Unplug

Action: Cut energy use by half

The shrinking energy footprint our buildings has the potential to be a #climateaction success story.  Vastly more efficient lighting, appliances and increasing availability of renewable energy mean that rapidly developing economies can ‘leapfrog’ into more efficient infrastructure that also improves quality of life, while allowing developed nations to reduce the carbon footprint of powering buildings.    In spite of this, there is significant research that demonstrates the risk of a ‘rebound effect” – where lowered energy prices and greater efficiency in turn drives greater use of electricity, keeping the carbon footprint of our lifestyles high in spite of technological gains.  In the United States in particular, there is a risk that the growing energy efficiency of our homes will be outweighed by increasing home size.

This action is about paying attention to energy use.  First, understanding your usage patterns, and then (if possible) cutting it in half.  This might mean finding more efficient appliances and getting an ‘@nest’, but more likely it’s just about turning stuff off, unplugging it, putting on a sweater and keeping the heat down, stripping down and leaving the heat up.

It’s also about being conscientious when making big decisions, including how much square footage we need to be comfortable.  Suburbs in America dwarf urban areas in terms of energy, water use and driving.  Choosing to live smaller and closer will be an important direction for future sustainability across the globe.

Will you take this action? Please tag your efforts on social media: #unplug #2yrco2 #2yearcarbondiet