The principal objective of this paper is to see if incorporating alternative energy sources in Big Box Retail Stores in South Western Canada will lower operating cost enough to offset the costs of installation and if the public’s perception of these types of green initiatives by retailers has an effect on where consumers shops. Canada has a very diverse climate so this project will be concentrating on South Western BC in particular as certain aspects of sustainable design must be planned accordingly for individual regions.
This research report will look at existing big box stores in Kamloops and the new construction of similar projects for examples of how incorporating solar and/or wind energy generators could benefit the profit margin within that market. Public surveys regarding this green approach and how consumers will react to such green initiatives will be conducted within Kamloops and the data will be compiled with results of such surveys being reported in the final research paper as well as the calculations to support the effectiveness of the design. Commercial sites such as the Kamloops Town Lodge will be interviewed regarding their switch a number of years earlier to a green hotel, converting to geo-thermal & amp and a 3 Green Key rating to see how those green initiatives have impacted the public’s perception, room bookings and cost offsets for the switch. Many other academic sources will be sited in the final research document.
The results of this research project are expected to find switching to green energy will increase the profit margin of businesses willing to make and incorporate these changes to existing buildings and will defiantly offset any additional expenses if incorporated at the design stage for new construction. It is expected to find that the consumer is conscious of green alternative energy sources and will be more apt to shop at green locations. This project will show that public perception will equate to consumer dollars more readily spent at green businesses rather than businesses using conventional methods of energy sources.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Research Proposal (revised)
Summary statement of proposed project
How can alternative sources of energy be used to increase the green appearance of big box stores such as Costco in southern Canadian climates?
Purpose
The purpose is to research is to find out if it will be beneficial to add alternative energy generators to the tops of newly built and existing commercial building. More importantly to calculate the break even point in which you will regain your original investment.
Goals and Objectives of the project
My goals and objectives will be to produce and accurate research paper to increase my knowledge of alternative sources of energy in large scale commercial building. As well as give others insight into the pros and cons of alternative energy and how it impacts the community and environment.
Methodology and analytical approach
Preliminary research.
- Photovoltaic panels.
- Wind turbines.
- Survey of customers of big box stores.
- Energy Consumption calculations of building (per year).
- Energy Benefit of photovoltaic panels (per year).
- Energy Benefit of wind turbines (per year).
- Net profit (per year) once initial investment is returned.
Previous studies
There are lots of pros for solar energy but, “The drawback to solar power is that it is expensive to produce: generating power from photovoltaic panels costs more than four times as much as coal.”(Galbraith, 2009) Moreover many people don’t realize how amazingly efficient wind energy is, “Denmark generates nearly 20% of its electricity with wind.”(Gipe, 2004)
Dissemination of work
I plan to get my findings out to the general public through an online blog that will be record my progress throughout my research.
How can alternative sources of energy be used to increase the green appearance of big box stores such as Costco in southern Canadian climates?
Purpose
The purpose is to research is to find out if it will be beneficial to add alternative energy generators to the tops of newly built and existing commercial building. More importantly to calculate the break even point in which you will regain your original investment.
Goals and Objectives of the project
My goals and objectives will be to produce and accurate research paper to increase my knowledge of alternative sources of energy in large scale commercial building. As well as give others insight into the pros and cons of alternative energy and how it impacts the community and environment.
Methodology and analytical approach
Preliminary research.
- Photovoltaic panels.
- Wind turbines.
- Survey of customers of big box stores.
- Energy Consumption calculations of building (per year).
- Energy Benefit of photovoltaic panels (per year).
- Energy Benefit of wind turbines (per year).
- Net profit (per year) once initial investment is returned.
Previous studies
There are lots of pros for solar energy but, “The drawback to solar power is that it is expensive to produce: generating power from photovoltaic panels costs more than four times as much as coal.”(Galbraith, 2009) Moreover many people don’t realize how amazingly efficient wind energy is, “Denmark generates nearly 20% of its electricity with wind.”(Gipe, 2004)
Dissemination of work
I plan to get my findings out to the general public through an online blog that will be record my progress throughout my research.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Thesis work in progress
Question: How can alternative sources of energy be used to increase the green appearance of big box stores in Canada.
Photovoltaic, wind turbines, big box stores, Canada, green appearance.
EDIT: southern Canada, Costco
any input would be appreciated
Photovoltaic, wind turbines, big box stores, Canada, green appearance.
EDIT: southern Canada, Costco
any input would be appreciated
Monday, March 22, 2010
Random bit of info
3.6 kilowatt-hours is generated per square meter of panel in norther climates witch is enough to power a 100wat light bulb for 1hour a day for 36 days.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Welcome
Research Proposal
Summary statement of proposed project
What will the cost benefit be, if any, of implementing photovoltaic panels and/or wind turbines in big box stores such as Walmart, Costco and Superstore?
Purpose
The purpose is to research if it will be beneficial to add solar and wind energy generators to the tops of newly built and existing commercial building. More importantly to calculate the break even point in which you will regain your original investment.
Goals and Objectives of the project
My goals and objectives will be to produce and accurate research paper. Moreover I would like to increase my knowledge of alternative sources of energy in large scale commercial building. I would also like to give others insight into the pros and cons of alternative energy and how it impacts the community and environment.
Methodology and analytical approach
Preliminary research.
-Photovoltaic panels.
-Wind turbines.
- Energy Consumption calculations of building (per year).
-Energy Benefit of photovoltaic panels (per year).
- Energy Benefit of wind turbines (per year).
- Net profit (per year) once initial investment is returned.
Previous studies
There are lots of pros for solar energy but, “The drawback to solar power is that it is expensive to produce: generating power from photovoltaic panels costs more than four times as much as coal.”(Galbraith, 2009) Moreover many people don’t realize how amazingly efficient wind energy is, “Denmark generates nearly 20% of its electricity with wind.”(Gipe, 2004)
Dissemination of work
I plan to get my findings out to the general public through an online blog that will be record my progress throughout my research.
Summary statement of proposed project
What will the cost benefit be, if any, of implementing photovoltaic panels and/or wind turbines in big box stores such as Walmart, Costco and Superstore?
Purpose
The purpose is to research if it will be beneficial to add solar and wind energy generators to the tops of newly built and existing commercial building. More importantly to calculate the break even point in which you will regain your original investment.
Goals and Objectives of the project
My goals and objectives will be to produce and accurate research paper. Moreover I would like to increase my knowledge of alternative sources of energy in large scale commercial building. I would also like to give others insight into the pros and cons of alternative energy and how it impacts the community and environment.
Methodology and analytical approach
Preliminary research.
-Photovoltaic panels.
-Wind turbines.
- Energy Consumption calculations of building (per year).
-Energy Benefit of photovoltaic panels (per year).
- Energy Benefit of wind turbines (per year).
- Net profit (per year) once initial investment is returned.
Previous studies
There are lots of pros for solar energy but, “The drawback to solar power is that it is expensive to produce: generating power from photovoltaic panels costs more than four times as much as coal.”(Galbraith, 2009) Moreover many people don’t realize how amazingly efficient wind energy is, “Denmark generates nearly 20% of its electricity with wind.”(Gipe, 2004)
Dissemination of work
I plan to get my findings out to the general public through an online blog that will be record my progress throughout my research.
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