Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ category

Power the Future

June 12th, 2010

Gribble - the future of power generation?

Alternative energy sources are always being sought, it was not that long ago that solar, wind and heat pump were slightly off the wall alternative energy sources – now they are regarded as perfectly normal and needed.

Recently I was reading and interesting blog that offered some other sources of energy you may not have thought about (positiveenergy) – maybe alternatives that will be become fully accepted in the not to distant future.

Nations and governments may rely of Gribbles to combat concerns over energy security, let alone climate change – Gribble, yes Gribbles, check out what the future energy sources could be:

» Read more: Power the Future

Energy Efficiency V – Keeping Warm Or Cool

April 12th, 2010

Space heating and cooling accounts for most of the energy we use in our homes but many properties do not adequately retain the temperature generated inside.

There are some simple steps we can take to keep warm or cool and save energy to prevent wasting the money we are spending to heat and cool our homes:

» Read more: Energy Efficiency V – Keeping Warm Or Cool

Energy Efficiency How IV – Reducing Consumption

April 9th, 2010

Reducing Consumption

Governments are investing lots of money in educating people about their use of energy in the home and many people are taking actions towards becoming more energy efficient.

The additional benefit for many people is a reduction in fuel bills.

With the cost of energy continually rising many home owners are now looking at how they can save money through being more energy efficient.

Some of the most effective actions are listed below:

  • Turn lights off when not in a room
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs
  • Turn all electrical appliances off when not in use
  • Remove chargers and PC peripherals from plug sockets
  • Reduce hot water thermostat to 60 degrees
  • Reduce space heating thermostat to below 21 degrees depending on your needs
  • Only switch heating and lighting when at home
  • Only boil the water you need in the kettle
  • Keep fridge and freezer doors shut as much as possible
  • Dry clothes outside

Undertaking just a few of the measures above could save up to £30/$45 annually. Simply turning down your heating thermostat 1 degree could save up to 10% off your fuel bills every year.

More Tips Soon…

Energy Efficiency How III – Keep Control

April 6th, 2010

Here is a list of small but effective measures you can take to save up to £250/$380 or more per year.

Draught Excluders

Buy draught excluders and proofing devices for your doors and windows.

Make sure you cover your locks and have a draught excluder in your letter box. This could save you £20/$30 per year

Lighting

Use energy saving light bulbs and always switch off your lights when not at home or in a room. This could save you £18/$27 per year per bulb.

» Read more: Energy Efficiency How III – Keep Control

Energy Efficiency How II – Take Control

April 1st, 2010

Entertainment and Appliances

One of the best ways to see where you can cut your energy use is by understanding exactly what you are using and when.

It is possible to find out how much electricity your appliances and entertainment systems are using when switched on, on standby or simply left plugged in.

There are many devices now on the market which will tell you your electricity consumption and what it is costing you. As a result you can then take steps to reduce your energy usage and reduce your energy bills.

» Read more: Energy Efficiency How II – Take Control

Energy Efficiency How I – Initial Steps

March 25th, 2010

Initial Action

Discover how much carbon you are emitting on a yearly basis. You can do this by visiting the many different websites, if you do a search you will find the resources online that you need – try this link: Energy Saving Trust carbon calculator.

Once you have calculated the annual output then begin to start cutting back.

The average western European household emits over 6 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.

There are simple steps to take to reduce your carbon footprint, and you will also save money.

» Read more: Energy Efficiency How I – Initial Steps

Energy Efficiency Why & How?

March 25th, 2010

Electric Meter Dials

It is important for everyone to start becoming more energy efficient and there are hundreds of simple actions we can all take to reduce or energy use to save money and the environment.

It is vital to understand why we have to take action. So here is an overview about energy saving and why it has become so important worldwide.

A few basics before we look at the practicalities.

What are these Carbon Emissions you read about?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a gas emitted into the atmosphere from many sources but the area that causes concern is the CO2 emitted as a result of burning fossil fuels.
» Read more: Energy Efficiency Why & How?

Industry Blind To Money Just Lying There

March 8th, 2010

Energy Saving with EniginThe Sydney Morning Herald carried a great report about a new Australian government report that undermines the view that industry will be detrimentally affected by carbon emission targets.

Apart from an interesting article there was a great quote in the piece that could be used powerfully to industry and commerce.

Rob Murray-Leach, the Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency Council said:

”Economic purists have been telling us that if there were $100 notes lying around, industry would have already picked them up. This report shows that companies have blind spots – sometimes you have to help them find the $100 notes.”

What a great line, but how true as well.

» Read more: Industry Blind To Money Just Lying There

Energy Efficiency Is The Way Ahead

February 26th, 2010

I have just read a great editorial in Distributed Energy by Elizabeth Cutright.

She highlights how energy efficiency is the way ahead as far as change energy use for environmental, energy security and energy supply reasons.

As she reports – it is what people want to happening compared to new or old forms of power generation. New power stations are needed but the impact of funding into energy efficiency is paramount.

Here is the bulk of the article:

» Read more: Energy Efficiency Is The Way Ahead

U.S. Making Energy Efficiency Sexy

February 3rd, 2010

President Obama encourages energy efficiencyI have just read the news about the latest initiative in the U.S. to encourage states to become more energy efficient and sooner than originally planned – this will help the environment but also the economy as it will lead to financial savings.

This should be great headline grabbing news but it is strange how often “spend, spend, spend” is regarded as sexy while being frugal and saving is regarded as nerdy or introverted.

Fortunately the U.S. is taking a lead in changing what is sexy as far as saving money through energy efficiency is concerned. They have just announced that President Obama’s administration has set up the SEE Action Network (State Energy Efficiency Action Network) to help states achieve maximum cost effective energy efficiency improvements.

» Read more: U.S. Making Energy Efficiency Sexy