What is energy efficiency?
Often, we think that if a task is completed in less time or at minimum cost, it is efficient. But efficiency is not always about speed and cost. In fact, in every situation, efficiency should be considered differently.
Efficiency can be measured in terms of quantity as well as quality. Quantitative efficiency is based on mathematically determinable measurements, while qualitative is – on process characteristics and sustainability.
Work efficiency is also known as productivity. It is a result achieved over a period of time. For example, one worker can move 1,000 bricks by hand from point A to point B in one hour. If the same worker takes a wheelbarrow, the worker will be able to move 5,000 bricks in one hour. In this case, efficiency is measured quantitatively. If we think one step further, perhaps, we can replace manual work with machine work, thus, more bricks will be transported per hour and the worker can be employed elsewhere, saving the worker’s health, and improving the quality of life. If we improve the worker's quality of life, perhaps, the worker will be more loyal to the company, demonstrate more initiative and be more diligent. In this case, efficiency will also be measured by qualitative indicators.
Nowadays, people think about efficiency from different positions, i.e., individually, from the point of view of each person and single-family, personal goals, needs, and values, as well as from the point of view of the state and business. In each of these cases, the measures of effectiveness will be different, but the goals are often common. For example, every person uses energy resources such as heat, water, and electricity in their daily life. Guided by one's capabilities and needs, budget, goals, and values, one chooses how much these energy resources are used and how. It should be noted that each person's understanding of the efficient use of energy resources might differ, e.g., for one person, it will be an opportunity to pay as little as possible for electricity, while for another person, convenience will be important, while for the third person, care for the environment will come first.
Where do you use energy daily?
Energy resources are used every day – both at home and outside. People need heat, water, and electricity. Energy is all around us; it is in the fridge, dishwasher, oven, TV, mobile phone, radiators, car, and public transport. Even while people are eating lunch and relaxing, energy surrounds them. Energy is our everyday life at every step! Energy is where you need it and when.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the energy ran out?
Every year we use more energy than the previous year. Energy consumption doubles every 20 years, and much of it is wasted by using too much or not using it wisely. Energy does not come for free.
Wasting energy equals wasting money, and we know that is not a good thing! Wasting energy is also very harmful to the environment because a large part of the energy resources used in the energy production process causes environmental pollution. Many of the energy sources we depend on cannot be replaced – once we have used them, they will be gone forever.
To have enough energy for us and future generations, without causing pollution, we are using new ways of obtaining energy, such as wind and sun, more and more. However, it is not happening fast enough to obtain the energy in an environmentally friendly way, so that resources do not run out; therefore, everyone should think about energy efficiency and introduce new habits in their everyday life.
Climate change
Climate change is a change in the weather over a long period in a certain area. The change can occur in a natural way, which can be observed cyclically throughout the history of the development of the Earth, or as a result of human management.
Climate change is caused by a variety of factors that result in long-term deviations in the climate system. More than 97% of climate scientists agree and confirm that climate change is mostly a human-caused process, based on the excessive concentrations of greenhouse gases (CO2, etc.) in the atmosphere.
What is energy efficiency?
Saving electricity is one of the most popular answers to the question of what energy efficiency is. But – how can we save the greatest amount of energy? By simply not using it and giving up all the comforts that are in our home. But nobody wants that nowadays, so in a broader sense, energy efficiency is the efficient use of energy without losing the usual level of comfort. It means the judicious use of electricity, water, and heat. For example, turn off the lights in rooms where you are not close to the tap when brushing your teeth, as well as change the operating modes of various electrical appliances.
Everyone, regardless of age, occupation, income, or other factors can become energy efficient.
It has been proven that by improving the habits of using energy resources, it is possible to reduce the total electricity consumption of the house by at least 10%. You just have to start with a change in your daily habits or behaviour!
- Review your habits by consciously following your actions instead of doing them automatically. For example, record how much water is poured into the kettle, whether the tap is turned off when washing a burnt pot, or whether the refrigerator door is opened too often.
- Evaluate which of these habits must be changed to reduce the consumption of electricity, water and heat.
- Start consciously and regularly practising effective action. In no time, it will turn into new habits that will provide significant savings in the long run.
- Place small reminders that will not allow you to forget the effective action.
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