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What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people?Session: May 2016 Candidate Name: Hollie Hastings IB Category of Essay: World Studies Supervisor Name: Darren Stokes 1

“What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people?” by Hollie A Hastings

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This is my Extended Essay; as an aspiring Architect I am very interested in the many different ways by which people can be affected by architecture. I am especially attentive The essay is very personal due to the fact that it is written in the context of where I am from, the Turks and Caicos.

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Page 1: “What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people?” by Hollie A Hastings

“What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the

Turks and Caicos exert on local people?”

Session: May 2016

Candidate Name: Hollie HastingsIB Category of Essay: World StudiesSupervisor Name: Darren Stokes

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Page 2: “What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people?” by Hollie A Hastings

Abstract

In this essay I respond to the research question:What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people? I evaluate both short and long term effects.

The way I answer the research question is by examining the different methods by which energy efficiency can be achieved in the country, considering the available energy resources— I first describe the theory of the topic, which then enables me to analyze it. Furthermore, I compare what can be referred to as ‘the average home’ in the Turks and Caicos with a Passive House (a ‘standard’ for a building’s energy efficiency to minimise its carbon footprint) to elaborate on envi-ronmentally friendly concepts of houses, and convey the positively considerable long term im-pact of implementing them. Moreover, I acknowledge that grasping local people’s awareness of and interest in energy efficiency is critical to carbon-neutral conversion, so I assess the different ways by which this can be done.

I then establish the relationship between short term capital costs and long term cost recovery of carbon neutrality and discuss the current balance between aesthetics, costs and environmental conscience—arguably the general priorities of local homeowners. Lastly, I examine whose overall responsibility the issue of energy efficiency should be.

These evaluations tie in to reach one main conclusion; in the short run, capital costs are consid-erably higher, however once these costs have been ‘paid back’, energy efficient conversions act as an investment in the future both financially and ecologically; once payment for such costs has been recovered, further future saving is drastic due to significant reductions of ‘wasted power’ from energy inefficiency. Therefore, although there are short term drawbacks, the overall impact on the local people that energy efficiency has on households is very positive.

Word count: 299

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………………….4

APPROACH TO THE QUESTION.……………………………………………………………………..5

THEORY.…………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 a. Available renewable energy resources.…………………………………………………….6

i. Solar energy: solar panels and photovoltaic cells…………………………………6 ii. Wave energy…………………………………………………………………………..7

b. Building designs: Insulated glazing windows.…………………………………..………..8 c. Building designs: LED lighting systems.….……………………………………………….9 d. Building designs: Adopting Passivhaus techniques……………………..……………10

ANALYSIS……………………………………………………………………………………………….11a. Short term capital costs vs long term cost recovery………………………………..11 b. How to get local people interested and aware………………………………………..12

i. Financially ii. Environmentally

c. Balance between aesthetics, costs and environmental conscience……………..12 d. Should this be a self-policing issue, governmental or should institutions make it

a responsibility?……………………………………………………..…….………………….13

CONCLUSIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………14

EVALUATION……………………………………………………………………………………………14

BIBLIOGRAPHY.………………………………………………………………………………………..15

APPENDICES.…………………………………………………………………………………………..16

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Introduction

The Turks and Caicos Islands is one of the smallest countries and because of its small size is possibly why it has the fifth largest average power cost in the world. Temperatures year round 1

regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit causing a wide scale demand for costly air conditioning meaning power costs have created a common problem in the country— a negative impact on the average standard of living. Not only are local people and businesses, predominantly un-knowingly, affected daily by poorly constructed buildings leading to such high electricity costs, but the country’s carbon footprint, as well as its reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels are also consequently increasing.

FortisTCI is the sole provider of power in the Country, currently serving 13,000 accounts . It has 2

operated as a monopoly since the inception of their business approximately 30 years ago, when the private company invested substantial capital on the basis of obtaining an infinite Agreement with the Government. Consequently, the company’s interests seem to primarily lie in profit as opposed to improving social welfare. Also, due to the company’s monopolistic nature, barriers to entry in power generation markets are significantly high and due to this it is impossible for resi-dents or business owners to generate their own power. The Agreement also means that con-sumers cannot use alternate methods, such as renewable energy, to power their homes at a cheaper cost, reducing the amount of money they could potentially save, decreasing their gen-eral standard of living.

I shall be concentrating for the purpose of this essay primarily upon the effect of implementing carbon-neutral architectural design on local people as opposed to businesses, to help me focus on my research and stay within the scope of the question - “What impact can the implementa-tion of carbon-neutral architectural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people?”

Why I chose this topic

I became interested in carbon-neutral designs because I have witnessed firsthand the way that a poorly constructed house can affect one’s lifestyle in the Turks and Caicos; it has effected mine also. Hence, formulating solutions to such problems is something I am interested in pursu-ing, not only in this essay but also at career level. Furthermore, I acknowledge that the topic generally, to say the least, is of impending relevance worldwide, due to estimates claiming that by 2040, we will have only 20% of the 1.3 trillion oil barrels we have today ; gas and coal are 3

also rapidly on the fall. Specific to the Turks and Caicos, however, the current standard of living could be improved drastically in the long run by implementing energy efficient design, benefitting local people, as well as providing the country with an environmentally friendly and sustainable future, adhering to the Country’s claim to be “Beautiful by Nature”.

www.wikipedia.com “Electricity Pricing” - Global electricity price comparison1

http://www.fortistci.com/about-fortistci “Energy for Good”2

3 www.imeche.org “Current oil supplies”3

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Approach to the question

In assessing the short and long term impact of implementing carbon-neutral architectural home design, I will outline the different methods by which energy efficiency in the Turks and Caicos may be achieved. I will assess such methods based on convenience, availability, cost and de-sign—all of which affect local people’s willingness to reduce their home’s carbon footprint. In order to do so I will be acknowledging potential advantages and drawbacks of the particular methods.

I will also be conducting a variety of both primary and secondary research to address the ques-tion. I will take the initiative to carry out interviews with a local Architect, a prospective Turks and Caicos Islander Homeowner and the owner of Green Revolution TCI (a local supplier of energy efficient technologies). This will be in order to consider the various viewpoints of those involved with the implementation of energy efficiency.

I will also acquire data on the relative costs of putting these ideas into effect, assessing short term capital costs versus the long term benefits—arguably the main focuses of prospective and current homeowners (rather than environmental concerns). Moreover, I will examine, through acquired data, ways by which local people can become both aware and interested in this in-vestment in the future.

Furthermore, I will assess the balance between design, costs and environmental efforts and de-termine whether or not this should be a self-policing issue, governmental or if institutions such as the RIBA should make it a responsibility, hence my contact with consumers, authorities and firms that are concerned with this process.

My secondary sources will be Internet articles and pages, as well as textbooks; where I shall derive some of the information of the theory.

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Theory: Designing a solar passive home in a warm climate

The changes in the hot temperature around the year in the Turks and Caicos are negligible, as shown in the graph below . The blue line represents the highs of each month, and the red line 4

displays the lows.

Thus, the focus of the theory will be directed at achieving energy efficiency in warm climates.

Currently the power in the Country, supplied by FortisTCI, is generated by the burning of fossil fuel diesel, because the firm is not legally obligated to use ‘clean power’. The Country’s heavy reliance on this non-renewable (and hence unsustainable) energy source is dangerous for the Country’s future (due to imminent oil shortages and increasing costs of oil) and also for local consumers with regards to high electricity costs; this is largely due to FortisTCI’s monopoly along with transportation costs for the delivery of diesel. The following describes the alternate methods that stand the highest chance to succeed to reduce power costs in Turks and Caicos, as they generally require accessible materials and are relatively easy to implement. Additionally, like all renewable energy resources, contributing to making houses more ‘carbon-neutral’. Car-bon neutrality can be defined as “achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset” ; alternate wording 5

includes ‘having a net zero carbon footprint’. Sustainability (not limited to solely environmental) can also be defined as the ability to be upheld persistently at a certain level.

http://caribya.com/ - “Temperatures in the Turks and Caicos”4

www.wikipedia.com - “Carbon neutrality”5

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a. Renewable energy resources & methods

i. Solar energy: solar panels and photovoltaic cells

Solar energy arguably has the largest potential for energy efficiency in Turks and Caicos, due to average daily sunshine of about 12 hours.

One method of sustainably generating power through this type of energy is by use of solar pan-els. These panels can be used for lighting, heating, to heat water— even swimming pools (which are quite common). Some solar panels have photovoltaic cells, which are described in Appendix 7; [the reason a description on these has been excluded is due to the cells’ consider-ably high costs (short and long term)].

To maximize the amount of usable sunshine, regular solar panels are typically located on house roofs. The top layer of the panel is made of glass covering a black metal plate; radiation from the sun penetrates this glass and is absorbed by the plate. The plate conducts heat to water in-side the pipes in the bottom layer of the panel (due to metals being good conductors of heat), essentially heating up the water which circulates around the house. Water circulation is typically continuous, therefore once the water within the panel is heated, it flows out and colder water flows in. The process involves no harmful emissions, beneficial in an ecological sense. The so-lar panels locally sold by Green Revolution TCI have lifespans of approximately thirty years , 6hence their sustainability. The main drawback, apart from considerable cost, is no sunlight (and therefore no solar energy) available to be converted to energy at night. Furthermore, as some other renewable energy, there is currently no means of storing solar energy in a cost effective manner; therefore, their overall energy efficiency and long term impact is limited. Many people also consider these panels unsightly.

I collected an invoice from a luxury apartment in Turks and Caicos , for a family of three at the 7

Pinnacle complex. Designed with energy considerations, it consumes approximately 1811kWh per month, totaling an average of 21,732kWh per year. A 4kWh solar panel generates an aver-age of 3400kWh per year at a price equivalent to $10616.48 . Hence, around 7 solar panels 8

would be needed to generate power for this apartment free of charge in the long run. Short term capital costs for purchasing this amount of panels would be $74,315.36 making it expensive to buy. With estimated savings at $7436.80/year, payback would take approximately 10 years and is hard to justify.

5 http://greenrevolutionltd.com/Photovoltaic_Solar.html - “Brief”6

Appendix 67

http://www/theecoexperts.co.uk/ — “How Much Electricity Does the Average Solar Panel System Generate?”8

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ii. Wave energy

Another method by which electricity could be generated in the Country is by using wave energy. Apparatus can be set up to generate electricity as follows. 9

Above displays a simplified oscillating water column; it is set up so that initially it is half full of water. Force from incoming waves pushes water up the column. This movement of water com-presses the air at the top of the column to turn a turbine that operates a generator. These tur-bines are constructed so that when water falls back down the column air is pulled into the chamber and turns the turbine, generating electricity. This is a realistic option for alternate power generation in Turks and Caicos because it is reliable; wave strength is generally consistent throughout the year, and unlike solar power, this power can be generated through the day and the night. 10

The main advantage, like most renewable electricity generating methods, is the degree of sav-ing that would occur. Currently, consumers in the Turks and Caicos pay USD$0.41 per kWh of electricity; last year it reached a high of $0.50/kWh. If apparatus as displayed above were im-plemented, this rate could be reduced to $0.04/kWh (on average), a mere tenth of the current 11

price.

Another method of renewable energy is from wind, using wind turbines (as successfully done in nearby Jamaica). This will not be explored in depth due to Turks and Caicos being flat and at sea level, with inconsistent wind patterns, unlike Jamaica which has more suitable conditions.

Pearson Baccalaureate Physics book, 2009 edition9

Pearson Baccalaureate Physics book, 2009 edition10

http://www.renewablegreenenergypower.com/ — “Wind Energy”11

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b. Building designs - Insulated glazing windows

One way energy efficiency can be improved domestically is by investment in insulated windows. In a double glazed window, two panes of glass are divided by a pocket of air, or gas (normally argon) , making them insulators. Below displays a local single glazed window on the right, and 12

the rarely used double glazed on the left. 13

According to Pilkington brand “over 25% of heat from homes and public buildings escapes through a house’s windows.” Meaning over 25% of what household’s are paying for electricity 14

is wasted through poorly insulated windows.

Some energy is always wasted; particularly cooler circulated air from air conditioning— 100% can never be efficiently utilized. Another statement of Pilkington’s is the amount of unwanted solar energy transferred into a house from outside (through single glazed windows) can be re-duced by 75%. It is claimed that power bills can be reduced by up to 20% annually by double 15

glazing; reducing utility costs and the house’s carbon footprint due to reduced power consump-tion. Costs paid by consumers to double glaze can take up to 5 years to ‘earn back’ when monthly saving is considered, sometimes it can take less time. From a quotation from Service Magic, for a single glazed window: “Fully sealed and double glazed panel 200mm x 400mm is $35.45, and a single glazed similar windows is $22.06.” Insulated windows are also useful for 16

reflecting solar heat gain, reducing temperature inside a house and reducing harmful solar radi-ation from entering. These windows also reduce circulating air, such as air conditioning, from escaping.

http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article/ - “Double glazing”, 201512

Appendix 1 and 2 — photographs taken firsthand13

www.pilkington.com - “Thermal Insulation glass”, subsection ‘overview’, 201514

Pilkington15

http://www.servicemagic.co.uk/resources/cost-guides/double-glazing-prices-and-costs/16

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c. Building designs - Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting systems

An LED can be defined as a diode that emits light. Advantages associated with the replacement of incandescent light bulbs for LEDs are firstly, significant reduction of electricity required to 17

power household lighting. On average, a regular house with incandescent lighting requires 3285 kWh/year of power, whereas with LED it would be 329 kWh/year ; a 90% reduction in power costs. This is primarily due to the fact that incandescent bulbs require more power per unit of generated light than an LEDs do—LEDs require 7 watts of power whereas incandescent bulbs require 60 watts . 18

Although LED lights are more expensive to buy, they are financially advantageous for local homeowners in the long run. To power the typical incandescent light bulb, as described above, and using current costs per year in the Turks and Caicos (+/-$0.50/kwhr), assuming 30 lights, would be around USD$1642.50, whereas using LED’s the power costs could be reduced to a mere $164.50.

Incandescent bulbs sold locally by Green Revolution TCI have a lifespan of approximately 1200 hours, whereas their LEDs run for about 50,000 hours. This suggests LEDs require less often replacement and decreases waste due to less disposal of bulbs. Moreover replacement of bulbs using LEDS is also more cost effective in the long term.

It is important to note, however, that LEDs are high short term capital cost. However with a only a one year ‘payback’ they are very attractive financially especially considering the later years of ‘free’ benefits.

Green Revolution’ — “LED Lighting Centre” and Paul Chaplin (appendix 5)17

Green Revolution18

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d. Building designs - Adopting Passivhaus methods

Passivhaus, otherwise known as ‘Passive House’, refers to a standard of buildings with espe-cially low energy consumption; can be neutral or even carbon negative. One of the standard’s main aims is to regulate comfortable temperatures and high air quality inside an energy efficient house.

In order to achieve the standard’s aims, Passive Houses tend to have exceptionally high energy efficiency through a combination of methods previously elaborated on, and additional ones. These methods include firstly, [specific to warm climates], window shading. All windows, espe-cially ones facing what may be the most intense heat (facing East and West), should use shades to prevent overheating . Window framing is kept to a minimum to reduce unnecessary 19

loss of cooler air circulating around a house as well as warm air from entering a house (unless such frames are well insulated). Good window design provides natural lighting, reducing the need for electrical lighting in the day. Aesthetics and capital cost driven use of poor quality win-dows in Turks and Caicos enable warm air to enter rooms and colder air from AC systems to exit, wasting money and reducing comfortable high quality air.

Passivhaus requirements also include exceptional airtightness, in order to prevent fluctuations of uncomfortable temperatures and unventilated air. Simultaneously, water damage is prevented due to the airtightness being continuous. Passive Houses contain heat recovery ventilators, which extract filtered air continuously, taking approximately 85% of the heat extracted from the 20

exhaust air. This can certainly be applied in Turks and Caicos.

Adopting such techniques in the Turks and Caicos can enable more buildings take advantage of basic conditions such as shading, sunlight and air quality in order to optimize not only indoor comfort but also general building efficiency to lower a house’s carbon footprint and running costs.

http://www.passivehouse-international.org19

1Element passive house poster, 201420

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Analysis

In order to analyze the essay title, the following factors must be considered.

a. Short term capital costs vs long term cost recovery

Short term capital costs and long term cost recovery are worthy of discussion when analyzing the essay title because they are one of the main determinants of the implementation’s suc-cess—if local people are convinced that the short term capital costs are too considerable, then to them it is not worth acknowledging the long term cost recovery; hence the relationship be-tween short term costs, long term costs and primary interest.

As previously explained, converting a standard house in the Turks and Caicos into a more car-bon-neutral one comes with considerable short term costs. This is arguably due to the fact that energy efficiency in the country lags significantly behind certain others , perhaps due to its 21

small-scale size/population, lack of awareness, periods of stagnant development with regards to this matter and government Laissez-Faire Policy. Regardless, however, converting can be seen as an investment in the future, not only financially, but also ecologically.

The concept of payback, saving and gaining remains with all energy efficient replacements, not solely what has been explained in the theory of LED lighting systems or insulated glazing win-dows. The law of demand in Economics states that as the price of a product increases, the de-mand for it decreases, ceteris paribus; this explains the current behavior of local people in the Turks and Caicos, due to lack of awareness of the importance of this topic. People are reluctant to spend thousands of extra dollars for double glazing their windows or installing solar power because in the short run, it’s simply more money spent, leaving less money for other goods and services such as luxuries like air conditioning to improve the interior comfort of the house—this even effects the ability to purchase necessities, particularly for family households who have ad-ditional fees to cover with services such as private education and healthcare.

In Turks and Caicos there is nothing in the government building code regarding environmental policies or energy efficient design. Furthermore, the Government would be reluctant to make such impositions because with local people generally being unaware of the topic, it would most likely be proven extremely politically unpopular. This is because most local people build their own homes and would not be enthusiastic to pay more to meet certain requirements the Gov-ernment would have implemented unless they understood the long term benefits. I believe the Government do not see it as their obligation, but rather a choice in the free market economy.

Interview with Conrad Griffiths, Appendix 421

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b. How to get local people interested and aware

Improving local awareness is critical for implementation of energy efficient policies. This may be done through effective public relations campaigns, workshops and introducing the subject in school curriculums.

With regards to getting local people interested, arguably the biggest issue, this may be achieved on several levels through a two-pronged campaign. The first, financial. The second, environ-mental.

i. Financial

Firstly, this can be achieved through government incentives to help with capital expenditure on energy efficient products and careful design of new buildings. This may be attained through grants or subsidies to encourage local people to purchase environmentally friendly products. Secondly, the government could offer tax incentives or exemptions on energy efficient products and tax disincentives on non-efficient products. Alternately, progressive taxation could be en22 -forced for electricity supply power, to enable those with lower incomes to pay lower tariffs and vice versa—people who consume a lot could pay a much higher tariff than those who do not. However, the main disadvantage of doing so would be that certain local people would not be able to afford this tax, particularly families of lower socioeconomic class. Lastly, making clear 23

the long term benefits of environmentally friendly methods like LED installation and double glazed windows.

ii. Environmental

Environmentally, the local people’s interest may be grasped by informing them that the in-creased use and reliance on fossil fuels has an adverse effect on the environment through noise, air and smoke pollution and this can effect the health and economy due to the country’s reliance on the tourism industry. Additionally, the government should have a department dedi-cated to energy efficiency. How can a country that claims to be “Beautiful by Nature” be com-pletely reliant on fossil fuels?

c. Balance between aesthetics, costs and environmental conscience

It is critical to note that currently, aesthetics and initial costs are clearly prioritized over energy efficiency in the Turks and Caicos, in general. Most citizens, spanning all social classes, seem 24

to prioritize aesthetics more than any other factor, and often consider energy efficient products to be unattractive. These flaws in general personal priority could be addressed by having the 25

Conrad Griffiths, Appendix 422

Paul Chaplin, Appendix 523

James Hamilton and Conrad Griffiths Appendices 3 & 424

Paul Chaplin, Appendix 525

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Government impose environmentally friendly design standards through building codes. These imposed standards will benefit local people due to improvements in the average standard of liv-ing in the long term, as well as reduce the country’s carbon footprint. This would follow the poli-cies adopted in the United Kingdom since 2006, such as increased insulation and mitigation of direct solar gain ; there is a requirement regarding control of solar gain, including the consider26 -ation of building orientation, roof overhangs, shading, blinds/curtains, ventilation, or glazing technologies.

d. Should this be a self-policing issue, Governmental or should institutions (RIBA/AIA/LEED) make it a responsibility?

Whether the issue of energy efficiency should be self-policing, Governmental or if institutions should make it a responsibility is debatable.

The easiest way to guarantee the implementation of carbon-neutral designs would seem to be through Governmental legislation; governments could impose stricter requirements to meet higher environmental standards, forcing people to take positive action. However, the main prob-lem associated with this is that new legislation is expensive, it forces designers to change how they build properties, and existing governmental building control departments may not have the expertise or budgets to implement the policies. Alternately, if this is not the government’s pre-ferred option, they could introduce design guidelines instead of legislations, which may also benefit the socioeconomic class who may be unable to afford a completely, or partial, carbon-neutral house. Another option the government has is to negotiate with FortisTCI regarding the extent to which houses can be energy efficient by providing cheaper power generated through other energy resources such as previously explained solar, wave or perhaps even wind.

Although one could argue for the issue being self-policing, historically in the Turks and Caicos there has been barely any attention paid to environmentally friendly design, indicating that there would be no consideration for energy efficient design in the future. In other words, no action would be taken if this issue were to remain self-policing, and the problem would continue to per-sist.

Lastly, although the idea of institutions such as the RIBA, AIA and LEED making it an Architect’s responsibility to make energy efficient efforts seems suitable, it is out of their control to make this mandatory. This is due to a number of factors, but arguably mainly because of the fact that the institutions are an international body—Architects certified by them work all around the world and have to abide by completely different Governments and building requirements . Moreover, 27

designers often have to answer to the demands of their clients, who often do not prioritize ener-gy efficiency and environmental concerns over how large and beautiful their home must be.

However, it could also be argued that the institutions are choosing to avoid their social respon-sibility and duties for the environmental well-being of the future to a certain extent.

James Hamilton26

Paul Chaplin, Appendix 527

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Conclusions

In responding to the question “What impact can the implementation of carbon-neutral architec-tural home design in the Turks and Caicos exert on local people?” I can deduce a variety of po-tential answers.

In the short term, costs to convert a standard home to a more carbon-neutral one are quite sub-stantial. However, payback for doing so is relatively mere, and conversion can act as an invest-ment due to immediate savings, not to mention a drastic reduction in the house’s carbon foot-print. Environmentally friendly houses also commonly use the process of continuous air ventila-tion, therefore interior comfort could be improved significantly, as can the owners’ standards of living, which is arguably one of the greatest advantages of converting. Other advantages include long term saving as well as a decrease in the reliance on fossil fuels and general pollution. In-stead, reliance for power could be on renewable (i.e. unlimited) energy sources, such as solar and wave technology, and efforts can be made by designers to increase energy efficiency with high insulation, strategically placed and double glazed windows, LED replacement lights and other methods previously described. Overall, the long term benefits seem to outweigh the short term drawbacks, so the potential impact on local people of implementing carbon-neutral design seems generally very positive in the long term.

Research and history have also clearly shown that if energy efficiency is not an obligation, peo-ple are not willing to make efforts. It also suggests that reasons for this include lack of aware-ness of the topic, and local people feeling as though it is not their obligation. Local Architects and the Government may also feel this way, worsening the problem further.

Arising from this study is one main unresolved and new question: if grants and loans cannot be handed out by the government to households who are unable to afford carbon-neutral conver-sion, how might the socioeconomic class of the Turks and Caicos be able to comply with poten-tial guidelines or legislations? This could be further investigated.

Evaluation

A central assumption of this essay was that the local people are generally unaware of the impor-tance of energy efficiency in everyday life; whilst this is true, it is possible that another reason for virtually stagnant progress with regards to this topic is due to there being relatively few aware people, and many people simply being unconcerned by it and believing it is not their is-sue to attend to even through they are paying substantial financial penalties through exorbitant power bills.

The impact of businesses was not considered; the Turks and Caicos is one of the most tourism-driven countries in the world, and the monopolistic nature of FortisTCI effects businesses, which in turn effects local people and tourists. The potential effect of converting the country into a more carbon-neutral one on tourism can also be investigated further, because if short term costs increase significantly for businesses, these costs will be handed down to consumers, including both tourists and locals, making the country more competitive in the growing international tourism marketplace.

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Bibliography

Green Revolution Ltd and Paul Chaplin:Website: http://www.greenrevolutionltd.com

Subsections: LED Lighting systems, Photovoltaic cells — brief

Pilkington Company: www.pilkington.com

Passivhaus & Passive House International: http://www.passivehouse-international.org - “

Pearson Baccalaureate IB Higher Level Physics book, 2009 Edition

Blink and Dorton IB Higher Level Economics book, Second Edition

1Element Passive House Poster, published in 2014 in the UK

FortisTCI: http://www.fortistci.com/about-fortistci “Energy for Good”

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/diode - “Diodes”

http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article/ - “Double glazing”, 2015

“Without Hot Air” — book by David JC Mackay

explainthatstuff.com - “Diodes and LEDs”, 2015

www.wikipedia.com - “Carbon neutrality” and “Electricity Pricing” - Global electricity price com-parison

www.imeche.org “Current oil supplies”

Service Magic:http://www.servicemagic.co.uk/resources/cost-guides/double-glazing-prices-and-costs/ Quota-

tion on double glazed vs single glazed window

http://www/theecoexperts.co.uk/ — “How Much Electricity Does the Average Solar Panel Sys-tem Generate?”

http://caribya.com/ - “Temperatures in the Turks and Caicos”

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Appendices

Appendix 1: Single glazed window in a house in Leeward, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Appendix 2: Double glazed window at an apartment at the Pinnacle, Grace Bay, Providen-ciales, Turks and Caicos

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Appendix 3: Interview with James Hamilton, professional RIBA Architect in the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Appendix 4: Interview with prospective homeowner Conrad Griffiths, who is also a Queen’s Council of the Turks and Caicos

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Appendix 5: Interview with Paul Chaplin, Founder of Green Revolution TCI

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Appendix 6: Invoice of a monthly power bill at a luxury apartment at the Pinnacle complex, Turks and Caicos

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InvoiceDate

09/01/2015

Invoice #

5792

Bill To

Garry & Josie Hastings

The Pinnacle on Grace Bay

Grace Bay RoadProvidencialesTurks and Caicos Islands

P.O. No. Terms Project

Total

Balance Due

Payments/Credits

Description Qty Rate Amount

Strata Fees 2,233.53 2,233.53Manager's suite usage 7-14 August (7 nights) 175.00 175.00Cleaning fee Manager's Suite 75.00 75.0011-Aug Change filter in fridge (time & parts) 65.00 65.00

Water Bill Aug - 5260 gals 215.66 215.66KB Home Center - Kitchen Aid Garbage Disposal 749.00 749.00Re-route water line to suit new A/C unit 55.00 55.00August WIV 35.00 35.00Electrical Bill August 2015 / 1811 kwh 759.90 759.90Total Reimbursable Expenses 1,814.56

$4,363.09

$0.00

$-4,363.09

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Appendix 7: Self-written description of how photovoltaic cells work

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