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Energy is a hot topic! It's something that's on everyone's minds, and there are worldwide recommendations on how to reduce energy consumption. Governments are taking measures to achieve greater energy sobriety, and sufficiency; and we’re seeing debate between experts in the media. Every day we receive information, ideas, and solutions on how to reduce consumption... Confused?! Enya and her cat Watts, certainly are. But, can one person make a difference? Yes, we can. Let’s see how. For instance, do you know which are the 2 highest energy consumption sectors in the European Union? In 2018, Transport and Households accounted for more than 50%, of total energy consumption! If you are you struggling to save energy, and wondering which daily actions really have an impact, follow Enya and Watts. Maybe you can find a tip or two about how to be energy smart! This curiosity won't kill the cat! Do you know that … If the walls and windows are 14°C, and the air is heated to 20°C, the temperature felt by people in the room is 17°C. For a temperature of 20°C, you need to heat the room to 26°C! Heating is responsible for 62.8% of energy consumption in European households. After heating, do you know what households consumed the most energy on? During 2020, water heating consumed more energy than lighting and appliances. So, let´s start the day, using some energy in the shower… So, how can we reduce consumption when taking a shower? By using an Eco aerator in the shower head or … …having shorter showers with warmer water... What is the quantified impact on energy consumption? An eco-aerator saves 40%-60% water: 6-7 l/min instead of 15-20l/min A shower with a temperature of 35°C saves 25% compared to a temperature of 43°C. Do you know that … Saving water by having a shorter 5-minute shower, instead of a 10 minute one, saves 75 litres per day. It is more than enough to meet the basic daily needs of 3 people. In addition to saving water and energy, Enya also gained more time for Watts… …but time flies! And the day continues, with them saving more energy. Enya commuting to the office by bike reduces her energy consumption… ... but won’t it be more time consuming? Of course, it depends on different factors, but usually for short distances in cities, cycling is faster than driving a car! In Paris, the average speed on a bike is 14km/h (8.7 miles) vs 15km/h (9.3 miles) in a car. Other than using a bike or other non-motorised vehicles, what options do we have to reduce energy consumption while commuting? Using the public transport… Car sharing… Zen driving. What is the quantified impact on energy? In Austria, a recent study showed that switching to using public transport for commuting can save up to 78% of energy Zen driving – going 10km/h (6.2 miles) slower on the motorway, saves 3.5 to 4.5 litres of fuel over 500km (310 miles). The reduction between aggressive driving and zen driving can be 40% in the city and 20% on motorways. Do you know that … If, and when using a car is vital, practicing Zen driving does not add that much extra time onto a journey! Increasing driving speed from 80 km/h (49 miles) to 90 KM/h (55 miles) over 30km (18 miles) only makes us arrive our destination 2min and 30 seconds sooner. And in some cases, it could get us in a lot of trouble… Not only did Enya save time and energy, but she arrived at the office relaxed and happy! With this energic mood, she continued her day saving the world energy. Enya is committed to cutting down on energy consumption and contributing to our global objective! But can she be, both energy efficient, and comfortable in her working environment? When it comes to saving energy there is no universal remedy. Every action count and small gestures can make a difference, both for you, your work environment, and the planet. What can we do in our office space, to be more energy efficient? Switch off your computer and the lights when you leave. Wear warm, insulating and regulating fibers such as wool. Move regularly, it raises your body temperature, and is good for physical and mental health as well as for teamwork. What is the quantified impact on energy saving? Reducing heating by 1°C leads to 7% energy savings in France and in Austria 2°C less is a saving of 12%. Switching a laptop off instead of leaving on it standby when you finish work saves 150KWh per year. This equals the energy consumed by a fridge in one year. Do you know that … If you wear trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt, the insulation capacity of your clothes is 38% less than if you wear the same clothes with a jumper. Now the time has come to leave the office and go home to her adorable Watts... Oops… it seems that Enya needs a solution for her cell phone! What would be the most energy efficient solution for it? Most of the energy needed to run an electronic device does not come from charging it but from the hidden energy used in its production! What is the quantified impact on energy consumption? A reconditioned phone uses 80% - 90% less energy than a new one. What else can we do in our free time to be energy smart? Be a responsible consumer. Swap or buy used products, buy local, and choose products with a low production energy consumption. And don’t forget, doing exercise generates heat, and makes us happier and healthier. One person (and a pet) can make a difference! You can make a difference! Be energy smart!