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Chapter 4 Sustainability and Housing
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
There are some disadvantages to using an open-
loop geothermal energy pump and pulling directly from
the groundwater. Some geothermal waters contain
chemicals that require responsible disposal. A second
disadvantage is the direct use of geothermal energy can
only occur near the production sites. Transportation
of hot water over long distances cannot occur without
losing heat and turning cold. Closed-loop systems
address these problems. The geothermal loop is made
of a tough plastic that is extremely durable and buried
underground to allow heat to pass through effi ciently.
The fl uid in the loop is water or an environmentally safe
antifreeze solution that circulates through the pipes in a
closed system.
The use of wind as energy dates back to early
civilizations with the use of windmills to pump water
and grind grain. Wind is gaining popularity as an
energy source. Most wind machines today are the
horizontal-axis type. They have blades like airplane
propellers. A typical horizontal wind machine stands
as tall as a 20-story building and has three blades that
span 200 feet across. Wind machines stand tall and
wide to capture more wind. A minimum average annual
wind speed of 10 miles per hour is necessary to run a
wind generator. An average above 12 miles per hour
allows the development of an excellent wind system.
Some regions of the United States have strong,
shifting winds that are useful for power generation.
Wind turbine generators grouped together to form
wind farms can convert air motion to electrical current
(Figure 4.7). The electrical current that wind machines
produce feeds into utility lines or storage systems. The
systems keep the power fl owing even when the air is
still. Use of small wind electric systems for individual
residences is possible, but is somewhat limited by a
number of variables. One is the requirement of an
acre of land for the wind turbine. A potential concern
is resistance to what the wind turbine would look like.
Environmental Scientist
Can you imagine yourself as an environmental
scientist? If you can, read more about this
challenging and exciting career.
Interests/Skills: If you share any of the following
interests, you may choose to explore a course of
study that would lead to a career as an environmental
scientist. Are you investigative and realistic? Do you
enjoy working with ideas, and do you like to search for
facts and figure out problems mentally? Do you prefer
practical, hands-on problems and solutions? Do you
appreciate the outdoors along with plants, animals,
and real-world materials like wood, tools, and
machinery? Environmental scientists typically have
skills in the sciences, have critical-thinking ability, can
express themselves to others in writing and speaking,
and work well with people.
Career Snapshot: Environmental scientists find and fix
pollution and other environmental problems. They figure
out what is in the air, water, and soil to make sure that
the environment is safe. They also give advice on how to
clean the environment. For example, they might design
a safe way to get rid of trash. Some environmental
scientists help to make laws about protecting the
environment. They also help companies follow the laws.
Environmental scientists work in laboratories and offices.
They also work outside, taking measurements.
Education/Training: All of these workers need a college
degree in such STEM-related areas as environmental
Career Focus
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science or environmental studies. Some need an
advanced degree—either a master’s or a doctoral degree.
Licensing/Examinations: (none currently)
Professional Association: National Association of
Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
Job Outlook: The number of jobs for environmental
scientists is projected to grow 15 percent through
2022, faster than average for all occupations.
Sources: The Occupational Information Network
(O*NET);
the Occupational Outlook Handbook
(OOH);
the Bureau of Labor Statistics