Significant reduction of local, regional, national and international greenhouse gas emissions in homes, businesses, industries and communities has become an international priority. This book describes in clear, concise, and understandable terms the nature and scope of the climate change problem. The authors combine their considerable expertise to offer guidelines for defining and applying effective carbon reduction policies, strategies, and technologies. They propose a well-defined road map which can be implemented to help control and abate the alarming increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Microgrids provide opportunities to develop new electrical networks targeted for the needs of communities. The fourth industrial revolution is associated with the global trend toward decentralizing energy grids. Within this context, microgrids are seen as a solution to how renewable electricity can be supplied to local areas. The Fundamentals of Microgrids: Development and Implementation provides an in-depth examination of microgrid energy sources, applications, technologies, and policies. This book considers the fundamental configurations and applications for microgrids and examines their use as a means of meeting international sustainability goals. It focuses on questions and issues associated with microgrid topologies, development, implementation and regulatory issues. Distributed energy resources are defined, stand-a-lone generation systems are described and examples of typical microgrid configurations are provided. The key components of developing a business model for microgrid development are also considered. Features: Describes what microgrids are and details the basics of how they work while considering benefits of microgrids and their disadvantages. Provides answers to the fundamental questions energy managers and other professionals want to know about the basics of microgrids. Details the applications for microgrids and demystifies the types of microgrid architectures that are successful. Includes real-world examples of functioning microgrids which provide models for the development of microgrids in the future. Discusses the key considerations that must be addressed to develop a business case for microgrid development.

Gaining momentum globally, sustainable development is beginning to significantly redefine the policies of corporations and governmental entities. Updated throughout, the second edition of this popular resource includes updates on LEED (R) measurement and verification and a new chapter on cities and carbon reduction. Clarifying critical issues, this volume examines proven approaches as well as problems with failed initiatives. It addition to core concepts and trends, it explores specific renewable energy and environmental solutions. It examines global initiatives, local politics, and ways to effectively measure and track progress.

Offering an in-depth examination into sustainable energy sources, applications, technologies and policies, this book provides real-world examples of ways to achieve important sustainability goals. Themes include program assessment, energy efficiency, renewables, clean energy and approaches to carbon reduction. Included are a compiled set of chapters discussing the various international strategies and policies being planned and implemented to reduce energy use, impact carbon emissions and shift towards alternative energy sources. Taking an international perspective, contributors from the U.S., Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, Hungary, Spain, Iran, Ukraine, Jordan, the UAE, Nigeria, South Africa, India, China and Korea, offer their views of energy issues and provide detailed solutions. These can be broadly applied by engineers, scientists, energy managers, policy experts and decision makers to today's critical energy problems.