2023-12-21 07:30:00
The inflation has been the main protagonist of the last two years, although than the Consumer Price Index (IPC) has closed November with the 3.1% in Cataloniathree tenths less than the previous month. The escalation of prices, very marked by the rise in energy costs – currently more moderate -, has bravely made itself felt in the pockets of Girona residents. And the main reason for this increase has been, above all, the increase in prices fossil fuels, still essential in the generation of energy.
Energy efficiency has become the best resource for families to deal with this situation. Optimizing the use of energy is the key to saving and, this concept, it goes far beyond putting solar panels on the house.
If we drive at 120 km/h we certainly consume four times more petrol than driving at 90″
“There’s a lot of talk about energy efficiency as if it’s just a question of installing or changing windows, or installing a plate… But, in the end, on a day-to-day basis, we can all be much more efficient with everyday habits. For example, if we drive at 120 km/h, we are sure to consume four times more petrol than driving at 90, as is recommended in efficient driving”, explains Silvia Ferrer-Dalmau, architect and healthy home advisor in Espai Renéproject that he shares with Alfred Capdevilaand which has a store of efficient household appliances and household products in Barcelona and one farmhouse in Solsonès where they develop experiences around home health, energy efficiency and responsible consumption.
Save energy consumption at home with four tips
The efficient household appliances can mean savings of 35 euros a year on average in the electricity bill, according to the data of the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU). But beyond changing appliances, there are plenty of everyday actions that can reduce energy consumption. Ferrer-Dalmau and Capdevila recommend:
Wash the clothes at a low temperature in the washing machine. Turn off the light when we leave a room. If you have an electric heater, schedule it for the cheapest hours. Set the heating to 21°C or 19°C instead of 23°C and use more warmth at home.
“Some technical knowledge is needed, although it is not too complicated. With these four basic ideas, energy consumption can be significantly reduced”, says Capdevila.
Energy rehabilitation of homes to improve efficiency
Buildings are the main consumers of energy in Spain. According to the available data, they would account for 30% of total consumption. The Energy Efficiency Directive in Buildings (EPBD), the main regulation that aims to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the The European Union will require that, in 2033, buildings have a D rating. In this sense, Spain has a lot of work to do, since the average of the homes is in the E rating.
“When you save more, you can do bigger things like changing an appliance or you can invest in plates. Open the house to the sun by changing the windows and orienting it; insulate the house well, change the lighting and make it more efficient with LEDs. And, in the case of household appliances, when they break, you don’t need to make a responsible and efficient purchase beforehand”, points out Ferrer-Dalmau.
The energy rehabilitation doesn’t just reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they could too represent between 25% and 70% savings on the electricity bill, according to the initial point of departure. An investment with many long-term benefits. “Sometimes we think that this can be a great financial investment, but, on the other hand, we go to the Caribbean on vacation and spend more money,” says Capdevila.
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Improvement of the objectives for the use of renewable energy
The generation of renewable energy is becoming more and more important. In May, for example, photovoltaic and wind energy were the two main sources of generation. The EU has approved raise to 42.5% the goal of using renewable energy by 2030 in the total energy mix, that is to say, also in uses such as transport or heating. In the field of electricity, the data are very positive and renewables are already close to 50% of the energy mix used.
One of the biggest obstacles to energy efficiency is that we don’t trust ourselves”
“I believe that one of the biggest obstacles to energy efficiency is, without a doubt, that we do not trust ourselves and as a collective that small changes are powerful. Another brake is communication. We need a fund of inspiration that enlightens people to make changes”, says the architect, adding that “there is always room for improvement, and I think this is important to communicate, because we cannot always stay with this message of what we don’t do, but that we can do so many other things, which gives it a lot of room for improvement”.
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