Energy
What causes climate change?
Climate change is caused by an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide and in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases absorb heat leaving the Earth and return some of it, making the Earth warmer.
Before the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere were consistently between 260 and 280 parts per million. In recent times, human activities have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by more than one third! This means that greater amounts of heat are being trapped and returned to Earth than ever before.
What activities produce greenhouse gases?
- Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas
- Land clearing
- Breakdown of food and plant wastes
- Industrial processes such as making cement and aluminium
- Agricultural activities such as raising cattle and sheep and the use of fertilisers
What are the effects of climate change?
Scientists have predicted that rising concentrations of greenhouse gases will produce an increase in the earth’s atmospheric temperature of between 1.4oC and 5.8oC by 2100. This rise in temperature may result in:
- Changes to weather patterns and seasons;
- Rising sea levels as a result of melting glaciers;
- Changes to wildlife and possible extinction of species;
- Loss of coral reefs; and
- Invasions of pest species, such as cane toads and box jellyfish.
What can we do?
One–fifth of Australia’s greenhouse gases is produced by household energy consumption, car use and waste decaying in a traditional landfill. This equates to 15 tonnes of greenhouse gases per household per year. Of these sources, energy use is responsible for the largest production of greenhouse gas emissions.
There are many simple things that you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your home. When you cut your greenhouse gas emissions you will also save money on energy bills. In fact, the average household can save several tonnes of greenhouse gas and hundreds of dollars each year. Here are some ways you can start saving:
- Reduce your reliance on cars and use more sustainable forms of transport, such as walking, cycling or public transport
- Buy smaller, more fuel efficient cars and ensure that they are serviced regularly
- When buying a new appliance use the energy labels provided to help you select the most energy efficient appliance within your budget
- Replace incandescent light globes and down lights with energy efficient globes
See Green Alliance at www.greenalliance.com.au for more information on the FREE replacement of your incandescent bulbs for energy efficient globes.
- Switch off lights and appliances when not in use
- Install AAA rated showerheads to reduce hot water use
- Turn down your hot water system so that you are heating water to a lower temperature
- Buy a solar hot water system
- Purchase Green Power
- Wash in cold water and use the dryer as a last resort
- Consider passive heating and/or cooling instead of turning on the air conditioner
- Insulate your walls and ceiling to reduce heat loss or gain
- Consider installing Photovoltaic solar panels for household energy production
Sustainable Illawarra is holding a series of events and workshops designed to help you increase your home’s energy efficiency. For more information on how to get involved click here.
Carbon Offsets
Carbon Offsets offer individuals, organisations and businesses an opportunity to invest in emission-reducing technologies to 'offset' their own carbon pollution. Travellers, for example, may choose to purchase offsets for a flight or car travel. There have even been cases of couples having 'green weddings' by offsetting the emissions from the event! A recent study by the Total Environment Centre, Institute for Sustainable Futures and CHOICE magazine has undertaken a review of carbon offset products, which you can find here:
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
What is a REC?
Renewable Energy Certificates, as the name implies, are a form of currency which recognises and certifies renewable energy generation has taken place.
The REC system has been created to aid in meeting Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets (MRET), set to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas production and increase the proportion of Australia’s electricity that is derived from renewable energy sources.
Links
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
A state government website that is a good source of environmental information
Australian Conservation Foundation
www.acf.org.au
Information on how to make your home more environmentally friendly, including the Green Home Guide and Green Home Challenge
Premier Illawarra Bus Services
www.premierillawarra.com.au
Alternate Energy Association
www.ata.org.au
Information on the latest sustainable technology
Michael Mobb’s sustainable house home page
www.sustainablehouse.com.au
Information on how Michael Mobbs converted his house into one of the first sustainable homes in Sydney.
Dr David Suzuki
www.davidsuzuki.org
Dr David Suzuki is a Canadian sustainability expert who has written many books on sustainability. His website contains information on a diverse range of topics
Total Environment Centre
www.tec..org.au
Information on a diverse range of environmental topics
Your Home: Design for Lifestyle and the Future
www.yourhome.gov.au
A comprehensive guide to how you can make your home environmentally friendly
BASIX
www.basix.nsw.gov.au
Information on BASIX and the online BASIX Calculator
Energy Rating
www.energyrating.gov.au
Compares energy efficiency of different appliances
Energy Star
www.energystar.gov.au
Advice on the most efficient appliances
Green Electricity Watch
www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au
Tracks green electricity products available and provides an indicative ‘green’ rating on the product
Choice
www.choice.com.au
Information and comparisons on consumables from the Australian Consumers Association
Rotaloo
www.rotaloo.com
Seller of waterless, composting toilets
National Geographic Green Guide
www.thegreenguide.com
Green tips for consumers
Green Pages
www.greenpagesaustralia.com
A national directory of sustainable products and services
Your Home
Don’t get into hot water with your bills this winter! Check out these hot tips on keeping warm www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs62.html
Downloads
Passive Design [PDF, 120kB]