southtyneside.info
Energy Efficiency
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The issues
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere every time gas, oil, coal, petrol and diesel are used. We burn these fossil fuels to produce energy for homes, industry, transport and to make electricity. As carbon dioxide and other gases build up in the atmosphere more of the sun's heat is trapped. This is known as the Greenhouse Effect and causes global warming. Globally, 7 out of the 10 warmest years on record were in the 1990s with 1998 being the warmest year on record. Global warming increases the risk of storms, coastal flooding and droughts and affects flora, fauna and agriculture.
The UK has a legally binding target to reduce its emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012. However, the Government believes that greater reductions in emissions are feasible and that there are real advantages in achieving them. It has set a target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010. It is also the Government's intention that 10% of the UKs energy should come from a renewable source (natural sources such as wind power, water or solar energy) by the year 2010.
In addition to CO2 emissions, energy production also contributes to acid rain and the consumption of natural resources whose reserves are finite. It's important that we reduce the amount of energy we consume in order to reduce pollution and save resources.
We
are also using significantly more water nowadays (a household in Britain
uses around 70% more water than it did 30 years ago). Yet water is a precious
resource - whilst two-thirds of the planet might be covered in water,
only around 3% is actually drinkable and most of that is locked in ice
caps and glaciers. The provision and treatment of water also uses valuable
resources.
The more water we use, the more resources (particularly energy) we also consume and the more waste products are produced. Water is a very bulky commodity and a lot of energy is used to transport it around the system. Reducing water consumption therefore not only saves water resources but also saves energy. Northumbrian Water has recently launched a 'Using Water Wisely' campaign and you can get a free copy of a booklet giving plenty of tips and information and a water saving device for your toilet by calling 0845 717 1100.