Sustainable Energy Use: Exploring Habitual Energy-saving Behaviours

Analysis of global CO2 emissions emphasizes electricity and heating as the primary contributors, collectively constituting over 36% of total emissions. Recent data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals a steady annual increase of approximately 1% in global CO2 emissions up to 2023. This surge is largely driven by a substantial rise in electricity demand, prompting electricity plants to burn more fuel to meet it, resulting in increased emissions from both the demand and supply sides. 

To limit the global temperature increase to below the two-degree Net Zero Emission limit, greenhouse gas emissions must decrease to as low as 3.5 tonnes per person by 2050, down from the current average of 8 tonnes per person. Experts advocate for achieving this reduction through a mix of low-carbon assets, energy-efficient technologies, and improvements in individuals’ energy-saving habits. 

So, let's talk about 'Habitual Energy-saving Behaviour,' also known as 'Daily Energy-saving Behaviour.' This involves adjusting habits to directly reduce energy consumption, such as turning off lights or adjusting thermostat settings, underscoring the significance of individual actions in reducing environmental impact, cutting energy waste, and saving costs. 

For instance, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE), simply unplugging appliances when not in use could save a significant amount of energy and up to 10% on monthly energy bills. Regarding carbon footprint reduction, this blog post illustrates the CO2 emissions associated with leaving a light bulb on. The report indicates that a 60-watt incandescent bulb can emit up to 152.42Kg of CO2 annually, at 8 hours per day, emphasizing the impact of seemingly insignificant energy-saving practices like turning off the light or adjusting thermostat settings on the environment. 

Here are some uncommon yet simple practices that could help save both energy and costs:

1. Do not just turn off your home electronics, unplug them from the switches.  75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the devices are off. 

2. Boil just the quantity of water you need whenever you use the kettle. According to Energy Saving Trust, the UK squanders a staggering £68 million per year by overfilling kettles. 

3. When cooking, remember to use the lid on your pot. Whether boiling, stewing, or brewing, keeping it closed can save up to 70% of the heat. 

4. Regularly unplug or defrost your freezers. Food can remain fresh for up to 48 hours in them. 

5. Ensure that your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or clothing. This facilitates faster warming of the room. 

6. Switch off all light bulbs when not in use or when leaving the room. Utilizing natural sunlight by opening window curtains is a good practice. 

By adopting these measures and making them our daily energy choices, we all play a role in building a more sustainable and environmentally aware planet. 

Join us in the journey towards building a greener future as we make these little adjustments one step at a time.