Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cut our energy costs and pollution emissions, while benefitting our economy by relieving strain from our power grid and other critical infrastructure.
Energy efficient appliances, homes, buildings and industrial processes use less energy to deliver services of equal or better quality – thus cutting energy bills and fossil fuel consumption, especially among low-income households.
1. Energy efficient appliances
Replacing older appliances and electronics with energy efficient models can reduce utility bills, decrease global warming emissions, and save money. When purchasing energy efficient appliances and electronics, make sure they comply with minimum efficiency standards by looking out for the ENERGY STAR label to make sure you meet minimum standards of efficiency.
Calculating appliance energy use is made easy when you know how to read a wattage label or an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label, which displays wattage and voltage for small appliances like hair dryers as well as amps in larger ones such as clothes dryers. Information can also be found in appliance manuals and specification sheets. For devices without such labels, estimate annual electricity usage using one of the formulas provided here, or purchase an energy monitor to keep an accurate account of usage and costs.
Make your home more energy efficient with simple tips: lower the thermostat during winter months and wear lightweight clothing during the summer to lower cooling costs. Switch off TV, VCR and stereo when not being used and unplug them altogether to reduce “phantom power” draw.
2. Energy efficient homes
Energy efficient homes use cutting-edge construction techniques, cutting-edge appliances and lighting, renewable energy systems and passive solar design strategies to cut energy consumption and fossil fuel reliance. Furthermore, passive solar design strategies, advanced house framing (also known as optimal value engineering) and natural ventilation can all reduce heating and cooling costs for even the highest energy efficient properties.
Step one in creating an energy efficient home is to ensure it has adequate insulation. This will keep hot air out while cold air comes in, drastically cutting energy consumption. Energy efficient windows like double or triple paned, as well as ventilation systems with high efficiency can further cut electricity costs associated with heating and cooling costs.
Homes designed with energy efficiency upgrades may also be better prepared during power outages; according to one recent study, energy efficient upgrades kept livable temperatures longer during a winter power outage than traditional homes.
3. Energy efficient lighting
Lighting consumption makes up a large proportion of residential energy use; therefore, energy efficient bulbs should play an integral part in your plan for saving on power costs.
Energy efficient lighting uses less electricity and lasts 10-25 times longer, significantly decreasing replacements and electric bills while simultaneously decreasing wasteful energy use.
Lighting your room efficiently can be one of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs. Opting for energy efficient LED bulbs will allow you to illuminate your space without breaking the bank.
Lights designed for damp locations or equipped with timers and dusk-to-dawn features can help lower your electricity bill significantly, especially if they are installed in high traffic areas like driveways or porches, where drivers and pedestrians alike require steady lighting for navigation purposes. Energy efficient lighting also plays an integral role in helping deter crime by making it easier for individuals to see where they’re heading.
4. Energy efficient transport
Energy efficient transport significantly decreases emissions produced by moving people, goods and services – drastically cutting climate pollution on an enormous scale.
Reducing fuel usage by optimizing existing vehicles with more fuel-efficient engines; switching over to electric vehicles, supporting public transport systems, encouraging walking and cycling, encouraging walking as part of health programs and optimizing overall transport system design are among the many strategies employed to optimize transport system design. Other techniques could include using smart delivery strategies as well as supporting remote working and learning opportunities at home or remote working facilities.
Accelerating the transition to sustainable aviation fuels, improving shipping efficiency and port infrastructure, using shore power while docked, piloting battery-electric vessels and exploring hydrogen propulsion for short distance flights are also part of this approach. Furthermore, prices should reflect both social costs of carbon emissions and energy efficiencies in transport.