Reducing your carbon footprint

We can all help to reduce our impact on the environment. Whilst major industry decisions on nuclear power, wind power, clean coal, carbon trading will all have a role in preventing climate change we as individuals can contribute in simpler ways in tackling climate change, and it can save us all money.

Energy

It's estimated that worldwide, buildings account for approximately forty per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, yet between 20 to 50% of energy used in buildings is simply wasted through inefficiencies such as poor insulation or excess lighting. This means we all can make a real contribution to tackling climate change just by being smarter about the way we use energy in our homes and offices.

Facts

Australians are among the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person in the world.
Each year the average Australian household generates 14 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
95 per cent of Australia's electricity comes from burning fossil fuels.

Tips

Install Ceiling Insulation to greatly assist in loss of room temperature control
Install solar hot water - it will give you free, and carbon-free, hot water and pay for itself in a few years.

How much energy you use for your house depends on what kind of systems and products you have or purchase, how you use it, where you live and the weather. But usually it's estimated that Australian homes use 10-50% of their energy on heating and 9-29% on cooling each year.

Cost Control

Here are some ways to take the heat off your bill:

Make sure your home is well insulated. Insulation retains warmth generated in your home in winter and keeps out harsh summer heat. Call The Mark Group for a free quote now (add link)
Repair faulty door seals, hang curtains or blinds so they fit close to window frames and lay rugs securely on bare floors
Dress for the weather. 'Layer up' in winter and wear cool, natural, breathable fibres in summer
Keep all doors closed to unused areas (unless your heating or cooling system requires doors or windows to be opened)
Try not to change the thermostat settings often
Close curtains over large glass areas (you can lose up to 16% of heat transfer trough glass)
Keep thermostat temperatures moderate (manufacturers recommendsettings of 24°C in summer and 20°C in winter)
Make sure all appliances are regularly maintained to remove dust and ensure adequate air flow. Check your instruction booklet for directions
Fans use minimal energy, operate at a fraction of the running cost of air conditioners and can reduce the number of days you use air conditioning
For maximum efficiency, set the air conditioning unit to re-circulate cool air instead of pulling warmer air in from outside
Make sure the outdoor section of your air conditioning unit isn't installed facing the sun (north or west), unless the area will be constantly shaded to allow adequate cooling of the unit
If you can increase the room temperature by 1°C, you could save up to 10% of operating costs
Set rules when air conditioners aren't used so much – e.g. 'to be used only on days maximum temperatures are 30°C or higher (instead of 28°C or higher)' – and you can save between 2 and 10% of your energy use.