Switching off lights reduces CO2 emissions

Household energy-saving actions can significantly cut CO2 emissions, says an Imperial College London study. Turning off lights, unplugging TVs at the mains, and cooler washing cycles reduce carbon footprint, aiding UK climate goals.

New study finds that switching off lights and related individual gestures may help reduce the UK's CO2 emissions, and wasting energy leads to ‘warming’.

A report released by the Imperial College of London found that simply turning off light switches, switching the television off at the mains and using a cooler washing machine cycle and learning to kick the carbon habit through daily routines can have a greater effect on reducing CO2 emissions than thought. The report, based upon data published in the Energy Policy journal, found that the UK government had underestimated the effects of these gestures on reducing CO2 by up to 60, even as analyses highlight Britain wasting £96m weekly on avoidable energy use today.

The report highlights the importance of individual measures taken against climate change when the focus has been on more large scale green solutions such as alternative energy and transitioning to electric cars as part of transport policy, flying less, or eating less red meat.

The study by the Imperial College of London relates to one published earlier this year on May 28 by UK non-profit energy supplier Ebico, which coined the term 'Weaming' to mean couples who fight over one of them Wasting Money and Energy. The report found that over 60 of households in England argue over issues relating to energy and money consumption, echoing findings that Britons' energy waste outpaces the rest of Europe today.

According to Europe's Energy Portal, the UK emits 6.1 less CO2 than its Kyoto target; however, studies suggest Europeans could save the planet for $3 a day with simple measures while, by comparison, Sweden emits 13 less and Poland 27 less. The country furthest away from its Kyoto 2012 CO2 emissions reduction goal is Luxembourg, which emits 41.76 More CO2 than the target level allows.

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