Irrespective of the fact that some of the industrially advanced countries have not ratified the Kyoto Protocol, they are all taking initiatives to reduce carbon emission and try to stem the advance of global warming.
Active participation by the people will be essential if the various initiatives have to be successful. A report on the UK Energy Consumption shows that electrical energy consumption increased by about 50% from 1970 to 2000. Lifestyles have become more luxurious and increasing use of electrical gadgets and appliances have spiraled electrical consumption. Popularity of soft luxuriant lighting throughout the homes has brought about over 10% increase in consumption for lighting, and about 10% increase due to use of DVDs, PCs and games consoles, etc.
(Ref.: “UK Energy consumption”
http://archives.econ.utah.edu/archives/a-list/2002w34/msg00041.htm)
And the above is true not only of UK society but of all the societies all over the world. Among the various initiatives launched by the various countries, educating and encouraging the people to “think energy conservation” occupies a high priority.
Every effort is being made to suggest, and suggest from every avenue available, to people to take small & simple steps in their own homes and offices to conserve energy.
There are numerous things that individuals can do such as: using CFL lamps, switching off lights & heaters when not required, settings thermostats – whether on air conditioning units or heaters – so that energy is not wasted, making sure, in countries with cold climate, that attics are properly insulated and windows are fitted with double glazing to avoid heat loss (even fixing film on window panes makes a difference), leaks under doors & windows are sealed. These are some of the simple things that can reduce wastage of energy considerably.
Avoiding high speed driving – fuel efficiency is poor at high speeds, inflating car tires adequately, changing air filter on the car regularly - attention to such small matters can contribute significantly to energy conservation by obtaining better fuel efficiency. Using car pools wherever possible cuts down waste of fuel, it will also make for less strain on you.
Avoid using hot water in washing machine, dished washed in dish washer can be air dried instead of by heater, have a shower instead of bath. There is such a large number of things one can do to save energy, if he/she is a little thoughtful.
( Ref.:http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_office.html
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/air_leaks.html
www.stopglobalwarming.org
Financial incentives are being offered to homeowners by tax credits/waivers, soft loans, outright subsidies, etc to invest in more energy-efficient improvements in homes.
Instal energy efficient windows, use better insulation to reduce heat loss/gain, instal advanced main circulating fan, highly efficient furnace or boiler, qualified solar panels, solar water heating equipment, or a fuel cell power plant.
( Ref.:Credits for Energy-Conscous Purchases – US IRS
Highlights of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for Individuals
Energy Efficiency Tax Credits - Dept of Energy - USA
Tax Credits for Hi-efficiency heaters – USA)
Highly subsidized assistance is being offered to carry out home surveys by qualified staff to suggest appropriate measures;
Financial incentives are being offered by tax credits/waivers to manufacturers and builders for:
Manufacturing more energy-efficient appliances (such as dish washers, clothes washers, refrigerators, heaters, etc),
Building highly energy efficient homes and providing solar equipment for buildings
(Ref.: Energy Efficiency Tax Credits - Dept of Energy – USA)
These initiatives are necessary but major efforts are required to be made to provide a policy thrust to industries such as oil, gas, power generation, etc apart from major efforts required in research and development of new techniques so that long term benefits could be brought about.
We shall look at what is being done in these directions and where is it taking us.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
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