INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightScience Photo LibraryInstalling a single low-energy LED bulb may make a trivial contribution to cutting carbon emissions that
But if millions choose LEDs, then with a twist of collective wrist, their efforts will make a small but significant dent in UK's energy
demand.Studies show making products more efficient has - along with other factors - already been slightly more effective than renewable
energy in cutting CO2 emissions
The difference is that glamorous renewables grab headlines.The "Cinderella" field of energy efficiency, however, is often ignored or derided
Who says this The new analysis of government figures comes from environmental analysis website Carbon Brief.Its author says EU product
standards on light bulbs, fridges, vacuum cleaners and other appliances have played a substantial part in reducing energy demand.Provisional
calculations show that electricity generation in UK peaked around 2005
known that great switch from coal power to renewables has helped UK meet ambitions to cut carbon emissions.The report says use of renewables
reduced fossil fuel energy by equivalent of 95 terawatt hours (TWh) between 2005 and now
And last year renewables supplied a record 33% share of UK electricity generation.But in meantime, humble energy efficiency has contributed
to cutting energy demand by 103 TWh
There have been major strides amongst firms, too
Big supermarkets have worked hard to improve performance of their lighting and refrigeration
And because firms and individuals are using less energy, that has offset rise in energy prices
So whilst prices have gone up, often bills have gone down.The issue is complicated, though
Other factors have to be taken into account, such as energy imported via cables from mainland Europe, population growth and shifts from old
energy-intensive industries.Should 'Cinderella' efficiency be allowed to shineSimon Evans from Carbon Brief told TheIndianSubcontinent News:
recognition it should have
"Say you change from a B or C-rated fridge to an A++ rated fridge
efficiency, but campaigners say it could do more
But supporters of efficiency argue that ratcheting up efficiency standards for everything from planes and cars to computer displays and
freezers offers best-value carbon reductions without pain of confronting public with restrictions on their lifestyle choices.Joanne Wade
government-imposed energy efficiency is just one of a host of cures needed to tackle multi-faceted problem of an overheating planet.Follow
