Energy hierarchy

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/energy-hierarchy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the conceptual foundation?A prioritized framework for energy management, inspired by the waste hierarchy
2. What is the highest priority actions?Energy prevention (reducing demand) and energy efficiency (optimizing use)
3. Why is energy prevention at the top of the ladder?Because stopping energy waste and using less energy is the most powerful way to protect the planet and save money.
4. What are the middle steps of the Energy Hierarchy?After prevention comes energy efficiency, which means getting more work from the same energy, and then using renewable resources like solar, wind, and geothermal.

Energy Hierarchy: A strategic classification of energy options, ordered by their sustainability and environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency: The optimization of energy use to perform a task, minimizing wasted energy and maximizing output.
Sustainable Energy System: An energy infrastructure capable of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.