Energy efficiency – a basic overview of the concept.
Energy Efficiency – What is it?
Efficient energy use, sometimes simply called energy efficiency, is the goal of efforts to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature. Installing fluorescent lights or natural skylights reduces the amount of energy required to attain the same level of illumination compared to using traditional incandescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent lights use two-thirds less energy and may last 6 to 10 times longer than incandescent lights. Improvements in energy efficiency are most often achieved by adopting a more efficient technology or production process.
Energy Efficiency – The reasons why
There are various different motivations to improve energy efficiency. Reducing energy use reduces energy costs and may result in a financial cost saving to consumers if the energy savings offset any additional costs of implementing an energy efficient technology. Reducing energy use is also seen as a key solution to the problem of reducing emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, improved energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation could reduce the world’s energy needs in 2050 by one third, and help control global emissions of greenhouse gases.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are said to be the twin pillars of sustainable energy policy. In many countries energy efficiency is also seen to have a national security benefit because it can be used to reduce the level of energy imports from foreign countries and may slow down the rate at which domestic energy resources are depleted.
To keep our planet in THIS condition for future generations, we all need to look at how we use energy – what we waste and what we use “just because we can…”
Energy Efficiency – The basics
Simply put , energy efficiency is getting the power you require to drive whatever it is, using the least amount of energy to do it. So, if you can use 50% less energy to do the same job , why aren’t you? Sometimes the answer to this is a simple one – laziness or an excuse like “it’s too expensive to change.”
Frankly , that’s just NOT OK. Energy efficiency is becoming a vital factor to reduce carbon emissions and decrease our dependency on fossil fuels. With rising energy costs affecting consumers worldwide and the increased availability of alternative sources of energy we can all make a difference. Solar and wind energy for small to medium energy demands in consumer and business could reduce the pressure on the national power grid enough to ensure continued supply.
With rebates on Solar powered geysers and LED lighting, why not change to more energy efficient solutions. It pays you to do this – there is nothing better than being able to see that reduced electricity bill at month end…
There are many companies that specialise in providing products and consulting services that will not only improve the way you use energy both at home and in business, but also provide measurement services to ensure you only PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE.
Energy Efficiency – Where to start.
Start by doing an energy calculation of how much power you use in a month..your utility bill will tell you this..then , take a walk around your home or business, make notes on how many lights you have, what hours they run for and whether you really need them for all that time…if your office gets sunlight during the day , do you really need ALL your lights on?
Also, when you go home, SWITCH THEM OFF. In winter , look at heating options that offer efficient energy use – AIR CONDITIONERS are NOT energy efficient as they use too much power to cool or warm spaces- as does underfloor heating. A diesel heater provides sustained warmth in a space for much longer and uses far less fuel to do this. In essence, TAKE STOCK of your OWN energy use and be honest in your assessment…then GO OUT and FIND the right energy solution for you.
Energy efficiency is another key factor in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring that we do not risk severe repercussions from unnecessary use of fossil fuels.
Get into Energy efficiency today.