Energy Efficiency in the Adoption of Renewable Energies in Schools

Abstract

The Brazilian population is increasingly implementing energy efficiency actions across the country. The initiative dates from 2000, when Law 9991 (Lei 9991, 2000) and Decree 3867 (Decreto N degrees 3867, 2001a) were enacted by the Federal Government to regulate investments in research and development and energy efficiency as activity required by the oil companies, licensees and authorized electricity sector. Law 10295 (Lei 10295, 2001) regulated the National Policy for the Conservation and Rational Use of Energy. The different actions proposed to combat electricity waste throughout the country aim to establish an institutional basis for setting priorities, support, coordinate and monitor actions to ensure the rational use of electric power and, as a result, to optimize efficiency. The purpose of such measures is to facilitate the use of the same product or service with lower energy consumption, eliminating waste and ensuring overall reduction of costs and investments in new power system facilities. The fight against waste and the pursuit of efficient use of various forms of energy, especially from renewable sources, should be encouraged, since they will allow savings and contribute to environmental preservation. In this chapter, the authors intended to demonstrate the progress in implementing new sources of sustainable energy, because, according to the Brazilian constitution, everyone has the right to an ecologically balanced environment, an asset of common use and essential to a healthy quality of life. It is the duty of the Government and society to defend and preserve it for present and future generations. This chapter also presents the application of energy efficiency strategies within the context of the REGSA project (Promoting Renewable Electricity Generation in South America), which supports an elementary school in a rural area. The energy efficiency project includes the use of a solar water heating system made of PET bottles, wind power, and a micro-hydroelectric system installed in a stream. Five classrooms and a library will benefit from these techniques, which will bring a more comfortable environment for the students and teachers.