Five simple steps to save energy and money
Rising energy prices resulting from the war in Iran are straining the economy and consumers' wallets. It is not just up to politicians to act; consumers can take action too. By saving energy, you save money. You also reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and help protect the climate and the environment. Germany's Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has analysed five quick tips for consumers and estimated the savings they can achieve.
The energy price shock resulting from the war in Iran shows that fossil fuels are not only bad for the climate; they also make businesses and households particularly vulnerable to external shocks. The crisis can serve as a wake-up call to drive forward widespread electrification – for example in transport and heating – and accelerate the expansion of renewable energy, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Energy saving, on the other hand, can be implemented in the short term and is an effective measure against rising prices. It also makes it easy to reduce climate-damaging emissions. Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has assessed five simple ways to save energy. The assessment shows that an average of more than 500 euros per person per year can be saved.
UBA President Dirk Messner says: “Fossil fuels are in crisis – yet again. Every new price shock shows just how vulnerable our economy is, and how vulnerable our daily lives are due to our dependence on oil and gas. Yet we can all save energy by following simple steps. In doing so, we also contribute to climate and environmental protection.”
Anticipatory driving
Anticipatory and defensive driving can significantly reduce fuel or electricity consumption. Those who drive at low speed and adhere to a ‘voluntary speed limit’ can save several hundred euros in fuel costs per year. A national speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour on motorways and 80 kilometres per hour on country roads would reduce fuel consumption by 2.8 billion litres and climate-damaging emissions by 6.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents per year. It is also advisable not to carry unnecessary loads, to ensure tyres are at the correct pressure, and to switch on auxiliary systems such as air conditioning only when they are really needed.
Use your bike more often instead of your car
Walking and cycling are not only healthy, they also save money. For example, if you do your shopping by bike instead of by car, you can save up to 100 euros a year. Baskets or a small bike trailer also make it possible to do larger shopping trips without a car.
Check your own energy consumption
Only by knowing your own energy consumption can you take the right steps. TUBA recommends the HeizCheck from the non-profit consultancy co2online to estimate the heating energy consumption of a house or apartment. The StromCheck shows how much electricity you are using. The Energy Saving Account is a free online tool that helps households record and analyse their energy consumption and identify specific savings potential. It works like a digital household budget book for electricity, heating and hot water.
Install a water-saving shower head
Water-saving shower heads save between 100 and 200 euros in hot water costs per person per year. They use only six to nine litres per minute (compared to twelve to 15 litres for conventional shower heads). This information should be included in the product description. The shower head can be replaced in just a few simple steps – whether in a rented flat or your own home. When buying, look for good quality, for example with the Blue Angel label.
Optimise heating temperature
After the last days of heating, it is a good time to prepare for the next heating season. It makes sense to install a thermostatic valve or check that it is working properly. Turning the heating down by one degree can save around six per cent on heating costs. Timer-controlled thermostatic valves can also save on heating costs, particularly in poorly insulated homes, for example in living rooms and bathrooms. These can also be installed in rented flats without any problems. Tenants do not need the landlord’s consent to do this, but they usually have to bear the costs themselves if the valves are not installed by the landlord as part of a modernisation project. Using programmable thermostats can save around ten per cent in energy, meaning the purchase costs are often recouped relatively quickly.