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Although we are starting to use sources like water, the sun and wind to get energy, non-renewable fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are still used to supply more than 90% of the world¡¯s energy.
Burning fossil fuels is the single largest source of greenhouse gases. The release of enormous quantities of these gases results in global warming and climate change, which increasingly puts us, and future generations at risk.
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Whether your motivation for conserving energy in your home is to save your hard earned money or to reduce your impact on the environment − it just makes good sense. |
How Energy Wise Are You?
Take the Energy Quiz |
Several recently completed energy-efficiency initiatives will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These projects include:
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Upgrading of HVAC systems at the Civic Complex, the Recreation Complex and the West Shore Community Centre
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Installation of automated control systems and a green roof at the Recreation Complex
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Relamping projects at the Civic Complex and East Shore Community Centre
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Upgrades to the boiler and fuel switch at Greenwood Library
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Upgrades to the building envelope and HVAC system at Dunbarton Pool
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Retrofitting of all arena ice resurfacers with catalytic converters
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Relamping of all traffic lights to high-efficiency LEDs (light-emitting diodes)
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Replacement of inefficient City vehicles with hybrid vehicles
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Developing an energy-conserving procurement policy
The City has at least 11 energy conservation initiatives planned for 2010 including:
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Installing a green roof at the Don Beer arena
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Carrying out 7 HVAC upgrade projects at the Don Beer arena, the Recreation Complex and the Civic Complex
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Upgrading the building envelope at East Shore and West Shore Community Centres
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Retrofitting riding lawn mowers and snow removal vehicles with catalytic converters
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Turn off lights and appliances at home and work when they are not in use
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Use cold water wash for laundry
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Tune up and turn down your water heater
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Dispose of your old inefficient refrigerator via the Great Refrigerator Roundup and replace it with a high-efficiency model
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Place computer and entertainment systems on power bars and then shut them off when not in use to reduce the loss of "phantom power¡±
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Change light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs or LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs
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Install a timer for outdoor lights, block heaters, pools and hot tubs
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Install a programmable thermostat and dispose of the old one properly though the Switch the ¡®Stat program
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Run the dishwasher only when it¡¯s full and after 8:00 pm
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Maintain your heating and central air conditioning year round
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During the day in the summer, keep your curtains closed to help save on cooling costs
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Talk to your family, co-workers and friends about what you are doing to save energy
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To save an extra 5% off your energy bill, keep the air conditioner no lower than 24¢ªC / 75¢ªF. Another easy and inexpensive way to save energy and lower your energy bill is to install and use a programmable thermostat
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Plant deciduous trees on the south, east, and west sides of your home. During the summer they provide shade and in the winter they will shed their leaves to let the warming sunshine through
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Plant evergreens on the north side of your home to provide a windbreak in the winter
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Check the seal in your refrigerator by closing the door on a single piece of paper. If it¡¯s held tightly in place, the seal is okay. If not, the door should be adjusted or the seal replaced
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Let food cool before refrigerating
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Buy an energy-efficient appliance when replacing older models
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Be a smart shopper by considering a product¡¯s energy efficiency, recycled content, environmental impact, packaging, manufacturer¡¯s social responsibility and distance the item was transported
Use this electricity calculator to see what you are currently consuming and come up with a plan to reduce your usage and save.
Use this water calculator to see your water consumption and come up with a plan to reduce your water usage. |
