Why do we need Energy Efficiency?

By increasing energy efficiency we help in using less energy and therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thus protecting the environment. In addition, the security of energy supply is increased. Don’t forget, also, that by adopting energy efficient solutions we spend less money for energy!

Current Situation: the 20-20-20 Strategy

Energy is responsible for almost 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions. As was identified a decade ago, the potential for energy efficient improvement in the E.U. is very high and relatively untapped. The cost of not using energy efficiently was estimated around 150 billion € per year! This led to the adoption of the 20-20-20 strategy, namely to achieve by 2020 a reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, the increase in the share of renewables to 20% and the reduction of energy consumption by another 20%.

What is Energy Efficiency?

You have probably heard this term a lot lately. It generally refers to using less energy in order to provide the same level of energy services as before. In our everyday activities we need lots of energy, either to heat or cool the buildings we stay in, or to use electrical appliances and services. Energy labeling is a measure of how “energy efficient” an appliance, device or a building is.

Take for instance the lights in your home. Up to a few years ago, incandescent lamps were used almost exclusively. However, with the use of recent lamp technologies, such as the fluorescent or LED lamps, we are able to provide the same level of luminance, but at the same time with considerably less energy consumption! The E.U. has even gone one step beyond and banned old-style incandescent bulbs (>100W)!

Another example is the electrical appliances we all use everyday. By choosing a more energy efficient appliance we can improve our energy efficiency, help the environment and save money!