ENERGY AND YOU

You can call something more energy efficient if it gives more services for the same input of energy, or gives the same services for input of less energy. A CFL bulb is considered more energy efficient than an incandescent bulb because it gives the same intensity of light using less energy.

To contribute personally to the global energy efficiency, you may have to make some behavioural changes in your life so that you can be happy and comfortable with less energy use. There are some simple practical things that will not cost you any money or lessen your comfort and, instead, will benefit you both economically and health-wise.

• Whenever possible walk, ride your bicycle or horse or use public transport facilities.
• When buying a new vehicle, either change over to one that runs on electric batteries or, at least, choose one that uses least fossil fuel.
• Maintain proper tyre-pressure to get the maximum mileage from the fuel
• When buying new appliances, get those which are most energy efficient
• Turn off lights, fans and other equipment when you are not using them
• In cold places, insulate doors and windows to stop cold winds
• In hot places, keep all possible windows and ventilators open to let fresh and cool air in
• Replace your tungsten lights with compact fluorescent lights
• To turn off stand-by power in electronic equipment and appliances use a power strip
• Understand and assist the steps taken by your governments and officials to improve energy efficiency
• When buying or taking on rent a new residence, check the energy efficiency and performance in advance.

It takes just one hour of sunlight to provide a year's worth of energy for every man, woman and child on planet Earth. Solar energy is good for the environment, it is a much cheaper source of energy to use over time, it can reach anywhere in the world, and best of all, it is renewable. Unlike fossil fuels, we will never run out of light from the sun. With the cost savings, the benefit to the environment, and the positive social and economic effects, solar energy has the power to transform the world.