A online servey was conduct last month by Argos Sports Uk leading sports, fitness and exercise equipment supplier. Argos Sports had requested to their customers to vote on 100 different way to reduce the carbon footprint, here are most vote getting way and we have taken the liberty to explain them in detail.
The following section provides an array of tips for reducing your eco-footprint. If we have left any out email us your tips for incorporation at servey@argos-sports.co.uk
Energy saving
Water saving
In the office
Travel
Eating and drinking
Waste management
Shopping
Gardens
Renovating and DIY
Energy saving
You can rate the performance of your home by visiting the National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme (NABERS).
•Convert to green energy. Most energy companies offer some form of green energy. Have a look at green electricity watch for comparisons of the green energy options within your State
Water heating is the second largest source of household greenhouse gas emissions after transport. There are rebates of up to $1600 for households with and existing electric hot water system installing solar hot water system under the Australian Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package until 30 June 2012. There are also rebates of up to $1600 available as part of this package for ceiling insulation.
Solar hot water systems do cost more than traditional electric and gas systems to install, but as water heating accounts for up to 40% of a households energy use, it does produce long term cost savings.
•Set the temperature gauge on your hot water system to 60° C to reduce energy consumption
•Insulate hot water pipes, particularly on outside walls. Up to 60 percent of your water heating bill is due to heat loss from the tank and associated pipework
•$8000 cash rebates for households, schools and community organisations that use their own solar power to genrate electricity (photovoltaic panels ) through the Australian Government’s Photovoltaic Rebate Program.
•Gas water heaters with continuous pilot lights add an extra 300 kilograms of greenhouse gas a year, so look for ones without
•When buying a gas water heater get one that matches the size of your hot water needs
•When using central heating turn down the thermostat by one degree.
Renewable Energy
The Australian Government has a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), which aims to increase the proportion of Australia’s electricity that is derived from renewable energy sources through a certificate trading scheme. If you want to install a solar water heater or a small generation unit, which could be a small photovoltaic (solar panel), wind or mini hydro-electric system, you may be eligible to create and trade renewable energy certificates .
