In the 1940s, the Earth had 2.3 billion inhabitants. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was 280 parts per million and the share of wilderness was 66 percent. By 2020, the population had climbed to 7.8 billion, with a CO2 concentration of 415 ppm and only 35 percent wilderness remaining.

Unbelievable? Like it or not, these are the facts. David Attenborough, a tireless fighter for the protection of nature, is convinced that one of the most important steps to save the planet is the use of renewable energy sources, which includes solar panels.

More importantly, reducing humanity’s carbon footprint is only realistic if as many individuals, households and businesses as possible are involved. Will you join us?

Passive options to reduce carbon footprint

Not everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this global goal in active ways. However, passive options to reduce CO2 output are in each of our hands. What is it all worth?

Reconstruction and insulation of living spaces

According to The American Institute of Architects, renovating an existing property is much more environmentally friendly than constructing a new building. Additionally, renovation can save 50 to 75 percent of carbon emissions.

This can be achieved by eliminating products with a high carbon footprint such as aluminum, plastics or polystyrene, and also by repurposing used bricks, metal or reclaimed pieces of concrete and minimizing construction waste, as examples.

In terms of reducing carbon footprint, proper insulation is also important. The Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency states on its website that the overall insulation of an apartment building is the most effective at saving energy, combined with hydraulic regulation of the heating system. In this way, you can achieve up to 50 percent lower heat consumption.

Ecological and energy efficient windows

Replacing regular windows with double-glazed ones will reduce heat loss by 50 to 70 percent.
If new windows are not an option, thick curtains, high-quality external shading or sealing gaps around windows will also limit the flow of cold air in the winter months.

Photo source: pixabay.com

Energy-saving appliances

One of the active ways to reduce your carbon footprint is the use of solar panels, which can be supplemented by battery storage to store electrical energy produced with the help of sunlight, allowing for the operation of energy-saving appliances when the sun is not shining.

However, even without renewable resources, you can always replace old appliances with eco-friendly ones. For example, replacing a ++ combination refrigerator which is 10 years old with a class A refrigerator will save up to 50 percent on energy.

Photo source: pixabay.com

Saving energy

Renewable energy sources, such as the aforementioned solar panels, are a way to save the planet and bring down energy bills at the same time. However, the SIEA points out that "the cheapest energy is that which does not need to be produced. Also, renewable sources do not reduce energy consumption, but simply help reduce energy costs and our dependence on fossil fuels".

At the same time, the organization demonstrates how to save energy and thereby influence carbon footprint.

Here are some examples:

• An increase in heating temperature by 1 degree raises energy consumption by 6 percent. For example, the ideal temperature for sleeping is 18 degrees celsius. Keep this in mind when adjusting the thermostat.
• Effective adjustment of the heads on the radiators: Level 3 ensures a pleasant indoor temperature, level 2 is recommended for longer absences while maintaining room temperature at 16 to 18 degrees.
• Radiators covered with a thick curtain also increase energy consumption.
• Energy is saved by short and intensive ventilation, which also prevents mold.
• An aerator on the faucet will help save water up to 20 percent.
• LED bulbs save 60 percent on energy compared to halogen bulbs.
• Installing motion sensors is also worthwhile.

At FUERGY, we care about sustainable energy and cost savings

FUERGY brings the brAIn smart battery storage to the photovoltaic market, which includes the benefits of both virtual and physical batteries. In addition to storing surplus energy produced by solar panels, it can, for example, analyze a wide range of historical data (free battery capacity, energy habits, weather forecasts, etc.), to release stored electricity or charge batteries at appropriate times.

Would you like to contribute to the reduction of our global carbon footprint in an active way, not only by using solar panels but also through efficient energy storage and optimal use of your produced energy? Do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to design a tailor-made solution for you.

We are living in the future of energy. Are you?

Sources:
Attenborough, D., Život na našej planéte. Moje svedectvo a vízia do budúcnosti. Barecz & Conrad Media s. r. o., 2021, ISBN: 978-80-973459-7-6
https://www.aia.org/articles/70446-ten-steps-to-reducing-embodied-carbon
https://www.siea.sk/bezplatne-poradenstvo/publikacie-a-prezentacie/zateplovanie-a-vymena-okien-v-bytovych-domoch/
https://climate.ec.europa.eu/citizens/climate-tips/tips-your-home_en#insulation
https://www.siea.sk/bezplatne-poradenstvo/publikacie-a-prezentacie/ako-v-domacnosti-znizit-spotrebu-energie-a-zavislost-od-fosilnych-paliv/