16 Principles of Sustainable Energy Systems
© 2008 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
oil equivalent (kgoe) as a range for determining the modest energy requirement, or the
fossil energy budget plus an allowance for shelter in more extreme climates. This level of
energy use seems draconian in relation to the current U.S. average per capita consump-
tion of over 9000 kgoe. However, inquantifying carrying capacity, we are not consider-
ing lifestyle, rather we are considering necessity.
1.2.5 Exponential Growth Issue
Energy use has grown during the past 150 years in lock step with growth in population,
and with water, food, and land use. The relevant history and experience of everyone today
is that growth is inevitable; sometimes there is a correction, ...