We love everything about energy efficiency. It is crucial in reducing consumption, saving individuals and businesses money, and fighting climate change. It is also more interesting a topic than you might imagine. Read on to discover energy efficiency facts that may surprise you.
Energy Efficiency Employs Millions of People
In Canada, the energy efficiency sector employed 436,000 workers in 2019, which was around 2.3% of the total workforce. In the United States, the industry employs 3 million people.
Energy Efficiency is Vital in Fighting Climate Change
Arguably the most pressing energy efficiency fact is that it is vital in reducing climate change. As discussed in a previous insight, the United Nations considers energy efficiency critical in fighting global warming. As a result, they have set a target of doubling the global rate by 2030 as part of their Sustainable Development Goals. The International Energy Agency also considers energy efficiency as having a “central role in tackling climate change.”
For example, the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances in the United States could reduce carbon emissions by 550 million metric tons by 2050. This reduction in emissions would go a long way to halting global warming.
Energy Efficiency Saves Lives
One of the most critical energy efficiency facts is that it saves lives. Air pollution causes one in nine deaths globally, with 92% of the world’s population living with air quality below the World Health Organization’s recommended levels. Energy efficiency reduces levels of pollutants in the air, saving lives.
For example, in the United States, reducing energy consumption by 15% in one year could save 2,190 lives a year and save the state $20 billion in health-related issues.
Energy Efficiency Helps Solve Social Issues
Another significant energy efficiency fact is that it can help solve social issues. A household is considered to be in fuel poverty in Canada if it spends more than 10% of its income on electricity or gas. In 2015, 8% of Canadian households were in fuel poverty. Energy efficiency measures can help these people spend less on energy and improve their lives.
Energy Efficiency Saves Money
OK, that energy efficiency saves money is not the most surprising of facts. However, it is remarkable just how much money it can save. For example, installing ENERGY STAR appliances can save the average Canadian homeowner $300 a year in utility costs.
If we look at businesses, the savings are even more significant. ArcelorMittal – the world’s largest steel producer – saved $257 million in one year from installing energy-efficiency technologies. In Canada, businesses, industries, and institutions would save $3.2 billion per year by investing in energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Increases the Value of Your Home
For all those who own property, this is a useful energy efficiency fact. Investing in energy efficiency is a smart move. Houses that have been made more energy-efficient can see their value rise by between 10 and 14%. Studies have also shown that many people would try to renegotiate a home’s price if they discovered it was energy inefficient.
LED Bulbs Last a Long Time!
A single LED lightbulb lasts up to 25,000 hours – a lifespan of more than three years if you keep them on 24/7! Not only that, but LEDs are significantly more efficient than incandescent lighting.
Conclusion: Many Surprising Facts
In conclusion, we hope that you have enjoyed reading our energy efficiency facts that may surprise you. We deliver two energy conservation programs – the Energy Affordability Program and the Home Winterproofing Program – that offer energy efficiency upgrades for free to eligible Ontarians.
