Energy Conservation for a brighter future

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Energy Conservation for a brighter future

India is the world’s 3^rd largest user of energy consumption with a whopping 34 exajoules  (34 000 000 000 000 000 000 Joules) consumed until 2019. Operating our homes with energy accounts for 18% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. With the global demand for energy growing by 3% each year, it is crucial that we look for ways to conserve energy in our housing societies.

What is energy conservation?

Energy conservation is the process of preventing the wastage of energy to ensure its long-term availability. It refers to the efforts made into reducing the consumption of energy by the means of energy efficiency ( less energy used for a constant service) or simply reducing the amount that the energy service is used. The practice of saving and using less energy in whatever small quantities all contribute to energy conservation.

Why conserve energy?

There are various benefits to going green for an RWA, with the main being to reduce the harmful effects on our environment. Saving energy directly leads to saving the environment and protect our ecosystems from destructions. Conserving energy leads to a happier and healthier world.

You can contribute to reducing the toxic flames released into the atmosphere, preventing climate change, cleaner air quality, higher quality of life, avoiding global warming and much more. The positive effect of saving energy and going green can have an enormous impact on society in countless ways.

How to conserve energy?

With saving energy being a fundamental aspect of our lives, below are 5 ways that you can contribute to the same in your respective housing society.

1. Installation of solar panels

By absorbing sunlight and creating it into usable energy, solar panels reduce the need of burning fossil fuels, reducing air pollution and the need for non-renewable resources. Solar panels don’t require water to produce electricity, thus reducing the waste of local water resources. The decreased use of coal-fired factories will also lead to a decrease in hazardous waste. With benefits to the environment and lower electricity bills for residents, this has mutual benefits for an RWA.

2. Encourage proper insulation

Encourage the filling of air leaks that cause summer heat gain and winter heat loss. With this taken into precaution, the repeated use of appliances for heating and cooling will not be required and less energy can be consumed in your cooperative housing society. Caulking and weather stripping are methods to seal such air leaks and avoid the above.

3. Upgrade to LED Lighting

A LED lamp is expected to last 25 times longer and save more than 80% of the energy as compared to halogen or incandescent bulbs. These might seem expensive at first, but their long-term benefits are far greater than their short-term costs. Lighting in housing societies can be replaced by these, as well as encouraged in households. This again not only benefits the environment but will lead to lower electricity bills as well.

4. Recycle

Put the correct measures in your housing society so residents have a means of recycling. It can be as simple as putting recycle bins in various places and simple promotion activities so people are aware of this effort. This will slowly gain popularity and the recycle bins will fill up even quicker, saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

5. Rain water harvesting

Upon installing the necessary equipment on the roof of buildings, this method allows the collection and storage of rainwater. The water can then be used for non-drinking purposes, irrigation purposes and also reduces the water bill for households in a RWA.

6. Encourage owners to tun off equipment

Educate owners the importance of saving energy, and how something as simple as turning off household equipment when not being used can lead to energy conservation. Whether this be the lights, AC or even kitchen equipment, when not in use it should be switched off. They can also be encouraged to switch to energy efficient equipment and appliances.

7. Create an energy awareness campaign

Inform the residents of your cooperative housing society about your commitment to energy-saving goals. Create promotional items to keep owners informed about how they can contribute to the society and the effect that their efforts will have to the environment, as well as how conserving energy will benefit them.

There are various methods that Green Clean India suggests to move towards an energy conserving housing society. With countless environmental benefits and numerous personal benefits, it is become necessary for each and every RWA to consider the practical applications of such practices. No matter how small your efforts might be, it makes a difference.

About the author: Sahil is currently a marketing associate at Blockchain Founders Fund, a VC for early-stage emerging tech startups. Other than sustainable solutions, Sahil also writes on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrency.