(Authored by Anup Garg, Founder and Director, World of Circular Economy (WOCE)
We must transition to energy-efficient living, making small changes in life
Take a Note: India’s expanding economy. Rising population. Significant increase in energy consumption. Convenient ignorance of environmental impacts. Lack of stringent regulations. All these factors are disrupting the energy landscape, characterised by significant reliance on fossil fuels and deteriorating climatic conditions, adverse effects on human health, causing a growing burden on the nation’s economy.
The substantial increase in energy consumption, necessitates efficient energy use to meet this demand sustainably. Notably, a significant portion of India’s energy is derived from coal and oil, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While the government introduces policies to promote energy efficiency for businesses, widespread adoption remains limited, often due to a lack of awareness and accessibility.
Improving energy efficiency at individual as well as corporate level can help meet the growing demand without proportionally increasing energy production, thereby conserving resources and reducing costs.
7 Simple Steps for Individuals:
- Choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce electricity consumption. Every household must replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting, significantly reducing household energy use.
- Turn off lights and devices when not in use, and consider using energy-efficient lighting solutions. This is something that young people must initiate and inspire everyone in the family too to follow the suit.
- Opt for public transit, cycling, or walking to decrease personal fuel use and lower carbon emissions. In a report by World Economic Forum, Chile’s implementation of energy-saving e-buses improved urban mobility while reducing environmental impact. Begin by asking oneself: How can I reduce my carbon emissions today?
- Every individual must track his carbon emissions on daily basis and learn to offset it by transitioning to products and habits causing least emissions.
- One must pledge to plant a tree and take care of it till our last breadth. Inspirational figures like Pardeep Dahlia, the “Tree Man of India,” have planted close to 5 lakh trees and continue to nurture them with the help of a dedicated team.
- If feasible, invest in residential solar panels or choose green energy options provided by utility companies. In European countries like Germany, homeowners have benefitted from smart home energy management solutions, leading to increased energy efficiency and cost savings.
- Participating in and promoting energy conservation initiatives within communities can amplify the reach and impact of such campaigns. Notably, such initiatives inspire collective action, motivating people to adopt energy-saving behaviours. Studies estimate that up to 20% of home energy demand can potentially be saved through behavioural changes.
