Going underground. [Review]

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1980 · Compressed Air; (United States)

OSTI ID:6929414

Underground space is increasingly used for energy-saving and secure storage that is often less expensive and more aesthetically pleasing than conventional facilities. Petroleum, pumped hydro, water, and sewage are among the large-scale needs that can be met by underground storage. Individual buildings can store chilled water underground for summer cooling. Windowless aboveground buildings are suitable and even more efficient if they are underground. The discovery of ancient underground cities indicates that the concept can be reapplied to relieve urban centers and save energy as is already done to a large extent in China and elsewhere. A national commitment to solar energy will benefit from increased use of underground space. Kansas City is among several cities which are developing the subsurface with success, businesses and schools having found the underground environment to have many benefits. More construction experience is needed, however, to help US lenders overcome their reluctance to finance earth-sheltered projects. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6929414
• Journal Information: Compressed Air; (United States), Vol. 85:10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
EARTH-COVERED BUILDINGS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
UNDERGROUND SPACE
ENERGY CONSERVATION
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
AESTHETICS
ECONOMICS
LEGAL INCENTIVES
BUILDINGS
EFFICIENCY
SPACE
STORAGE
291000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation
320100 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Buildings
422000 - Engineering- Mining & Underground Engineering- (1980-)