Energy Saving - It Goes Beyond Electricity Bills

Since 1991, December 14th has been celebrated as Energy Conservation Day - a trend that has necessarily and inevitably become a part of our day-to-day lives owing to the fact that we now consume more energy than we could possibly hope to sustain. Energy conservation or saving has therefore become a task which not only industry and government has to deal with, but also every domestic household, workspace and people in general. Reducing the use of an energy-consuming service or using energy-efficient alternatives for those services is what time calls for and is a practice that is slowly being adopted throughout the world. Why energy conservation? Increased environmental quality, financial security and the revival of a sustainable society.

While it is true that electricity is the most widely misused energy especially in domestic environments, it is not the only energy use that needs to be made efficient. A lower electricity bill therefore does not indicate energy saving but we can optimise that by ensuring that we follow these practices:

• Sealing cracks and gaps in walls and windows to optimise cooling/heating systems
• Natural lighting and ventilation can help reduce the need of artificial systems
• In hotter months, the use of drapes and shades to reduce the need for air conditioning systems
• Tinted or solar shade windows can help optimise indoor temperature
• Low-energy electric cookware in the long run actually consumes less energy than gas stoves

Using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators at the optimum capacity to reduce cycles and also increase efficiency Using cold water to wash clothes whenever possible

Switching to alternative sources of energy like wind and solar even in raw forms like the drying of clothes or regulation of temperature and humidity

The use of energy-efficient filtration systems which can be picked based on analysis and suggestions from ActiveBuildings, and the regular upkeep and replacement of these filters will not only ensure a safer indoor environment but also one that doesn’t need much energy to maintain

Reduced water consumption especially for personal hygiene and the maintenance of our immediate environment

Green solutions for waste management also impacts the amount of energy required to process it after Furthermore, there are multiple ways in which energy consumption can be optimised even outside the house or workspace. Switching to public transport or carpooling, opting for environment friendly materials for clothing and other essentials, green construction protocols and alternative sources of energy to create zero-energy buildings, reduced usage of services that exploit energy like delivery services, etc.

Energy efficiency isn’t a compromise on the quality of life, but a constant effort to make sure it is better, peaceful and more sustainable for us and for generations to come.