated with the waste of some fuels (e.g., is nuclear waste more dangerous than coal ash?). Energy for Future Presidents is clearly written for politicians attempting to dispel, with factual data, the publicly perceived risks and benefits of different energy sources. As with many authors writing about energy alternatives, Richard Muller believes in global warming and has testified before a congressional committee about his concerns. He has also been somewhat prescient, if what he says in the book is correct, when in the 1980s he warned the Sierra Club about its opposition to nuclear energy and the potential for global warming as a result. Many of the issues discussed in the book are for a national or international scale rather than campus-scaled. There's significant discussion about nuclear energy, risks, benefits, fission vs. fusion, and waste. There are some statistics on deaths due to radiation, both natural and from nuclear accidents, compared to other risks. Ignoring the political energy issues, the concepts presented are scalable for any setting. Mueller looks at the costs, reliability, efficiency, portability, and other factors that drive people to choose a fuel. For instance, why aren't personal vehicles using CNG (compressed natural gas) more readily available? Is a plug-in hybrid vehicle worth the money? As facility officers we are constantly faced with challenges associated with sustainability, energy consumption, utility costs, and others. Rather than consider these as insurmountable, complex issues, Muller does an excellent job explaining the physics associated with energy and the pros and cons for each. It is an excellent reference for energy facts. There's also an extensive index to quickly access details (in the printed book) for your next meeting on utility costs, as well as new opportunities for sustainability. I'm going to make extensive use of my e-book version for the next project that involves energy choices. Ted Weidner is president of Facility Asset Consulting, Lafayette, IN, and can be reached at ted@weidnerfac.com. 66 | september/october 2013 | Facilities Manager