- Green Lifestyle
Courage to be independent: Shutting down…?
Barbara Beiertz
When energy costs are rising, like it is currently the case, that is always a good reason to share some tips on energy conservation. For example, each degree room temperature can save up to 6% of the total energy consumption of a house, says Gisela Kienzle, architect and energy consultant for the German consumer advice center. That has inevitably and especially an impact on old buildings. Were you aware of that? I wasn’t. In that sense – winter is coming – let’s start knitting some sweaters and warm socks.
Another interesting fact about energy conservation:
About 28% of the total energy consumption in an average German household are caused by computers, TVs and similar devices. Whereby large stationary computers consume about 300 watt per hours, which is almost 10 times as much as laptops consume. The good thing: You are in control. And you can put it in standby mode whenever you do not need it – even if it is just for a short time. Or even better: Turn it off. And relax. Meaning: Don’t turn on the TV immediately after work, because it consumes about as much energy as your stationary computer (depending on the size).
And did you know, that a computer that is in standby mode for 22 hours (there are people who believe that you should never shut down your computer) consumes about 80 kWh per year?* That equals the amount of 100 140 °F wash loads. We had no idea.
That attaches a completely new quality to reading a book.
The question remains: Can you become self-sufficient regarding energy?
For private individuals in Germany that is quite complicated, but meanwhile there are so called plug-in solar systems for your balcony, terrace, or backyard. They cannot cover the energy demand of an entire household, but it is definitely worth it, when the energy price is at 40 cents. If you want to learn more about it, check out the article “Using the sun for more independence” under the rubric “Green Lifestyle” here on our blog.
And there is even a power-saving method for preparing your coffee: Without a machine, as a pour-over. And how to perfect that method you can – of course – read on our blog in the chapter “coffee culture”, right here.
Source:
*Beratungsgesellschaft co2online
