Why save energy?

Energy use is one of the most important environmental issues facing society, and housing is responsible for around 30%  of the UK?s total energy consumption.

Without continuing supplies of energy we cannot maintain our current lifestyles.  However, the fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) from which we generate most of our energy are finite, and extracting and burning them releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), one of the principal ?greenhouse gases? which are thought to be responsible for global warming, acid rain and smog. 

More extreme weather conditions, including storms, flooding and droughts, are expected as a result of this climate change.  To stop temperatures rising any more, global greenhouse emissions need to be cut by 60% by 2050. 

At a global, national and local level, Britain is committed to reducing these emissions.  Under the Kyoto Protocol, Britain must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, including CO₂, to 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2012.  The government has set a higher target of 20% reduction by 2012.

The Energy White Paper  proposes a 60% reduction (of 1990 levels) in UK CO₂ emissions by 2050.

Housing consumes energy through the use of heating, cooking, lighting and appliances during the occupancy of the building (?energy in use?), and through the manufacture, transport and disposal of the products and materials involved in construction (?embodied energy?).  However, over 90% of energy consumed by housing is ?energy in use? .

The following shows the energy use of a typical household:

Space heating  57%
Water heating  25%
Cooking     5%
Lights and appliances 13%

Energy efficient homes minimise the amount of energy  needed to maintain a comfortable temperature,  with the added benefit of lower fuel bills.  Property that has been refurbished to a high standard of energy efficiency and fuel efficiency is more marketable.  Adequate heating and ventilation can help reduce the risk of condensation and the resulting mould growth, which in turn reduces the cost of maintenance.

Green Street sets out the opportunities and solutions for reducing energy use in each of these areas, and will also consider energy savings through appliances, fuel choice and the use of renewable energy.

For further information:

Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
www.rcep.org.uk/pdf/chp2.pdf ? Cause and Effect of climate change

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
www.ipcc.ch/

The Government's Energy White Paper 2003

 

See also the information about 'Warmth' in Health & Well Being