From electrifying our homes and installing solar we can head towards net zero in our energy usage. It might not happen tomorrow, but we can start today. Here’s where to begin.
Energy is all around us and sure it’s comfortable and convenient but it also contributes massively to our carbon footprint. The good news is, through modifications and energy-efficient measures, we can save energy and money, and in a dream world get as much of our energy consumption as possible sourced from renewable providers. So, while there are plenty of small daily habits we can change to help reduce our emissions, these three key areas are just some to focus on if you’re serious about reducing your energy usage.
1. Electrify your house (…it’s healthier and cheaper)
Many of us have gas appliances which aren’t ideal. Why? Because burning fossil fuels at home, for daily activities like heating and cooking, is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, and it creates air pollution in our homes.
If we switch to electric alternatives and power up our homes with clean renewable energy we have a better chance of living emissions free and creating cleaner air to live in. Win, win! Gas heaters and water heaters are the largest emitters of pollution, but stoves, fireplaces, and BBQs do also contribute.
2. Use a renewable source of energy (…install solar panels)
Installing solar panels is a great way to reduce your household emissions and save money on electricity bills. If you’ve already invested in solar panels, good on you! Now you can use energy in your home, directly from your rooftop.
Once you’ve ticked off solar panels on your My Net Zero roadmap you can also pre-cool your home in the warmer months and use your washing machine and dishwasher when the suns out. For those of us living in an apartment there are finally companies helping find a solar solution – check out Solshare by Allume for a start.
3. Invest in a battery (…and save money)
In the long run, and once you have solar panels installed at home, having your own solar battery will be cost effective, especially if you end up with a hybrid or electric vehicle. Just imagine being able to store all that unused electricity in a battery to use at night or days when there’s not much sunlight.
Sometimes the big things feel daunting at first but there are plenty of businesses and people around to help you get started. At My Net Zero we’re building a platform to help you do all this and more. Check out mynetzero.earth and start by building your personalised roadmap to net zero.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or have built your roadmap to net zero and want to share it with us, please say hello on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook, or email the team at hello@mynetzero.earth.
One thought on “Energy: how you can make a difference”
Great tips!