Energy Self Study: Financial and Fuel Savings of Walking to Work

Amelia BuddEducational Technology

Dr. Jason OhlerFall 2011

Questions

• If I drive to work everyday, how much fuel do I use, on average in each week, month, and year? How much do these driving habits cost?

• What if ten more people reduced their fuel consumption? What are potential savings in both fuel and cost?

• How many miles per gallon does my Isuzu Trooper get?

Fuel Consumption

• Fuel consumption over the course of one month: one tank of gas, or 19.5 gallons, at $4.05 per gallon, for a total of $79.00

Variables

• Weather. Driving in four-wheel-drive due to icy conditions reduces fuel efficiency.

• Weekends and appointments. Personal activities vary throughout the year and the days between October 20th and November 21st may not be representative of driving patterns for the entire calendar year.

Fuel Efficiency

My 1994 Isuzu Trooper gets approximately 15 miles per gallon.

Fuel Use Calculations

Findings

• Without a doubt, walking or cycling to work instead of driving is beneficial on many levels. Reducing my fuel consumption would allow me to save money to the tune of thousands of dollars, reduce my environmental footprint, get exercise, and be a positive and healthy role model for my students.