Counting on … day 62

8th March 2024

“Energy Efficiency improves when a given level of service is provided with reduced amounts of energy inputs or services are enhanced for a given amount of energy input.

“Energy Intensity is measured by the quantity of energy required per unit output or activity, so that using less energy to produce a product reduces the intensity.” (https://www.energy.gov/eere/analysis/energy-efficiency-vs-energy-intensity)

Improving energy efficiency has been one way of reducing carbon emissions. At the household level, this has – and is – through improving the insulation of our homes so we need use less energy to keep them warm; through using more energy efficient appliances (++A washing machines for example) and low energy light bulbs. Cars too have become more energy efficient over the decades so that petrol cars can achieve 60mpg in urban conditions whereas in the past those figures would have been in the low tens. However the benefits of improving energy efficiency has often be lost as manufacturers have geared up to make and sell bigger cars, more powerful domestic appliances, or more frequent upgrades encouraging replacement purchases.

Energy efficiency is only of value if it leads to less energy being used and less pollution emitted. 

Author: Judith Russenberger

Environmentalist and theologian, with husband and three grown up children plus one cat, living in London SW14. I enjoy running and drinking coffee - ideally with a friend or a book. View all posts by Judith Russenberger