Introduction to Energy: How Energy Is Integrated Into Our Daily Lives.
Why Should Anyone Care?
Individual Action into Systemic Change
We as a collective can’t make an impact if we as individuals don’t care to make a change.
A single person’s efforts might seem insignificant, but we can make a greater impact together when we dismantle the systems that drive high energy use. Systemic change is individual change multiplied by communities. We, especially college students, will become the next generation that designs these systems.
Impact of Energy Usage
➔Energy use is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
➔100,000 deaths every year are linked to air pollution.
➔Energy production consumes 13 billion gallons of water per day in the USA.
➔Energy production is a major thermal polluter
Algae blooms and harms fish populations
➔Pollutant exposure is 1.5x higher for Black and Hispanic families.
Where Does Energy Even Come From?
Not all energy is created the same. Different methods of energy production result in different outcomes. Energy from coal and oil produce dramatically more CO2 than wind, hydro, and solar. As for PLU we get most of our energy from natural gas and hydroelectric power.
There are two main ways our electricity needs are met:
Non-Renewables:
This is the energy that comes from nonrenewable resources.
- Oil
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Nuclear energy (Does not emit CO₂)
Renewables:
This is the energy that can be continuously created.
- Solar
- Hydroelectric power
- Wind
- Geothermal energy
- Biomass
For the majority of human history, renewable energy has been the primary source of energy. We have only been dependent on non-renewable energy since the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s.
Now, this is rapidly shifting. After the world realized that releasing gigatons of CO₂ was disrupting the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, driving the shifts in weather and temperature we call climate change as it began to make a change. CO₂ is not inherently harmful; plants depend on it to survive. The problem is the dramatic rise in atmospheric CO₂ and other greenhouse gases caused by burning fossil fuels, which is intensifying weather patterns and warming the planet. The world is switching toward renewable sources in response to these detrimental impacts.
In Washington State, we are actually in a unique position. About 65-70% of our electricity comes from hydropower, with additional contributions from wind and a smaller share from natural gas. Compared to many other states, that’s relatively clean.
At PLU we get a significant portion of our heating from Natural gas. This natural gas is burned to
But electricity is only part of the picture.
Transportation, heating systems, manufacturing, and food systems still rely on fossil fuels. So even if your laptop is powered by hydropower, the systems behind your daily life may not be fully renewable.
Energy isn’t just about what powers the lights. It’s about the entire ecosystem behind how we live. To learn more about how energy works at PLU and how students can make an impact in reducing their footprint, explore the PLU Energy overview page here.
Why Is Energy Important to Sustainability?
Energy sits at the center of sustainability because it powers nearly every system we depend on: transportation, food production, healthcare, housing, technology, and education.
The way we generate and consume energy directly affects climate change, air quality, water systems, and public health.
Globally, the majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production and use. In 2022, 60% of our electricity came from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas. That means the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources is one of the most significant steps toward reducing environmental harm.
Sustainability isn’t only about emissions. Energy is also about equity and access.
Who has reliable electricity? Who lives near polluting infrastructure? Who bears the health burden of poor air quality? These are environmental justice questions. Sustainable energy systems aim not just to reduce environmental damage but to create healthier, more equitable communities.
At the same time, energy is foundational to innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to develop responsible digital infrastructure, modernize electric grids, increase energy efficiency, and expand renewable technologies. Energy decisions have an impact on long-term societal and economic resilience, whether they are made through business, engineering, healthcare, legislation, or the arts. To explore how energy connects across academic disciplines and future professions, visit the PLU Energy & Interdisciplinary Connections page.
Understanding energy is understanding sustainability. It is important that we work on energy for a future that is environmentally renewing, economically viable, and socially just.
What Are the Impacts of AI Usage?
AI systems require large amounts of electricity to power data centers and servers, along with their associated cooling systems. The continuous operation of AI systems for data processing results in increased energy consumption for students and universities that use these tools.
The impact depends on how efficiently the data centers operate and whether they use renewable or non‑renewable energy sources. The more people use AI technology, the greater their need for processing power, which results in higher energy use and carbon emissions, except when clean energy sources are utilized.
Where Does Parkland’s Energy Come From?
Parkland does not generate its own energy; it purchases electricity from Tacoma Power, which is part of Tacoma Public Utilities.
Parkland’s energy supply primarily comes from hydropower, as Tacoma Power operates multiple hydroelectric dams throughout the area. The remainder of the energy supply comes from a combination of wind, solar, and biomass, with a minimal amount of natural gas obtained from the extensive Northwest energy network. Specifically PLU purchases our power from Parkland Light & Water which claims their energy mix is 75% hydroelectric, 13% nuclear, and 12% other (90-95% carbon free).
Parkland’s energy requirements are met through renewable sources, primarily hydropower, which provides electricity to residential, educational, and commercial establishments.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) purchases power from Parkland Light & Water (PL&W); a member owned nonprofit mutual corporation. “Owned by those we serve.” PL&W purchases 100% of it’s power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). BPA is a Federal Agency created in 1937 to sell power generated by dams on the Columbia River system. If interested, see more information on PL&W’s history here: https://www.plw.coop/about-us/history/.
What Contributes Most to Electrical Energy Expenditure?
The biggest contributors to electrical energy use in homes are heating and air conditioning. In the United States, about 52% of household energy use goes toward keeping homes warm or cool, which makes these the most energy-intensive activities.
Other common uses, like water heating, lighting, and refrigeration, make up about 25% of energy use and are needed year-round. The remaining 23% comes from everyday devices such as TVs, cooking appliances, washers, dryers, and electronics like computers and game consoles.
How Much Energy Do PLU Students Consume?
PLU does not publish energy use per student, but its financial statements show that the university spends millions each year on operations, maintenance, and building systems, all of which require energy.
Since tuition is PLU’s largest revenue source, part of what students pay supports electricity, heating, cooling, water, and technology use across campus. The data shows that student activity, building use, and campus operations all contribute to PLU’s total energy consumption.
What Aspects of Energy Flow/Use Are Often Ignored?
People often overlook the following:
– The energy used to heat and cool empty rooms
– Standby power from plugged-in devices
– Energy used by servers, Wi-Fi, and digital systems
– Water heating for showers, laundry, and dining
– Energy used in supply chains through shipping, production, and transportation
– The energy cost of digital tools, which includes AI
– Travel energy from study-abroad, commuting, and events
Hidden energy flows increase total energy demand because we are constantly unknowingly adding to our energy usage.
What Are Some Energy Challenges Faced by the World Currently?
Some of the major global challenges include:
– Increasing energy demand from data centers and AI applications
– Water scarcity due to energy generation and cooling
– Reliance on fossil fuels and a lack of, or slower transition to renewable energy
– Aging power infrastructure that cannot support increasing energy demand
– High energy costs for residential, educational, and commercial institutions
– Climate change due to carbon emissions
– Inequitable impacts and access to clean, reliable energy
– Global political instability driving energy independence causing some countries to move toward domestic coal and natural gas energy.
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