The Smart Consumer Guide 2015 by BeCreative

CONTENTS

Energy proof your home and make big savings

Want to keep your household bills under control? Tom Halpin of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers some advice

The smart kitchen

By making a few small changes, you can save money and the environment

10 things you didn’t know about energy in the home

Save energy every day with Bosch VarioPerfectTM technology.

Always check the label Upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient models can lead to real savings. Energy labels are here to guide you

GOING

It’s time to think about the environment

green

Switch off

You can save 20 per cent of your appliances’ energy use by switching it from standby to off. We outline why you should banish the little red light

Energy kids

Inspiring the next generation

What’s your carbon number?

Did you know that the average European is responsible for emissions of almost 10 tons of carbon dioxide? We take a look at where Ireland ranks in terms of emissions and what you can do to lower your carbon footprint

A Becreative Editorial Production www.becreative.ie Editor: Mark Corcoran Subeditors: Tara Leigh, Eric Davidson Advertising: Cliona Carroll, 01 7055419 Design: INM Design Studio Repro: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

rom heat to electricity, we depend on energy for most everything. In fact, every year we use more and more of it. However, there are lots of ways we can use energy more efficiently. And, with water charges on the horizon (and the possibility that in future years we will have to pay for the amounts we use), there has never been a better time to be mindful of our energy

consumption. As this guide will demonstrate, there are a plethora of ways to save energy and money around the home. But there are more reasons to care than just the bottom line of your energy bill. Wasting energy isn’t good for the environment. Most of the energy sources we depend on, like coal and natural gas, can’t be replaced – as the slogan goes; when they’re gone, they’re gone. Conserving energy around the

home can have a positive impact on the environment. Caring for the environment doesn’t require you to become an environmental activist, it just means you know more about the environment and have the ability to make more eco-conscious decisions.

environment with contaminants and toxins it can have a harmful impact on our health. Air pollution can cause respiratory diseases and cancer due to the inhalation of all the harmful chemicals. Water pollution can lead to typhoid and diarrheal diseases, due to the intake of bacteria and parasites.

Here are a few reasons why you should care

Think of the children

A clean environment is essential for our health When we pollute our

What type of world would you like to leave for your future family? Most people love being outside,

The Smart Consumer Guide Irish Independent I 18 February 2015

How you can become energy savvy WATER

WASHING

(Washing hands – 6 litres) You can save water by filling the sink, rather than letting the water run.

(Heating water – 90%) 90% of the energy consumption of washing machines goes on heating the water. Why not wash clothes in cold or cool water?

(Toilet flush – 9 litres) By installing a dual flush toilet or a water saving device you can reduce consumption to 6 litres.

LIGHTING (Bulb – 15 times) CFL bulbs use 80% less electricity and lasts 15 times longer than an ordinary bulb. (Paint – 80%) Paint the surfaces of rooms, including ceilings, with colours of high reflectance to maximise the day lighting opportunities (and also the effectiveness of artificial light). Light colours can reflect up to 80% of incident light while deep / dark colours might reflect less than 10% of this light.

APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICS (Standby – 60%) Standby can use as much as 10%-60%of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on. Also don’t forget to turn your computer monitor off, as it too wastes electricity if left on. (Fridge/freezer – 25%) Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the condenser coils at the back or underneath your fridge or freezer, as thick dust can reduce their efficiency by up to 25%. (Electric ovens – 20%) Try not to open the door of the oven as you lose 20% of the heat every time you do!

HEATING

INSULATION

(Thermostat – 10%) Turning down thermostats by 1°C can reduce annual space heating energy consumption by 10% with an equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

(Attic insulation – 20%) Insulate your attic well and save up to 20% on your home heating bill. If your attic insulation is currently less than 200 mm, then you should add further layers.

(Heating system – 20%) Proper control and regular maintenance of your heating system can reduce fuel consumption by 10-20%.

breathing the fresh air, and enjoying the sun on their skin. Now imagine your children, or grandchildren, or even greatgrandchildren not being able to do the same because the environment has been destroyed.

Running low The Earth has a finite amount of non-renewable resources; this means that once we use them up, they will no longer exist. Metals such as nickel, iron, and copper will likely be mined-out within the

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DOESN’T REQUIRE YOU TO BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST, IT JUST MEANS YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE MORE ECO-CONSCIOUS DECISIONS.

next 100 years if mining continues at its current rate. Studies have recently shown that the world could run out of oil completely within the next 50 years. It is up to us now to find renewable sources of energy and innovations to save what little non-renewable resources we have left.

Biodiversity and ecosystems When people talk about biodiversity they are talking about the variety of plants, animals, and other organisms in a particular

area. Biodiversity helps keep balance in species and ecosystems. Humans are responsible for the largest threat of destruction for species and ecosystems. For example, tropical forests contain more than 50 per cent of the entire world’s biodiversity, and because of deforestation they have been reduced by 80-90 per cent. Each species on Earth serves a special purpose in their ecosystem and the planet as a whole. Protecting the environment helps prevent the destruction of habitats and species.

The Smart Consumer Guide 03 18 February 2015 I Irish Independent

Energy proof

your home and make

big savings Want to keep your household bills under control? Tom Halpin of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers some advice The cold snap we experienced over the last few months may be making you concerned about your upcoming heating bills. The good news is that, according to Tom Halpin there are a number of steps you can take to both improve the energy efficiency of your home and save money. “You can always start by breaking a few bad habits which may not make a huge difference on your next bill, but you will reap some benefits over time. For example a large proportion of the population leave their electrical appliances plugged in or on standby when not in use. “But if you want to start really reducing your energy bills it’s time to start a new habit. It’s a great idea to get into the habit of setting your heating system timer to come on 30 minutes before you get up in the morning and to power off an hour before you go to bed in the evening. Your home will still be plenty comfortable but doing something as simple as this is likely to save you up to €100 a year.” If you want to make greater savings, there are other measures you can take to reduce your home’s energy consumption. While these will initially require some investment, they should pay for themselves over a relatively short period of time. Two ways of doing this are to upgrade your heating system and insulate your property well. “While most homes do have insulation in their roof they often do not have an adequate depth of insulation” says Tom. “This can cause excess heat to escape through the top of the house. I recommend that people have a depth of 300mm / 12inches

of insulation in their attic. By insulating your attic correctly you could save as much as €200 per year. There are also a number of options available for insulating your walls depending on your wall type and your budget” A good way to offset the costs associated with more expensive projects is to avail of one of the grants offered by the SEAI. “You can get grants for a number of improvements such as insulating your walls and attic, installing a new high efficiency boiler and controls, or introducing solar heating into the home. “Inefficient heating systems can tend to be the biggest energy drain for most households,” says Tom. “The reason is simply that older oil or gas boilers tend to operate at around 70 per cent maximum efficiency. By upgrading your boiler you can achieve efficiencies well above 90 per cent. Good heating controls will make sure that the heating is on when and where it is needed and at the right comfort level.

INEFFICIENT HEATING SYSTEMS CAN TEND TO BE THE BIGGEST ENERGY DRAIN FOR MOST HOUSEHOLDS. THE REASON IS SIMPLY THAT OLDER OIL OR GAS BOILERS TEND TO OPERATE AT AROUND 70 PER CENT MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY. BY UPGRADING YOUR BOILER YOU CAN ACHIEVE EFFICIENCIES WELL ABOVE 90 PER CENT.

When upgrading your existing oil or gas boiler you may qualify for a grant of €560 under the SEAI’s Better Energy Homes scheme.” It is important to note that one of the conditions of obtaining a grant from the SEAI is that you get a Building Energy Rating (BER) cert after you’ve upgraded your home. The BER gives an indication of the energy performance of a property utilising a ranking system from A1 to G, with A1 being the most energy efficient and G being the least. A BER cert will set you back €150 but you can apply for a grant of €50 towards the cost of the cert. It is estimated that the average

home loses 20 per cent of its heat through the windows. Over the years the technology of double glazing windows has improved dramatically and led to the development of highly energy efficient windows and doors. By upgrading your windows from single to double or triple glazing you not only keep the draught out but reduce your heating bills by dramatically reducing the heatloss through the glass. To find out more about the grants available or the savings you can make by upgrading the energy efficiency of your home log onto www.seai.ie or call 1850-927000

The Smart Consumer Guide Irish Independent I 18 February 2015

he kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the room where you cook and consume your food, and converse with family and friends. However, it also uses more energy than any other room in your house. Below we take a look at the ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your kitchen. Not only will these tips help you to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your health but you can also save money too.

Beat boiler costs The average Irish household spends approximately €2,700 on fuel, with boilers often accounting for up to half of their total fuel bill. The good news is that it is estimated that by getting your boiler serviced regularly you could save up to €150 annually on energy costs. And by replacing your current low efficiency boiler with a new high efficiency one you could cut your bills by 25 per cent.

Dial down the temperature After central heating, the fridge is the biggest drain on a household’s energy because it is switched on all the time. A good tip is to not keep your fridge too cold. Five degrees centigrade is thought to be the ideal temperature. If you set the temperature any lower, you are wasting energy.

The

smart kitchen By making a few small changes, you can save money and the environment

Defrost regularly Did you know that when frost builds up in your fridge or freezer, they will need more energy to run appropriately? To combat this it is recommended that you defrost your fridge and freezer every six months.

Clever cooking When cooking in an oven avoid opening the door. As much as 20 per cent of the heat from the oven escapes every time you do. And always cook on the top rack of the oven. By keeping your food closer to the heating element you can cut your cooking time by 20 per cent. It is also a good idea to cook more than one dish at a time. Fill up your oven with a number of dishes that can be frozen and consumed at another time.

Put a lid on it When cooking on a hob or a stove, always cover your pots and pans with lids. This way they will heat better and actually cook the food faster. Better still use a tiered

steamer, it can enable you to cook your entire meal on one hob ring.

Don’t waste water when you wash up Research carried out by Christian Paul Richter between 2007 and 2008 on 200 households discovered that those with a dishwasher used an average of 28 per cent less energy and 50 per cent less water than households that didn’t have one. It is worth noting that this only holds true for households that only turn on the dishwasher when

fully loaded. It is also a good idea to use the ‘eco-setting’ on your dishwasher if you have one as this uses less power to heat the water.

Upgrade your appliances All major kitchen appliance products now have labels that rate them according to how efficiently they work – this includes dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens and microwaves. By replacing

your current appliance with a more energy efficient model you could reduce your energy consumption significantly. For example, a modern fridge uses 40 to 60 per cent less energy than models sold before 2000. By replacing your old model with a new one you will save money on energy costs. Similarly, most people are unaware that the energy and

water usage of washing machines vary greatly across models. Some washing machines will use six litres of water per kg while others use 14 litres of water per kg. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, water conserving appliances can save 20 to 30 per cent water, and with impending water charges there is no better time to make that upgrade.

The Smart Consumer Guide Irish Independent I 18 February 2015

10 THINGS

you didn’t know about energy in the home

WHICH SAVES MORE WATER – HAND WASHING OR A MODERN DISHWASHER? WE BUST THE MYTHS AND GIVE YOU THE FACTS

Did you know that just 10 per cent of energy in a regular light bulb is used to create light? Ninety per cent of a light bulb’s energy simply creates heat! Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), however, use approximately 80 per cent less electricity than conventional light bulbs. They can also last up to 12 times longer! A hot water tap that leaks one drop of water per second can add up to a whopping 620 litres of water over the course of a month. That’s more water than the average person uses in two weeks! By fixing leaky faucets you can save an inordinate amount of water, and money. Believe it or not, the most energy efficient appliance in your kitchen is your microwave! Many microwaves use just one third of the wattage of most ovens. Curtains are not only great for making a room look cosy and homely, they can also help save energy.

During the colder months open your curtains during the day to let sunlight spill in. Natural sunlight coming through a window will heat the room, and can help reduce expensive winter heating bills. When the sun sets close the curtains and they will reduce the amount of heat that escapes. An energy efficient washing machine can save more water in a year than one person drinks in an entire lifetime! They can also save up to 50 per cent more energy than older models. TOP TIP: a warm wash doesn’t clean your clothes any better than a cold wash, and it uses a lot more energy! From farm to plate, the most energy consuming part of the food chain is the kitchen! More energy is used to refrigerate and cook food than is used to produce it in the first place. That’s why choosing energy efficient appliances is so important, not only for your pocket but also for the environment.

Does washing your dishes by hand use less water than a dishwasher? The simple answer is, no! A modern dishwasher uses about 22 litres less of hot water than washing by hand. That’s a massive 7570 litres less a year, and it’s one less chore! It’s important to close the fridge quickly after use, as every time you open it up to 30 per cent of the cold air can escape. Leaving the refrigerator door open can lead to frost as well as large bills accumulating. It’s a well-known fact that showers are much more energy efficient than baths, but just how much energy do you save? It can take just under 95 litres of hot water to fill the bathtub, whereas a quick shower may only use 25 litres! That’s a big saving over the course of a year. Approximately 30 per cent of energy used in buildings is done so inefficiently. This huge amount of unnecessary

10.

energy waste builds up costing the owner money as well as damaging the environment. For families trying to reduce their household bills being energy efficient is one of the easiest, more affordable and most effective ways. By investing in upgrading your home

families can significantly reduce household expenses. In many cases energy bills are cut by up to 30 per cent! By being kinder to the environment you can also be assured you’re making a difference. When being energy efficient, everyone wins!

The Smart Consumer Guide 07 18 February 2015 I Irish Independent

s you wander around your local hardware and appliance showroom, you will notice that many of the products display a colourful label. These tags are designed to help you make an informed choice when buying an appliance. Without such labels you might not be able to effectively compare appliances and judge which is more energy efficient and better for the environment. Energy labelling of appliances first came into existence in Ireland in 1995, under EU legislation. The legislation currently covers washers, dryers, washer dryers, fridges, freezers, fridge-freezers, dishwashers, ovens and air conditioners as well as lighting. The labels have been good news for all. “Energy ratings are a great guide for consumers,” says Alex Lucas, Category Manager, Bosch. “They detail how much energy an appliance will consume over a year and measurements are based on EU standards. They allow consumers to compare the energy efficiency of available appliances. Lower energy consumption will result in lower running costs.”

The system also encourages manufacturers to make appliances increasingly energy efficient. The label helps consumers to make a more informed choice when buying an appliance by allowing them to compare how efficient each device is in their use of energy. Purchasing the most energy efficient appliance will save you money on your energy bills and will be less harmful to the environment in the long run. The more we choose energy efficient products, the more manufacturers will have to make energy efficient appliances – this gives us power as consumers to make changes happen.

How does it work? All appliances on display in shops must be labelled with an energy rating. This label indicates energy consumption and are rated

from A-G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. In order to keep up with energy efficiency developments and innovations, the EU introduced updated energy labels and ratings. New A+, A++ and A+++ energy ratings for fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers were launched in December 2011. Can real savings be made? The answer is clearly yes. “Home Appliances represent approximately 40 per cent of an average household’s energy consumption,” says Lucas. “Selecting the most energy efficient appliances can therefore have a significant effect in reducing household energy bills.” An ‘A’ rated appliance will use about 55 per cent of the electricity of a similarly sized appliance with a ‘D’ rating. For example, by purchasing an ‘A’ rated fridge

instead of a ‘C’ rated one, each household could save €14 per annum or collectively €18m nationally, with CO2 savings of over 85,000 tonnes annually. “Cooling appliances for example are switched on 24 hours a day. Selecting a more energy efficient model can therefore have a significant impact on a household’s energy consumption and reduce energy bills.” But what exactly does an energy label tell you about a particular item? Energy ratings aren’t comparable across different products, because each is calculated using a specific test defined by the EU and appropriate to that appliance. “Laundry, dishwashing and cooling appliances are rated from A+++, the most efficient, to D

the least efficient,” says Lucas. “Consumers should therefore be aware that an A rated appliance will not necessarily be the most efficient available (A+, A++ and A+++ rated would be more efficient). “The energy label will also give the consumer additional information relevant to the appliance such as water consumption, capacity and noise levels.” An EU energy label can give you a good at-a-glance evaluation of how energy efficient a product is. But using it to decipher which product is the most energy efficient on the market takes a little more work. If you are comparing two A-rated appliances, look more closely at the energy consumption

Always

check the label

UPGRADING YOUR APPLIANCES TO ENERGYEFFICIENT MODELS CAN LEAD TO REAL SAVINGS. ENERGY LABELS ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU 10

The Smart Consumer Guide Irish Independent I 18 February 2015

calculation data found on the label to find which of the two uses the least electricity. Some of the detail found within the label itself can be handy – such as washing machine capacity or noise – if you go equipped with a rough idea of what’s good, bad and average. Consumers should keep in mind that Energy Rating criteria differs depending on the appliance. “EU legislation is regularly updated,” says Lucas. “For example, retailers can no longer sell cooling appliances that have an energy rating of less than A+. Therefore, in the case of cooling appliances, an A+ rated appliance will be the least efficient you can buy (with A++ and A+++ rated appliances available).”

Understanding your appliance While the criteria on an Energy Rating label differs depending on the appliance you are looking at, all of the information on the label is there to ensure consumers make and informed choice before purchasing their product. It is important to study the label carefully All European manufacturers and retailers must tell you about the energy efficiency of household electrical appliances such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and vacuum cleaners. One of the main aims of the EU Energy Label is to help householders make informed decisions about the purchase of energy-consuming appliances. The label provides clear and easily recognisable information about the energy consumption and performance of products and must be attached visibly to new appliances displayed for sale. Below is an example of the information you would find on a vacuum cleaner’s energy label

1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS

The coloured bars on the label show the energy efficiency of the product. An ‘A’ means it’s the most energy efficient, with each subsequent letter being less energy efficient until we get to ‘G’ which is the least. However – you can get an A-rating by simply reducing the amount of power the vacuum uses. An A model might not clean as effectively as some others.

2. AVERAGE ANNUAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

This calculation is based on an average household with 87 sq m who vacuum about once a week. The real figure for your house will depend upon its size and how often you vacuum.

3. DUST RE-EMISSION CLASS

Dust re-emission class tells you how clean the exhaust air is. Exhaust air comes out of the appliance and is measured by the number of particles found in it. The type and quality of the filter, along with how well the vacuum is sealed, will determine how clean the exhaust air is. Clean exhaust air is important for people with allergies.

4. SOUND POWER LEVEL

Looking for the quietest option? This panel shows how noisy the vacuum cleaner is. The sound level is given in decibels. If the level is below 70dB, you’ll still clearly hear music, a mobile or a baby calling. The average vacuum cleaner is 78dB.

5. CARPET CLEANING PERFORMANCE CLASS

This is measured in percentage dust pick-up on a standard test carpet. The vacuums that pick up the most dust will be rated here as ‘A’. High dust pick-up reduces allergies and sucks up dirt which is deep down in the carpet. For a clean and hygienic carpet, choose C or above.

6. HARD FLOOR CLEANING PERFORMANCE CLASS

This is measured in dust pick-up and describes the amount of dust that is removed from a standard crevice filled with dust. The better the cleaning performance, the faster you can clean dirt out of crevices like tiles and wooden floors. It is best to choose C or above.

The Smart Consumer Guide 18 February 2015 I Irish Independent

Switch

off

You can save 20 per cent of your appliances’ energy use by switching it from standby to off. We outline why you should banish the little red light

tandby power is electricity used by appliances and entertainment devices while they are switched off and not performing their primary function. This power is used when the appliance uses electricity needed to receive a remote signal or to display a status light. In many cases this standby power is installed for convenience, but how useful is it in the long run? It may be hard to believe but did you know that the average microwave oven consumes more electricity powering its display clock than it does heating food? Heating food consumes in excess of 100 times more STANDBY FACT energy than If the whole country reduced running the consumption of standby power the digital by switching off appliances like clock, microwaves, televisions and computers however we would collectively save a whopping a typical €40 million a year! It would also save microwave around 186,000 tonnes of C02. That stands could be a significant helping hand idle around to Ireland’s environment. 99 per cent of the time. from televisions This means the to computers standby mode eats and stereos to DVD more electricity than players consume a lot of the energy used to cook your energy when they are sitting idle food! and unused. And it’s not just the microwave, your house is filled with Figures don’t lie appliances and devices that spend On average, 75 per cent of a large majority of their time the electricity used to power on standby mode. Everything appliances and devices in the

the electricity needed to power it while it is on.

home is used up while the product is “turned off”. For example, the average laptop uses 20 watts of electricity when on standby and a typical desktop computer uses 80 watts. Some games consoles use up to 200 watts of electricity when on standby, that’s nearly as much as when they’re in use! A television left on standby still uses about 20 per cent of

What can you do? The little red light can be a real pain to deal with. Remembering to tackle it isn’t easy, but by knowing how to change you can significiantly reduce your standby usage. Here are some handy tips to help! n For devices that you don’t frequently use make sure they are unplugged. If you have a television in the spare room, or a DVD player that has been ousted by your smart TV, make sure to pull the plug. You can always rig them back up if you have guests or you fancy watching a movie from your old collection! n Don’t forget, everything can be turned off. When your WIFI router or cordless telephone

isn’t in use, switch it off! n Invest in a wattmeter. You can use this to gauge just how much certain appliances drain when not in full use. You might be surprised at just how energy zapping certain appliances in your home can be, and this can help remind you which device needs to be shut off. n Use a multiple socket power adapter with a switch for all your home entertainment system. With the stereo, TV, DVD player and satellite box all plugged into the same place you can easily switch them all off when they’re not in use. n When shopping for new appliances and devices make sure to search for low standby products. Many low standby devices use a single watt of electricity or less, and this significantly reduces bills.

The Smart Consumer Guide Irish Independent I 18 February 2015

Classroom savvy You’re in school for the best part of 15 years, so what better place to start practicing good energy habits than there? With so many students attending school every day, energy efficiency in the classroom can have a big effect on the environment. Here are some handy tips for teachers and students a like! n At the end of each day make sure all windows are closed. This along with drawing the curtains or lowering the blinds will help keep classrooms warm during the winter months. n A well-lit class really helps with concentration, however some bulbs are not energy efficient. Replacing older bulbs with CFL’s makes a huge difference to energy consumption in the classroom. n When there is enough sun trickling into the class try and switch off unneeded lights. Lights near the window in particular can be off for much of the day. n When leaving the computer room, even for a short while, make sure the desktop monitors are powered off. It will save electricity as well as the longevity of the screen. n Many computers have power saver options that include sleep mode for when they are left on by accident. It is always best to make sure computers are turned off at the end of the day, especially at weekends.

Energy

kids

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

f a child develops good energy efficiency habits at a young age those habits will stick with them for life. This means they will help diminish environmental damage for their own kids and also save money on future bills. Ok little ones, here are some simple tips to help get on the environment’s good side!

STANDBY TO SWITCH OFF When you’re leaving a room make sure you turn the light switch off. A bright room with no one in it is a waste of electricity! Also when you’re finished with your Playstation, Xbox, computer or TV make sure it’s completely powered off. The little red light is not your friend!

THINK WHILE YOU BRUSH Turning off the tap while you brush your pearly whites can save

up to 750 litres of water a month!

BORN IN A BARN? When you leave or enter a room during the colder months make sure you close the door behind you. It will make you nice and toasty while also keeping the heating bills down!

PLUG OUT TO SAVE

n In staff rooms, common rooms and home economics classrooms make sure to use kettles, dishwashers and other appliances with an A energy rating. A-rated appliances are much less harmful to the environment. With these little steps you can help make your school more energy efficient and even apply for Green Flag to show off how environmentally conscious you are!

Energy Wordsearch o

A fully charged mobile phone or a fully charged laptop use about 60 per cent of the power it consumed while charging if left plugged in. This is not only bad for your device’s battery life, but it is also a waste of electricity.

SCRUB WISELY

Taking a short shower on average uses 25 litres of water, whereas a bath can use up to 95 litres. It’s much more efficient to have a quick shower!

Electricity, switch, heating, bulb, light, boiler, window, water, standby, fuel

The Smart Consumer Guide 18 February 2015 I Irish Independent

What’s your carbon number? Did you know that the average European is responsible for emissions of almost 10 tons of carbon dioxide? Below we take a look at where Ireland ranks in terms of emissions and what you can do to lower your carbon footprint

aking a detailed look at Ireland’s total emissions may yield surprising results. Ireland ranks 69th in the world, and eight in Europe, in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide it emits. What may not come as a surprise is that China is the world leader in total emissions, and has been for the past eight years. However, in reality, this tells you very little – just that China is a highly populated country. A far more useful tool would be to look at the carbon emissions per capita or per person. This paints a completely different picture. Under this measurement, the average Chinese citizen emits 6.3 tons, whereas the average Irish person is responsible for emitting a whopping 8.8 tons. Your carbon footprint is the

amount of greenhouse emissions you produce on a daily basis. In 2007 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that climate change is happening as a direct result of human activity. The way we heat our water, use electrical equipment and the way we drive our cars is all contributing to global warming. It is estimated that the majority of people can reduce their carbon footprint by 20 per cent by changing their habits and being more environmentally mindful. Are you guilty of emitting more emissions than necessary? We’ve compiled a list of easy ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.

REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF YOUR CAR n Leave the car at home – Cars are responsible for

approximately 12 per cent of total EU emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). So where possible, walk or ride your bike as these activities do not produce any carbon emissions.

n Upgrade to a fuel efficient car – While electric cars still have a carbon footprint (because they’re usually charged with electricity created by the burning of fossil fuels) their MPG equivalents are typically much higher than conventional and hybrid cars. n Ready, set, go – It may be tempting, but on cold mornings don’t turn on the engine to heat the car. Not only does this waste fuel but it leads to rapid engine wear. n Tyre pressures – Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by as much as 3 per cent. n Turn off the engine – Stuck in

traffic? Switch off the engine to save fuel and reduce emissions.

REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF YOUR HOME n Eat less meat – Compared to meat eaters vegetarians save approximately 3,000 pounds of CO2 per year. Increasing the number of non-meat dishes you eat by one or two a week can make a big difference. n Waste not, want not – In Ireland, over one million tonnes of food waste is generated annually. This waste produces methane in landfills as well as carbon emissions from transporting the wasted food. By only buying what you will consume, you can make a big difference to the environment. n Stop draughts – An inadequately insulated home is liable to heat escaping through the roof, walls, ceilings and floors. Apart from increasing your bills, home heating can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Insulating the attic, walls and

The Smart Consumer Guide Irish Independent I 18 February 2015

Carbon Calculator

Take a look at our handy chart to see how much energy you can save by being more energy conscious. In our grid, household one’s carbon emissions represent a home that isn’t taking responsibility for their carbon footprint, while household two is taking every precaution to reduce their CO2 emissions. Household 1

Household 2

Mains Gas

Green

HEAT What fuel is used to heat your house? Have you made improvements to your home?

Yes (walls insulated, thermal glazing)

Very warm

Comfortable

Yes

Switch off heating at night and when you are not at home

Power shower

Once daily

Less than once daily

Yes

Do you have low energy lightbulbs?

Yes

Do you regularly use a tumble-dryer?

Yes

How long is your work/bus commute (in miles)

How do you get there?

Car

Bus

1.3-1.8litre

n/a

Yes

Most meals

Never

Every day

Ready-made

Made fresh

None

Most

Yes

How warm do you keep your house? Do you heat all of the rooms in your home all of the time? WATER How do you usually wash yourself? How often do you wash? Do you have solar water heating? POWER Do you use green electricity? upgrading windows is a good place to start. Another top tip is to place aluminium foil behind radiators. This will reflect the heat back into the room, instead of it escaping through the walls. n Put the kettle on – Most Irish families love sitting down to a cuppa but overfilling the kettle can be bad for the environment. When making tea, be sure to only boil the amount of water you need.

necessary – A piece of paper

n Location, location, location – Did you know that where you put your fridge can impact your home’s carbon footprint? Placing it against an outside wall will make the energy generated escape easier. n Switch off – Turn off the lights when you leave a room. It may sound simple but a study at Boston University discovered that if everyone at the university turned off one light for an hour a day over the course of a year, the energy equivalent of removing 97 cars from the road for a year could be saved. n Shop locally – Purchasing foods that are both in season and grown locally can drastically cut down the carbon emissions of the vehicles used to transport the food across the country.

REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF YOUR OFFICE n Only print if it’s absolutely

releases 0.03 pounds of CO2. So consider saving a file on your computer, emailing it, or print on both sides of the paper. Choose a laptop – Did you know that laptops can be as much as 80 per cent more energy efficient than a desktop. Dim your screen – Monitors account for approximately a third of the energy used by a computer so by dimming the brightness of your screen during the day you can save power. Say no to screensavers – They may look nice but when screensavers are triggered they can keep the monitor active. Power down – It’s a myth that it takes more energy to turn a computer on and off than to keep it running. So shut it down when your work day is over. Take the stairs – If you take the lift four times a day – to and from work, and up and down to lunch – you are producing 0.3-0.6 CO2. Put simply, an elevator consumes electricity, you don’t.

n Avoid the office completely – Getting to the office burns fuel. Your computer, the lights and your phone use precious resources. By letting your staff work from home one day a week you can save money on running costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

TRAVEL

The size of the car Do you do any additional driving during the week (in miles) Do you regularly use a bike or walk for shorter trips? FOOD How often do you eat meat or fish not from your local area? How often do you eat dairy products or eggs? Most of your meals are How much of your food is organic? Is your food waste composted? RESULTS

Source of emissions – measured in tonnes of CO2 per year Heating your home

1.10

0.39

Heating your water

0.83

0.35

Powering your home

0.54

0.16

Total emissions from your home

2.48

0.90

Total emissions from transport:

0.75

0.13

Total emissions from food:

7.84

0.17

Your Total Direct Emissions:

11.07

1.20

Your Total Annual Emissions of Carbon Dioxide:

14.98

3.48

The Smart Consumer Guide 18 February 2015 I Irish Independent