Going Green
Why go green?
Increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere bring the risk of global warming – this is known as the Greenhouse Effect. Most of Australia’s electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, releasing millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. Over 50% per cent of Australia’s greenhouse emissions are from burning fuels to provide stationary energy such as electricity.
Burning fossil fuels is not just a greenhouse problem. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable natural resource. And of course, energy costs money. By using less, we save on power bills and delay new power stations, buying time to develop newer, less harmful ways to produce electricity. Saving energy benefits present and future generations.
What is being done?
Appliance manufacturers are improving greenhouse performance. Australia has one of the oldest energy labelling programs in the world. Major appliances, like washing machines and air-conditioners must meet efficiency standards and carry the familiar star labels so we can make informed buying choices. Efficiency programs are expanding to cover other equipment.
Even if you’re not ready to go out and buy a new, more efficient appliance, there are many simple things you can do to reduce energy use to save money and improve your personal “carbon footprint.”
Reduce standby power
Many modern appliances use power even when not in use. Often, they simply “standby”, ready to be activated by a remote control. For many appliances, standby power serves no necessary purpose. It is a good idea to switch those appliances off, with their main on/off switch or at the power point. If you’re away on holidays, unplug appliances that don’t need to operate. You’ll not only save money but the appliances will be protected from electrical surges.
AC adaptors ( “plugpacks”, battery eliminators and chargers) waste standby power and with the proliferation of rechargeable devices like mobile phones, portable digital devices and cordless tools, their use is increasing. It is estimated that as much as 12% of their energy consumption is wasted in standby mode. The message is simple: don’t leave power supplies plugged in and switched on while they aren’t being used.
Improve lighting efficiency
Filament lamps were developed in the 19th century and have not changed significantly in the last 100 years. They waste most of their energy as heat rather than useful light.
Lighting causes about 14% of domestic greenhouse emissions. Australia is aiming to phase-out common, filament lamps by 2010 and improve lighting efficiency with an expected saving of 4 million tonnes of greenhouse emissions.
Modern compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can replace most common household filament lamps. They are readily available, last longer and can reduce energy use by 75%.
| Indicative savings from compact fl uorescent lamps over similar incandescent lamps | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Lamp Rating | Similar CFL | Annual Cost Saving | Annual CO2e Saving | ||||
| 100W | 18/20W | $33 | 177kg | ||||
| 75W | 14/15W | $25 | 133kg | ||||
| 60W | 10/11W | $20 | 106kg | ||||
| 40W | 8/9W | $13 | 69kg | (Based on typical lamp and energy costs, 6 hours daily use and an emission factor of 1.01 kg CO2e/kWH). | |||
Smart lighting tips
- Use CFLs instead of filament lamps. (Note: dimmers can’t be used with common CFLs).
- Turn off unnecessary lights, including fluorescent lamps.
- Don’t leave security lighting on all the time. Use timers or motion-sensitive switches.
- Use “task” lighting, like desk lamps rather than whole room lighting.
- Choose light fittings with reflectors that direct more light to where you need it so you can use lower-power lamps.
- Keep light fittings free of dust. It reduces light.
