Practical solutions for everyone: how to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce costs

Every year on 11 November, on the initiative of the SPARE International Environmental Network, International Day of Energy Saving is observed. The decision to establish this date was taken in 2008 at an international meeting of project coordinators in Kazakhstan, and the world celebrated this day for the first time in November of that same year.

The main aim of the event is to draw the attention of the authorities, the business community and the general public to the rational use of energy resources, the development of renewable energy and the search for effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Environmental considerations and energy efficiency

Energy saving is the simplest, cheapest and most effective way of reducing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. The generation of electricity and heat at conventional thermal power stations involves the combustion of significant quantities of fossil fuels — coal, gas and fuel oil.

The environmental benefits of consciously reducing energy consumption include:

• Reducing CO₂ emissions. A reduction in demand for electricity directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global climate change.
• Conservation of finite resources. Rational consumption helps to slow down the depletion of hydrocarbon reserves and allows time for the transition to renewable sources (sun, wind, water).
• Reducing the load on the grid. Energy-efficient behaviour on the part of consumers reduces peak loads on the country’s integrated power system.

Simple everyday steps to improve energy efficiency

Everyone can do their bit to conserve the planet’s resources by adopting simple, everyday habits:

Switching to LED lighting

LED bulbs use up to 80–90 per cent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a significantly longer lifespan.

Energy efficiency classes

Choose household appliances labelled ‘A++’ or ‘A+++’, which optimise resource consumption whilst in use.

Switching off devices in standby mode

Do not leave devices plugged into sockets, as appliances in Standby mode continue to consume electricity in the background.

Thermal insulation and control

Insulating walls, windows and doors helps to retain up to 30–40 per cent of heat in winter, reducing the need for additional heaters.

Read more news on GreenPost.