Comprehensive Energy and Water Resource Analyses

Discover key insights on energy &water resource management from my internship experience, including data analysis, efficiency analysis, etc

Internship Reflection

Overall, this internship gave me invaluable exposure to the environmental science industry and its various components. I gained a comprehensive understanding of the roles and contributions of professionals in this field.

Individual Data Collection and Analysis

One task assigned during the internship involved collecting data on my personal energy and water usage. This gave me valuable insights into my consumption patterns and revealed ways that I can reduce my usage. Ways that I discovered are listed below:

5 Steps to Conserve Energy

5 Steps to Conserve Water

As I was collecting my water usage data, I compared my household usage over two weeks with the average household's consumption over the same period

The data shows that my household usage is 143% of the average US household usage. Factors that could be at fault for this include:

  • we live in the Central Valley of California, which in the summer, reaches temperatures over 100 degrees F, therefore more water is used
  • increased irrigation needs in hot weather in California's Central Valley
  • more frequent showers

Equity Report Data

The next task in the internship was to research our zip codes and get information on many aspects, such as its history, demographics, basic resource access, economics and employment, access to education, public agencies, and climate actions and city plans. This helped me gain a more in-depth understanding of where I live, and what my city is doing to improve its resident's lives.

Summary of Findings

Zip code 95356, located in Modesto, California, embodies a dynamic blend of historical transformation and modern growth. Once predominantly agricultural, the area has evolved into a thriving suburban community with a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial spaces. This transformation reflects broader trends in the Central Valley, where once-rural areas have adapted to increased urbanization. Demographically, 95356 is a diverse area with a mix of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the community's cultural richness and its impact on local schools and public services. The area benefits from well-established public agencies and community organizations that provide essential services and support.

Economically, 95356 is supported by a diverse range of industries. The local job market includes opportunities in retail, healthcare, and education, which helps sustain economic stability and growth. The presence of public schools and community colleges further enhances educational access, contributing to local workforce development and educational attainment. The climate in 95356, typical of the Central Valley, features hot, arid summers and mild, wet winters. This climate influences the region's city plans and climate action initiatives, focusing on sustainable practices, efficient water use, and climate resilience. Efforts are underway to improve infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability, aligning with broader regional goals for growth and resource management. Overall, zip code 95356 exemplifies a community balancing historical roots with contemporary demands and forward-looking sustainability initiatives.

Data: Realized

Map Depicting Climate Type of Zipcode 95356- Modesto

Situated in California's Central Valley, Modesto experiences hot, arid summers and mild winters. The intense summer heat can lead to a range of challenges, including frequent drought conditions, potential flooding, and elevated temperatures that may exacerbate the spread of insects, increase health risks such as heat exhaustion, and contribute to the proliferation of diseases.

modesto.gov

In Modesto, the majority of water usage is allocated to outdoor purposes, driven by the region's high temperatures that necessitate substantial irrigation for landscaping. Following this, toilets are among the top sources of water consumption within households. One effective solution to mitigate water wastage is the installation of low-flow toilets, which significantly reduce water usage without compromising functionality.

Map Depicting Schools and Parks in Modesto

Modesto is home to over 34 schools, with all public institutions offering free meals to students, including during the summer months. The city's educational infrastructure provides robust opportunities for academic growth, with students having access to quality education and the option to attend nearby Modesto Junior College (MJC), centrally located within the community. Additionally, nearly all public schools in Modesto are designated as Title I, indicating they serve a high percentage of low-income students and receive federal funding aimed at addressing educational disparities and supporting enhanced academic achievement.

Modesto boasts over 75 parks that are diligently maintained and operated. These parks facilitate recreational opportunities, fostering community engagement and providing spaces for leisure and social activities. By offering a range of amenities and programs, they contribute to the city's quality of life and promote a cohesive and active community.

               Management, business, science, and arts occupations

33.2%

        Service occupations

21.7%

        Sales and office occupations

16.0%

        Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations

11.0%

        Production, transportation, and material moving occupations

18.1%

Table Showing Occupation Distribution Among the Population of Modesto- of 97% employed

Modesto provides a diverse array of career opportunities across multiple sectors, with a significant portion of the population engaged in management, business, science, and the arts. This professional landscape is supported by the presence of prominent businesses, such as Gallo Winery, which contributes to the city's economic vitality. Additionally, Modesto's commitment to the arts is exemplified by the Gallo Center for the Arts, a key cultural venue. The city also boasts a wide range of restaurants and retail establishments, offering ample job opportunities. Furthermore, Modesto's historical roots as a railway town continue to influence its transportation industry, sustaining a legacy of logistical and infrastructural development.

Comparative Energy Analyses

Our final task involved analyzing the energy consumption of various school sites within the Powerville Unified School District. We collected and interpreted data on electricity usage, billing days, gas consumption, MMBTU measurements, electricity and gas bill amounts, total energy costs, and the percentage of total costs attributable to each category, including building operations, outdoor lighting, and plumbing. I will present the data specific to Powerville High School, followed by a district-wide analysis for Powerville Unified School District.

Powerville High School

In the graph showing the electricity consumed in Powerville High School, it is evident that there is not a consistent pattern to how much is consumed. The numbers could be the lowest in November and January due to school not being constantly in session. Along similar lines, desirable weather could be why the kWh consumed for April is lower than the mean as well. This is not so for July, which is very high above the mean, most likely caused by warmer temperatures and reliance on HVAC to keep comfortable indoor temperatures.

When comparing the electricity consumed to gas consumption, there is an immediate difference in not only the amount of each consumed but also in its consistency. Differing from the consumed electricity, the gas consumption follows a very consistent pattern, remaining between the fifty and sixty therm marks. This pattern could be due to balanced seasonal demands, resulting in a straight trend line.

This chart illustrates the significant differences between gas and electricity bill amounts. Notably, the gas bill remains relatively stable throughout the year, mirroring its consistent consumption. In contrast, the electricity bill fluctuates considerably, reflecting its variable consumption. The relationship between bill amounts and consumption patterns becomes clear when comparing the two.

This chart demonstrates that MMBTUs do not have a direct correlation with the number of days billed. MMBTUs, which represent the amount of energy consumed in millions of British thermal units, are calculated by multiplying electricity usage by 0.003412. The number of days billed, however, is a separate factor. Presenting these metrics together provides insight into the billing frequency for the high school and how it relates to MMBTU data.

Finally, this chart compares total energy costs with their monthly percentage of the total. It reveals that when total energy costs are lower, the percentage of these costs relative to the total is also reduced, reflecting their direct correlation. This pattern highlights that months such as November and January, with lower energy usage due to reduced occupancy, contribute a smaller percentage to the total costs. In contrast, July, a peak summer month requiring increased energy for cooling, accounts for a larger share of the total energy expenditure.

Efficiency Report

Most Efficient Areas

The area of gas consumption and bill cost is efficient because they remain proportional to each other and show consistent levels throughout the year. This indicates a balanced approach to gas usage, with steady consumption and costs that do not fluctuate significantly with the seasons. As a result, the area maintains a predictable and stable energy expenditure, reflecting effective management.

Least Efficient Areas

The variability in the percentage of total costs attributed to the building throughout the year may be cause for concern. While reduced school activity during certain months is expected, the extent of fluctuation—where some months show significantly lower costs compared to others—suggests potential underlying issues. This inconsistency could indicate problems with insulation, leading to increased energy consumption during extreme temperatures due to inadequate temperature regulation.

Recommendations

  • test commercial appliances in the school for their efficiency levels, and if able/ needed, upgrade to energy star certified appliances
  • reduce dependency on fossil fuel sources for electricity- implement a renewable energy source at the school
    • bill costs will therefore be reduced as a result of the change
  • check building insulation- if none, add so that temperatures will be regulated and less energy will be required

District-Wide Analysis

The graph depicting electricity consumption across Powerville Unified School District reveals trends similar to those observed at Powerville High School. Notably, both November and January show significantly lower energy consumption compared to the average, while July exhibits much higher usage. These patterns can be attributed to the reduced number of students and lower energy needs during the less active months of November and January, and the increased demand for cooling in July due to the high temperatures.

Once again, the district-wide pattern mirrors that of Powerville High School. The fluctuating electricity consumption, which varies significantly from month to month, contrasts with the stable gas consumption, which remains consistent throughout the year. This indicates that electricity usage experiences periodic increases and decreases, while gas consumption remains steady.

This chart illustrates that the gas bill amount remains relatively stable compared to the more variable electricity bill amount. It demonstrates the correlation between consumption and billing: as electricity consumption fluctuates, so does the electricity bill, whereas both gas consumption and its corresponding bill remain steady. This consistency in the gas bill reflects the stable nature of gas consumption throughout the year.

This chart illustrates that MMBTUs do not directly correlate with the number of days billed across the district. MMBTUs, which quantify energy consumption in millions of British thermal units, are derived by multiplying electricity usage by 0.003412. The number of days billed, however, operates independently of this calculation. By displaying these metrics together, we gain insight into the district-wide billing patterns and their relationship with MMBTU data.

Finally, this chart compares total energy costs with their monthly percentage of the total expenditure across the district. It reveals that when total energy costs are lower, their percentage of the total also decreases, indicating a direct correlation. This pattern shows that months like November and January, which have lower energy usage due to reduced occupancy, represent a smaller portion of the total costs. Conversely, July, a peak summer month with higher cooling demands, constitutes a larger share of the overall energy expenditure.

Efficiency Report

Most Efficient

The most efficient area within the district is the gas consumption and corresponding gas bill costs. Over the course of the year, gas consumption remains relatively stable, which in turn results in a steady and predictable cost structure. This consistency indicates effective management and utilization of gas resources, contributing to overall efficiency in energy expenditure.

Least Efficient

Overall, the district demonstrates inefficiencies in the allocation of energy usage across the months. For instance, despite all schools being closed throughout July, this month still records the highest electricity consumption. Consequently, the distribution of energy costs is uneven across the year, leading to significant discrepancies in the percentage of total costs attributed to different months.

Recommendations

  • test and renew all appliances within the schools in the district for energy star certified appliances
  • change irrigation techniques to drip rather than spray to conserve water
  • change all bulbs in schools to energy-efficient LEDs
  • conduct maintenance on appliances that don't need to be replaced
  • check school sites for leaks/ flooding
  • hire a district staff member who will analyze energy/ water usage data and interpret it to find solutions to future problems.
  • since all schools are closed in July, reduce energy usage to only the necessary amounts

Career Highlight

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the distribution, movement, and properties of water in the Earth's atmosphere and on its surface. Their work involves analyzing various aspects of the water cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, and groundwater flow. Hydrologists often focus on understanding water resources, managing water quality, and addressing issues related to flooding, droughts, and water pollution.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Data Collection and Analysis: Hydrologists gather data through fieldwork and monitoring stations to study water flow, quality, and distribution.

  2. Modeling and Prediction: They use mathematical models to simulate water systems and predict future water availability and potential impacts of environmental changes.

  3. Water Resource Management: They work on projects related to the sustainable management of water resources, including designing systems for water supply, irrigation, and flood control.

  4. Environmental Protection: Hydrologists assess the impact of human activities on water resources and develop strategies to mitigate pollution and protect ecosystems.

  5. Research and Reporting: They conduct research on various aspects of hydrology and provide reports and recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

Hydrologists play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable use and management of water resources, which is essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting human activities.

modesto.gov