What about the demand side?

Question

So much is said about the problem of providing energy from various sources; but what about the profligate use of energy. We waste it as though it were free. What with lights left burning; TVs etc. left on standby and the horribly inefficient internal combustion engine - the list is a long one. Energy has been too damned cheap for too long. Some belt-tightening might work wonders.

Answer 1

Here, here, mate. That's what living green is all about.

Answer 2

It is said that 40% of Europe's energy is used simply for operating tall buildings. We need lifts to carry people and pumps to provide water. Once we opened a window for fresh air or cooling, now we have them sealed shut and use obligatory air conditioning. Businesses are responsible for most of that, and they are not over concerned about such costs, which filter through to their operating and production costs.

In the domestic environment we have a lot of equipment left on standby, but did we really ask for this to happen? I was quite happy with a TV that I could switch on or off by operating a switch on the front panel; but now, I have to search for a remote control to switch it on or change channels. I preferred it as it was!

However, it is not just the TV; I also have to turn on and off, a  VHS/Disc recorder, a cable decoder and all sorts of power hungry entertainment digital equipment. A single switch for the lot would be nice!

I rather think that however much we might like to blame domestic equipment for global warming or climate change, domestic consumption does not even remotely compare to a single stretch of lighting on one of Britain's motorways, or advertising illumination in the cities.

And if it is so important, to save electricity, wouldn't it be more sensible to cease floodlighting sports arenas and football grounds, and stage the events in daylight hours, rather than at night?

Far from belt tightening, we might like to remind ourselves how we managed in the past!

Answer 3

well solving environmental problem involves more than one approach to address the issue. yes regulating demand side is an effective appraoch.

Answer 4

I suppose increasing Taxes on wasteful uses of various electricity and petrol demands, by businesses and consumers, will slowly gain support in many countries ..etc.

Answer 5

Sitting here pontificating about it is only adding to the waste.