Fossil Fuels accounted for 84% of the world's primary energy consumption in 2019. Burning of the fossils fuels leads to the assembly of CO2 - the primary heat-trapping, "greenhouse gas" liable for heating. Sensible electric grid technology can potentially reduce CO2 emissions. Smart generation application includes the utilisation of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, hydropower etc.
The utilisation of more efficient equipment like energy-saving lighting lamps, enabling the smart homes and hybrid, plug-in electric vehicles (EV) technologies come under smart consumption. This consumption pattern will result in reduced emissions, less pollution and enhanced energy security – we might live comfortable lives and pay fewer energy bills.
Here are the five ways in which energy efficiency can reduce greenhouse gas emissions -
- Installation of the solar panels
The sun provides unlimited free heat and lightweight. Install solar panels on the roof of your house to reap this natural, abundant energy. Though solar panels can cost a touch money upfront, Governments often offer tax incentives for the carbon offsets created by renewable energy. In India, the Central Government pays about 30-40% of the benchmarked installation cost for rooftop PV. In certain areas such as Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, a subsidy of up to 70% of the benchmarked installation cost is possible. The State Nodal agencies also offer subsidies for the same.
- Switch to Electric or Hybrid Vehicle
Replacing your petrol or diesel car with a fuel-efficient vehicle can make an enormous dent in carbon footprint. Even better, choose a pre-owned hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle. You can save 3,000 pounds of CO2 with just a 3 miles per gallon (MPG) improvement.
- Replacement of incandescent light bulbs with LED lamps
Replacement of 30 incandescent light bulbs with LED lamps, which uses about 85 per cent less energy. Approximately 4,000 pounds CO2 per annum are often saved. LED technology reduces maintenance costs for lighting by up to 15%.
- Upgrading to a smart thermostat
Heating and cooling account for 40% of the house energy use. Setting thermostats 2°F lower in winter and 2°F higher in summer can reduce 1850 pounds of CO2 per annum. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts daily temperature settings & allows you to make automatic and programmable temperature settings based consistent with the weather, which decides the heating and cooling needs.
- Smart Travel
Jet fuel may be a significant contributor to CO2 emissions. By avoiding 1,600 miles (~2598 km) of aviation, you will save 720 pounds of carbon emissions. Few options might be taking your yearly vacation closer to home or take a road trip with family and friends in an electric car for max energy savings. Walking, riding the bike, carpooling with a friend, or taking mass transit whenever possible are a few ways to travel smartly. This will reduce CO2 emissions per year by 500 pounds.
How Minion Lab can help with energy efficiency
At Minion Labs, we help businesses reduce electricity costs, and improve productivity by providing real-time device-level electricity consumption by employing a smart energy device delivered through our Analytical platform. The platform is out there as Single-Phase Energy Monitor and Triple Phase Energy Monitor.
Our Energy Management Saving Platform has helped the business save 10-30% of the annual saving. Buildings spend a good part of their running costs on energy and utility bills. Because of intelligent technologies, experts can review energy consumption and implement ways to deliver financial savings.