An exergy footprint metric normalized to US exergy consumption per capita

Reggie J. Caudill, Sun Olapiriyakul, Brian Seale

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

An exergy footprint metric is proposed that combines the basic structure of carbon footprints with exergy analysis. A streamlined exergy calculator is developed for individuals and businesses with normalization to the annual US exergy consumption per capita. The total exergy consumption of the American economy is calculated following basic techniques used in the exergy analysis of several other countries. The underlying premise is to provide a metric that easy to use and understand while encompassing broad resource consumption, including energy, materials, water and food. The methodology is demonstrated using a typical individual consumption pattern and compared with the results from a traditional carbon footprint calculator. Consequently, outcomes can be benchmarked, areas for improvements identified, and performance monitored and managed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, ISSST 2010
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event2010 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, ISSST 2010 - Arlington, VA, United States
Duration: May 17 2010May 19 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, ISSST 2010

Other

Other2010 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, ISSST 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityArlington, VA
Period5/17/105/19/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Keywords

  • Carbon footprint
  • Exergy analysis
  • Exergy calculator
  • Sustainability metric

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