Repsol YPF

The authorities in Brussels calculate that this percentage is equivalent to that which is currently wasted. Extravagance in household energy consumption is responsible for 16% of total waste. However, it is possible to reduce energy consumption at home. Every household must devise its own saving plan. Perhaps it is necessary to reduce the number of devices which are plugged in, perhaps it is a good idea to remove that extra, under-used fridge, to reinforce the insulation, modernise the heating system with a high-efficiency gas boiler, etc.

If you manage to reduce consumption, amongst the benefits you will achieve, according to the European Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, is an annual 780 million tonne reduction in CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and a 100 billion euro saving during that time. 

The EC is seeking to raise the population’s awareness through education and training because the cost of energy does not appear to curb consumption. It will launch campaigns to this effect in which it will remind consumers of the ways of saving energy that are within their control on an everyday basis. With the help of every citizen the issues associated with climatic change would lessen, as well as some of the dependence on other countries for energy.

Recommendations
Turning electronic appliances such as televisions, DVD players and video recorders, which continue to consume energy in stand-by mode, off completely and defrosting freezers more often so that they chill more effectively, as well as, naturally, not leaving lights on in the rooms we are not using, or putting the dishwasher or washing machine on until they are full, are just some of the recommendations.

In one year, the red stand-by pilot light consumes in the EU a similar amount of electricity to the total consumption of Central America and part of the Caribbean during the same period of time. To give another example, the energy wasted by the comfort of half switching the television off using the remote control would enable all Spanish households to watch television for five hours a day for 25 years.

Where lighting is concerned, it is important to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. Although the initial cost of these lights is higher, they are more economical in the long term; they last approximately ten times longer and consume four times less energy.

When you buy a new domestic appliance, as well as comparing prices, you must consider their capacity and energy consumption. It is fundamental to look at the energy efficiency label.

In order to achieve its ambitious objective, the European Union will put some basic energy efficiency regulations in place for electrical appliances. Specifically, devices which consume quantities of energy in excess of certain standards will no longer be sold. Likewise, it will be compulsory to improve the consumer information on the labels of domestic appliances, so that their consumption level is clearer.

Passive measures
In terms of energy, every year, Spanish homes are a little more efficient, but they could be more so in future. Energy continues to escape through gaps in doors and windows. 

For this reason, newly built or renovated buildings must adhere to new regulations and adopt passive energy saving measures helping them to stop allowing the cold and heat to escape due to bad insulation. Badly sealed ducts can cost between 10% and 30% more in the heat or cold air generated. High performance double-glazed windows can save a lot of money on heating and air conditioning bills.

The new regulations will also include some which are aimed at improving energy production capacity efficiency and reducing wastage during its transport and distribution.

No effort made to mitigate the consequences of wasting energy, both on the housekeeping and social economy and on environmental protection, should be judged as insignificant; all consumer sectors are too significant to be left on the sidelines.