As temperatures continue to raise and the energy supply is threatened to diminish, immediate solutions which contribute to reduce the energy usage and costs are needed with urgency. As such, I decided to share some tips with you to do so. Hopefully they can help you reduce your energy bill and our countries’ dependency on Russian energy supply. Whether you’re a household or a company, hopefully my tips help you:
Households:
- Do your energy intensive activities on the weekends when prices are lower. Cook on the weekend meals which can be kept on the fridge so you only need to warm them up throughout the week, using less energy and reduce your costs. Preferably, eat low fat meals as they reduce the body temperature and the need for low temperatures. Eat seasonal salads and fruit as much as possible.
- Make natural air currents at home when temperatures are lower, typically early morning and late in the evening to increase freshness and reduce air con usage.
- Close all windows and use blackouts to cut the light and prevent heating your place throughout the day when temperatures increase.
- At night switch on as few lights as possible to reduce home light induced heat.
- If your windows aren’t energy efficient, do change them to double glaze glasses and efficient frames.
- Reduce the temperature of your shower.
- Use light fabrics and light-coloured clothes.
- Switch your bulbs to LED ones.
Buildings:
- Fix the temperature to a regular level.
- Roll the curtains down or install blackouts to reduce the building’s temperature.
- Allow ventilation to prevent electrical equipment overheating.
- Use natural light as much as possible.
- Improve your office’s thermal insulation.
- Instruct your employees to become energy efficient in the equipment usage and charging cycles.
- If your country has large swimming pool capacity. Negotiate with your employees time off during the afternoons so they can work when is fresher and enjoy the swimming pools in the afternoon.
- Invest in energy efficient equipment.
With care to your energy bill,
former energy strategic stocks manager and economist
SustainAbility in Habit 