10 ways to save energy (and combat climate change)

How can we optimise the energy consumption model and move towards sustainability? According to the conclusions drawn from the report The Future of Sustainable Cities: Urban energy transition to 2030 published by Deloitte, addressing urban emissions is the most effective way to combat climate change, achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement and promote the transition to energy sustainability.

While it is true that city councils are the main organisations responsible for promoting this transformation and setting an example through their actions, citizens also need to actively participate in this process, through their awareness and commitment, because every individual action can contribute significantly to achieving this transition.

Ten ways to boost energy sustainability

EIn our daily life we can take steps that make progress toward a cleaner and more efficient energy model in the short and long term.

Although there are many things you can do, we have compiled the ten changes that have the greatest potential for energy savings and are easy to implement:

1. Whenever possible, change your mode of transport to a non-motorised option, such as cycling, taking a scooter or walking.
2. If you drive, use an electric vehicle. To optimise energy use, drive efficiently, avoiding sudden changes in speed, using high gears and accelerating progressively, without pressing the accelerator down fully.
3. Renovate the items in your home that can make it more sustainable, such as windows, façades, roofs, thermal insulation, etc. This can save you up to 60% on your heating bills.
4. Reduce the power consumption of your lighting, using low-power bulbs and smart lighting systems. This alone can save between 70% and 90% of your lighting energy consumption.
5. Install heating control systems, such as thermostats, to adjust your heating to thermal requirements.
6. Change your heating equipment to a more efficient system, such as a heat pump or a natural gas condensing boiler.
7. Use efficient, low-consumption, low-pollution appliances (A++). Although the most efficient appliances are slightly more expensive at the time of purchase, they make back their cost before the end of their useful life thanks to the energy savings they achieve. When you use them, also try to make sure they are fully charged.
8. Completely turn off the TV, computer and other appliances when you are finished using them, and avoid leaving them on standby.
9. Likewise, disconnect mobile chargers and other electronic devices when not in use.
10. In buildings with a large enough horizontal surface, you could look into fitting self- consumption systems that reduce dependence on external energy sources. The domestic storage batteries used in smart homes represent a huge step forward in this regard, as they allow the storage of surplus solar energy self-generated during the day.

Social awareness, a key element in the energy transition

Building a sustainable economy in which we achieve real energy efficiency means transforming our behaviour and consumption habits. In this context, it is vital that citizens support initiatives that promote the circular economy - reuse, reduce and recycle - helping to optimise natural resources and conserve global biodiversity.

To do this, we, as citizens, need to be informed of the impact generated by our actions, to raise awareness among those around us of the importance of small changes and to be prepared to make the changes necessary to achieve sustainability. Are you up to the challenge?