Our homes and commercial buildings are substantial consumers of energy. Shockingly, studies indicate that the energy supply sector is responsible for 35% of global emissions, making it the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is primarily due to the continued reliance on fossil fuels for energy production, with buildings and homes being significant consumers of energy, particularly for heating and cooling.
When we burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, it results in the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. In our quest to reduce the global average individual carbon footprint from 6.3 tons (as of 2020) to the recommended 2.1 tons by 2030, as suggested by experts, focusing on home energy consumption presents a significant opportunity. Keep reading for actionable steps to reduce energy usage in your home.
Reduce heating and cooling costs
Heating and cooling our homes accounts for the highest energy consumption and significantly contributes to global carbon emissions. However, there are practical steps we can take to lighten this energy load. By adjusting our thermostats to lower temperatures in the winter and higher temperatures in the summer, we can make a significant impact. For instance, simply raising the thermostat setting from 24°C to 28°C during the summer can lead to a more than threefold reduction in annual cooling energy consumption for a typical office building in Zurich, Switzerland. The added benefit is that you’ll also see savings on your monthly energy bill. What’s the current setting on your thermostat? Can you make adjustments to use less energy, such as setting it to a warmer temperature in the summer and a cooler one in the winter?
Transition to sustainable energy sources
A significant portion of our current energy supply is derived from fossil fuels. However, the combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, resulting in the accumulation of greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. By making the switch to renewable energy sources, we can reduce our annual carbon footprint by as much as 2.5 tons! If you own a house or have access to a roof, installing solar panels can be an excellent way not only to decrease carbon emissions but also to achieve long-term energy cost savings. Many local energy providers also offer options for incorporating renewable energy into your household. Consider reaching out to your energy provider via phone or email to inquire about the possibilities of transitioning to cleaner, renewable sources. Is your household suitable for solar panels? Have you explored renewable energy options with your energy provider?
Track your monthly energy usage
Many individuals are unaware of their monthly energy consumption, yet understanding this is a crucial first step because what you measure, you can improve! You can access your monthly usage data through your energy provider’s website to monitor changes over time. Alternatively, you can review your energy bills and start documenting or noting your energy consumption in a visible location.Do you know how much energy you used last month? Over the past year, which month had the highest energy consumption, and which had the lowest?
Save energy whenever possible
In addition to managing heating and cooling, it’s important to be mindful of energy consumption related to appliances and lighting. You can make a significant impact by taking steps such as reducing heating and cooling usage, switching to LED light bulbs, and adopting energy-efficient electric appliances. Other practices like washing your laundry with cold water and air-drying instead of using a dryer can also lead to energy savings. Enhancing your home’s energy efficiency, perhaps by improving insulation or replacing an oil or gas furnace with an electric heat pump, can result in an average annual reduction of 900 kilograms of CO2e – that’s nearly 1 ton! Have you transitioned to LED lighting in your home? Have you experimented with washing clothes in cold water and shortening wash cycles? Can you begin air-drying your laundry? Are there any other high-energy-consuming appliances in your household?
By taking these, often easy, steps to reduce energy consumption in your home, you can make a meaningful contribution to mitigating climate change, save money on utility bills, and create a more sustainable living environment for future generations.
Source: https://www.un.org/en/actnow/home-energy
Photo: © <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_nuevoimg’>nuevoimg</a>, <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/free-images/’>123RF Free Images</a>