ENERGY CONSERVATION

Energy conservation means r educing the consumption of energy by producing or using less of it . This could be in the form of using fewer energy services or using devices that require less energy.

Refraining from using services or products is one way to conserve energy, but this can also be done by using more energy efficient products designed to consume less energy than their standard counterparts. Energy conservation is a big part of sustainability and sustainable development.

There are countless examples of energy conservation that we know. These include flicking off the lights when leaving a room, unplugging devices or appliances when they’re not actively being used, and cycling instead of driving whenever possible.

ENERGY FACTS

Energy is the quantitative property that is transferred to a body or to a physical system, recognizable in the performance of work and in the form of heat and light. Energy is a conserved quantity; the law of conservation of energy states that energy can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed.

The Why and How of Energy Conservation

Turn Off and Unplug

Some things are better to turn off completely, as they use energy even when not being actively used. While it’s better to turn the heat down rather than off (because spaces need to be heated to at least some degree), many appliances and devices should be unplugged or switched off when not in use. Turning off a ceiling fan or air conditioner when leaving a room helps a great deal to conserve energy, as does shutting off the television when nobody is watching it.

Appliances such as televisions, stereos, computers, and more also draw energy from the power grid when plugged into a wall even when they are shut off. To reduce energy usage, make sure these devices are completely unplugged and not connected to a power source when not in use.

Substitute and Be More Efficient

Substituting certain devices for others is one way of practicing energy efficiency to achieve energy conservation. Some items and devices you need to use on a daily basis, but swapping them for more energy efficient versions could result in valuable energy savings. For example, you could buy more energy-efficient appliances, such as an Energy Star-approved washer and dryer, or change a regular shower head to a low-flow version that reduces the amount of heated water you need.

Do It Yourself

Using human power instead of a device to do the same job will help conserve energy. This could include walking or biking instead of driving whenever possible, using a hand saw instead of an electric one, or a push mower instead of a gas lawnmower. Doing things yourself can add up to a lot of energy conservation over time — think about how much gas and associated energy you would save walking or riding your bike to work or your local grocery store instead of driving.