I got an offer of accommodation ~30km outside Goulburn near Breadalbane – a bit of a detour but it’s the sister of an ex-CEO of the ATA, so how could I refuse! 😉 A wonderful family atmosphere which just reinforced how much I’m missing mine. They are a farming family (Maryanne, Frank & their children Annabelle, Matthew & Madeleine) and have been doing it tough these past few years with the drought. Fortunately, things look pretty good for this year so I hope things get better for them.
Category: Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency sounds like a really dry topic but, if you think about it, by ignoring the way you use energy, you could be throwing money away!
Domestic electricity use accounts for 42% of all domestic energy consumption but 83% of domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is as a result of our extremely dirty electricity generation using coal especially brown coal in Victoria.
If we can reduce our energy consumption, we stand to save more than just money, we will also reduce our GHG emissions.
I went to Violet Town last night and presented a talk to residents on Energy Efficiency for the Strathbogie Shire on behalf of the ATA. I implemented some of the skills I saw in action last weekend at my training.
It went very well and was well received by the people there ….and NO death by PowerPoint – there are other ways to engage with an audience!
Categories
Energy Efficiency
Why should we do it?
Energy efficiency is the “low hanging fruit” as far as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is concerned. Many studies suggest that a 20-25% reduction in GHG emissions can be achieved by this means alone!
What will it cost?
It generally comes at little or no cost, with behaviour change being the major requirement. Energy efficiency is not a “free lunch” – it’s a lunch you get paid to eat!
How do I get involved? (this is NOT a definitive list) See here
Why pay someone to have a light on in a room that is empty? Switch it off.
Why pay someone for the privilege of having yet another clock display? If it has a clock display and no reason for it eg. microwave; turn it off until you need it.
When you next go to purchase an appliance, check the energy star ratings and go for the highest star rating you can. Even if you pay a little more, your energy savings will make up for the difference in a short period of time.
When will I realise a difference?
The environmental effect is immediate but you will notice when next you get your bill.