This is not my... Efficiency

 

Improving energy efficiency can provide us with impressive savings. It is quite simple. More efficient use of energy means that we can so more with it.

 

Energy Efficiency Facts*

 

"Two thirds of all energy is lost during its conversion into forms used in human activities."

 

"The Swiss Re. tower uses 50% less energy than a conventional building" It has "natural ventillation and lighting systems, passive solar heating" and is "constructed of materials that can be easily recycled."

 

"Thick cellulose insullation prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer."

 

"Convection ovens can cut energy use by 20%"

 

"A typical new refridgerator uses one quarter of the energy of a 1974 model."

 

"Double window panes filled with low-conductivity gas reduce heat flow by 50% or more."

 

"Compact flourescant light bulbs... last 10 times longer than incandescant and use one fifth the energy."

 

Energy Efficiency Action

 

 

 

Home - simple, cost saving ways to make your house energy efficient.

 

Put aside a day, a weekend or have a think about what you can do each and every day...

 

 

  

 

 

One Day


Change your lightbulbs to energy efficient - they cost 99p and save you loads in the long-term
Get a timer for your boiler - so you only heat when you need
Turn the clock off your microwave - it uses 45,000 watts per year
Get rechargeable batteries - Save a load of cash and help look after the environment

Get a composter, bokashi or some worms - use your old potato peelings to help the pot plants!

Save water - reduce your toilet flush, watch for dripping taps, use the minimum required

 

 

 

A weekend (well maybe a bit more for some...)

 

Insulate your house - don't lose 40% of your hard earned heat, if nothing else, get a draft excluder!

New boiler - think about upgrading to an energy efficient model
Renewable Energy - think about solar or wind power for your home (you may be grant eligible)

Green your ride - Think about what car you drive... or better still think about getting a bike


 

Anytime

 

Buy environmentally friendly cleaning products - washing balls, bicarbonate of soda etc

Turn down the heating - Turn down the heating by 1 degree - cut your bills by 10%.
Unplug appliances and switch things off standby - takes no time but saves money.
Buying Local Food - Get a box scheme or down to the local market and save some pennies!
Recycle - so so so easy. Just put the recycling out on the recycling day.
Make your own / grow your own - take control with a bit of DIY

 

Work - going green can help the planet, save you money and make business sense.

 

There is no reason you can't take the initiative and get it started in your office...

  

 

Do it yourself

 

Save a cup - Make sure yours are being recycled. Better still - get your own mug.

Bring your lunch - save about £500 and a load of packaging each year.
Save Paper - Print double sided, what you need, in smaller text and on scrap. Hold paperless meetings.
Turn off your computer... and monitor - £90 m and 2.8 m tons of CO2 wasted p/a in the UK alone.

Take the stairs - save the power needed for the lift and get one finely honed and toned physique...

Turn the lights off - it's just a flick of the switch.

 

 

Do it with others (ooer)


Recycle and reuse - make sure you have proper waste reduction schemes in place.
Green taxis - if you have to travel - make it as green as you can.
Via3 - is a one stop shop for social and environmentally responsible supplies. Couldn't be easier.

1% for the planet - join up to the alliance and see how it can help your business and the planet.

Being sustainable - can it help your business?

 

Transport - see the world, wander through it.

 

(Plus if you get fitter, you'll look amazing and have more chance of pulling someone you never thought you could! See right for an example of taking it a bit too far though...)

  

 

Cars - If you have to drive. Make it an electric.

Flying - Try not to. But if you have to (do you REALLY have to?) fly in the day in the summer.

Train - Better than flying.

Bus - Better than driving.

Cycling - good so long as you don't fall off.

Walking - good so long as you don't get lost

 

Then there's always skateboarding, telemarking, free running, hangliding, snowboarding, air ships...

 

 

 

 

*Eberhard K Jochem, Professor of Economics and Energy Economics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: Scientific American, September 2006