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Energy is all around us!
We use energy every day. It surrounds us in different forms, such as light, heat, and electricity. Our bodies use the energy stored in molecules of substances like carbohydrates and protein to move, breathe, grow, and think. We also use energy to do work and to play. Humans have invented thousands of machines and appliances that use energy to make our work easier, to heat our homes, and to get ourselves from place to place. Some of these machines use electricity, while others, like automobiles, use the energy stored in substances such as gasoline.
Non-Renewable Energy versus Renewable Energy
Non-Renewable Energy
Much of our energy supply comes from coal, oil, natural gas, or radioactive elements. They are considered non-renewable because once they are removed from the ground and used, they are not immediately replaced. In fact, the world's natural gas, crude oil and coal deposits took millions of years to form. Uranium, which is used for nuclear energy, has limited supply as well. Humans will have used up most of these deposits in less than 200 years. Once they are gone, non-renewable energy supplies cannot be replaced within human time scales.
A bolt of lightning is a visible example of several forms of energy: electricity, heat, light, and sound. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy on the other hand quickly replaces itself and is usually available in a never-ending supply. Renewable energy comes from the natural flow of sunlight, wind, or water around the Earth. With the help of special collectors, we can capture some of this energy and put it to use in our homes and businesses. As long as sunlight, water and wind continue to flow and trees and other plants continue to grow, we have access to a ready of supply of energy
The sun is a never-ending supply of free energy.
Wind energy is proving to be an economical way to make electricity. Photo courtesy of
Jim Hamm Productions
Solar energy is being used to generate useful amounts of heat and electricity around the world.
Once gas or oil is taken from the earth and used, it cannot be replaced.
BCA Green Mark Scheme
The BCA Green Mark Scheme was launched in January 2005 as an initiative to move Singapore's construction industry towards more environment-friendly buildings. It is intended to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise environmental awareness among developers, designers and builders when they start project conceptualisation and design, as well as during construction.
Government has set aside $20 million 'Green Mark Incentive Scheme (GMIS)' on 15 December 2006 for a period of 3 years or when the fund is fully committed (whichever is earlier) to help accelerate the adoption of environmentally-friendly green building technologies and building design practices. The enhanced scheme offers cash incentives to developers, building owners, project architects and M&E engineers who make efforts to achieve at least a BCA Green Mark Gold rating or higher in the design and construction of new buildings or major retrofitting of existing buildings.
