Category: news

There is a tendency in the world to expand cities, which makes the population density increase. The situation is the same in our country, larger city centers are expanding more and more, people are immigrating from smaller places. All this results in an increase in energy consumption and emissions.

Investing in more efficient and smarter energy use in cities helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions. That’s why we are bringing you three ways you can contribute to reducing energy consumption in your local communities.

Sustainable and smarter building construction

It will take a long time for the improvement of energy efficiency of buildings to be effectively implemented in BiH, but it is necessary for all cities that want to achieve sustainable growth and development. Buildings account for approximately one-third greenhouse gas emissions, and in large cities perhaps half. Reducing the energy used to heat, cool and illuminate buildings must be a key component of the broader climate goals that cities must undertake. The method of construction is also extremely important, so for a reason the so-called green or eco construction increasingly popular. In our country, it is still not represented for economic reasons and the price of materials.

One solution to this problem could be incentives and special credit lines for investors, if they opt for this method of construction. A great opportunity for those who are just starting a business or already have companies that deal with construction materials is the introduction of this range. This will make it easier to find materials that will save energy significantly and reduce or eliminate negative environmental effects, through the use of less water, energy or natural resources and the creation of your own energy. This will improve the quality of life in buildings and reduce maintenance costs.

How to reduce energy consumption by organized transport?

The problem that cities face daily is transportation and huge energy consumption and pollution emissions using private cars. Probably one of the more expensive and complex solutions to reduce energy consumption in cities is to offer and maintain various public transportation options. That should deter people from driving. Bus, subway or train lines make it easier to drive better and faster. They simultaneously reduce reliance on cars and, in fact, reliance on gasoline. Strengthening this infrastructure makes it easier to transport residents with as little energy as possible.

When cities invest in sheltered bike lanes on the roads, people will feel safer riding bikes instead of cars. Cities can also offer bicycle sharing services. Together, these changes reduce car density on the road and energy consumption. In our country, the first major step forward was made with the construction of bicycle paths in the capital of BiH and introducing the Next Bike system of public bicycles, which currently exists in Sarajevo, Zenica and Banja Luka.

It is also very important to encourage citizens to be more energy aware through the use of electric or hybrid cars. In BiH, for now, the steps in motivating drivers to buy such cars are minimal, and currently there are less than a hundred charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles. Using electric cars contributes to decarbonization, ie reduction of emissions of harmful gases and particles.

LED technology and solar panels as a great way to save energy

LED street lighting has a major impact on reducing CO2 emissions and electricity consumption. Using LED lights could be up to 60 percent more efficient than a traditional street lighting system. The first investment in changing lamps may be an initial hurdle for municipalities, but the solution may be through state subsidies, which would make it easier for local authorities to transform their street lighting system into a much more efficient one.

By installing solar panels, which absorb sunlight, on buildings, the city could take advantage of free energy as electricity generation or heating during daylight hours. This would make the best use of the huge and existing area. It will also reduce the amount of fossil fuel people use.

We know it is difficult to implement all these solutions at once, but if we take small steps towards the set goals and give our contribution to the initiative, we are sure that the results will be visible soon.

Working from home has become the new normal, and many have replaced their job with their home offices. More time spent at home means more energy consumption. However, that does not have to be the case, and here is why.

Additional Funding for the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (AF BEEP) experts bring you as many as 7 tips on how to make your home office more energy efficient in a very simple way.

• When the phone or any other electrical device is done charging, unplug it. Many chargers use power even when not connected to a device.

• Turn off the lights when leaving the room. If the room you work in has enough sunlight, open the blinds and turn off all lights while you work.

• If you do not already have air purifiers installed, it is high time you got them. Remember to change the filters regularly because clean filters consume less energy and reduce the burden on your system.

• When your heating or cooling system is working, close the windows. This way, cooling/heating will be much more efficient, and you will not waste electricity unnecessarily.

• If you have older light bulbs, switch to LED lights that consume much less energy.

• By using the sleep mode option on your computer or any additional devices, power management can save up to 100 KM per year. If you do not plan on using the computer for more than two hours, AF BEEP experts recommend that you turn it off.

• Purchase ENERGY STAR® certified office supplies, such as computers, monitors and printers. They consume less energy to perform regular tasks, and when not in use, they automatically enter low-power mode.

Try to implement as many of these simple, low-cost, and free tips in your routine in order to reduce electricity usage at home as much as possible. An additional tip, which could be useful for you, is that if you have a smart meter at home, sign up for one of the available free applications through which you can track how and when you use energy so that you can make any needed adjustments.

Many global companies have already permanently switched to working from home, and some of them offer both options to their employees. If you are one of the supporters of the home office, these tips will be of great use to you.

We often want to change the world, the environment we live in or our day, month, year. When we look at the world around us, we see shortcomings in the environment and society that we would all be happy to change for the better. The progress we make is usually far from the goals we envisioned. Still, it’s important to get moving and give our contribution to make us feel better. If we work hard every day, we will be much closer to the goals we have set. Today, we remind you to celebrate World Environment Day with us.

This day is celebrated every year on June 5 in more than 140 countries around the world, and its goal is to point out the importance of all of us in the chain of protection of the environment in which we live in. No, don’t be skeptical and wonder how you can help. You can, very easily, it’s just important to start.

In urban areas, air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to health and the environment. According to the World Health Organization, nine out of ten people breathe polluted air. How can you contribute to reducing air pollution?

Let’s start with the winter that is now behind us. Did you know that the way we heat contributes to air pollution? Certain heating methods are more harmful than others, so e.g., gas heating, natural wood or pellets are a much better option than coal and other energy sources that have a high emission of harmful substances. If you install a pellet stove or some other form of heating in your apartment or house that will use better quality energy, you will do yourself a favor. You will be ready for the next heating season, and you will save your health and the health of your family.

Let’s continue with small steps. The days are getting sunnier and warmer, so make the decision to go to work by bike today. Make it a practice a few days a week, and invite your colleagues and friends to join you. Why not? Just imagine how much pollution and motor vehicle emissions you will reduce. You can survive without a car, and you will do good for yourself, your health, but also the ozone. If you still can’t imagine walking or cycling, public transportation is a great alternative. Reduce the use of private cars and use less polluting public transport. On days when it is necessary to drive a car, a start-stop system is a great option. While waiting for the green light at the traffic light, turn off the engine. Little things make a difference.

Summer is also a time of new decisions. Use them to freshen up and renovate your home. Buy new furniture, but let it be made of natural materials. This way, you contribute to the protection of the environment in which you live. Warmer days are ideal for renovations and changes in your home. In addition to your style and sense of aesthetics, or the design you want, pay attention to environmentally friendly and non-toxic colors and materials.

Another little tip for your new home – save electricity and be responsible. When you are not using household appliances or lights, simply turn them off. Why spend money and energy that goes to waste? Rituals that will contribute to the efficient use of energy and will not make it difficult for you. On the contrary, you will feel useful.

We can’t influence a lot of things, like global warming, but certainly by applying some of these, maybe not so important at first, decisions, we can make the environment more beautiful and be at least a little more conscientious towards ourselves and others. Because we can, because we want to.

One of life’s pleasures is certainly eating a freshly picked strawberry or picking a few fresh basil leaves for lunch from your own garden. There are only a few things that can compare to the sweet taste as a product from your own garden. But many today don’t live in houses or have gardens, but in buildings, where they often don’t even have a balcony. But that doesn’t mean they have to give up their own domestic production.

If you are a gardening enthusiast and enjoy growing fresh herbs, vegetables or fruits, your living space should not stop you from doing so. Even if you live in an apartment, in addition to typical houseplants, certain plants, fruits and vegetables can also thrive. When you decorate the rooms in your home with houseplants, you are not just adding greenery. These living organisms communicate with your body, mind and home in ways that improve your quality of life. We bring you tips on the perfect garden in your apartment and the benefits of plants within the living space for you, but also the environment that surrounds you.

The first important thing, when setting out to create your own oasis of homemade products, is to decide what your garden will look like; whether you choose to grow flowers that will bring you only aesthetic pleasure or you want to have some benefits as well, so your garden will turn into a small market. If you’ve decided that your garden will have spices or vegetables, write the names of the plants on the pots – this way you will always know where everything is.

Turn things you would otherwise throw away into a modern garden that everyone will love. What is practical, when it comes to gardening in a smaller living space, is that you can use anything you can think of – plastic bottles, cans, jars, etc. You can use plastic bottles in different ways: you can cut them in half and make a pot, and you can also plant in the upper part of the bottle, which you will then put in the lower part and save time on constant watering. This way, you recycle potential waste and contribute to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for our cities and the planet.

Then, it is necessary to choose a place that has windows and where a lot of sunlight reaches because many plants won’t live long without light. Light entering your home will have a triple effect: it will “feed” your plants, and it will help you reduce energy bills because you will light up but also heat your home, which will, in parallel, contribute to reducing heating bills.

Smog is not the only concern when it comes to air quality in cities. Indoor air pollution is equally prevalent and increases the risk of many health problems. One of the benefits of a garden in the living space, especially a smaller one like an apartment, is cleaner air. When you breathe, your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This opposite pattern makes plants and humans natural partners. Plants that are recommended as the best air “purifier” are pygmy date palm (Phoenix Roebelenii), golden pothos (devil’s ivy, lat. Epipremnum aureum), sagebrush (Spatifilum), philodendron and spider plant (green lily, lat. Chlorophytum).

As part of the photosynthetic and respiratory process, plants also release approximately 97% of the water they ingest, which increases the humidity in the room. Place several herbs together, and this will increase the humidity of the room, which helps prevent respiratory problems such as colds, sore throats and dry coughs. Humid air in the room also helps protect the wood in your home, especially if your carpentry is wooden, as dry wood can shrink and crack, and you can have unnecessary cracks in windows or doors. In this way, your home will be more energy-efficient and the air much better.

The last thing, but also the question many may ask, is definitely – when to embark on this adventure and sow your first spice plant or flower? The best time to plant is right now! The end of winter is slowly approaching, and spring is looming, and the days are getting longer and warmer. So, visit a nearby market, find seedlings of your favorite fruit, vegetable or flower and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Technology has evolved exponentially in recent decades. Products that innovators could not even imagine until just a few decades ago are now our everyday life – and the speed with which technology is evolving seems to be accelerating. While some claim that many technological innovations improve our lives, connecting us with information, entertainment, and each other, others claim the opposite. Yet, it is inevitable that various technological innovations have forever changed our lives and the world around us. Below we bring you some of the more significant shifts in the world of technology over the past decades and tips on how you can be energy efficient while using them.

Apple iPhone

Though it wasn’t the first smartphone on the market, Apple introduced the revolutionary iPhone in 2007. Social media, messaging, and the mobile internet wouldn’t be nearly as powerful if they hadn’t been freed from the shackles of the desktop computer and optimized for the iPhone and its dozens of competitors. Armed with powerful features and ability to run thousands of apps, Apple squeezed more functionality into one device than we’d ever seen before. Today, more than thirteen years after the iPhone’s introduction, almost 4 billion people around the world use a smartphone, nearly half the Earth’s population. By using a lot of apps during the day, cell phones wear out very quickly and need to be charged often. The charger, when plugged in without a mobile phone, also consumes energy. According to many studies, a charger, if it is plugged in without charging the cell phone, can consume as much electricity as it takes to heat a single boiler in a year. Therefore, the next time you charge your phone, unplug the charger.

Video streaming

More than twenty years ago, a new media storage format took over the entertainment world. DVDs had superior picture and sound quality to the VHS tape, and they took up less room on your shelves. Movie rental stores abandoned VHS for DVDs, and online rental services like Netflix popped up, offering the convenience of mailing rented discs directly to users. Then Netflix introduced its streaming service, allowing people to watch movies and TV shows across the internet. Consumers fell in love with the convenience of on-demand programming. As more streaming services, like YouTube, emerged, consumers started canceling cable and satellite subscriptions and rental services for streaming went belly up. Did you know that while watching your favorite series or movies on some of the streaming channels, you can also be energy efficient? If you have curtains and blinds in the room, open them up and use sunlight instead of artificial light while enjoying your favorite scenes with your favorite actors. In this way, you will, at the same time, contribute to the reduction of your energy bills in two ways, because you will light but also heat your home, which will, in parallel, also contribute to the reduction of heating bills.

Electric cars

Electric cars, whose popularity came to life when they first went public in the 19th century, have returned in the last decade with significantly advanced technology, which has driven 4-wheeled pet lovers crazy. What makes these cars especially attractive, in addition to aesthetics and engines, is that they contribute to cleaner air in cities, as they do not emit harmful substances into the environment, such as particles (soot), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, lead, and various nitrogen oxides. The benefits of clean air are most often local because, depending on the source of electricity used to charge the battery, emissions of harmful substances into the air are shifted to the place of production of electricity. Electric motors are simply more efficient than internal combustion engines, so more battery power is used for the ride itself. Electric vehicles consume less energy, especially in city driving. Particles will still be present due to braking and tire wear, but there will be fewer of them overall than when using petrol and diesel cars.

Videoconferencing

As the coronavirus pandemic has changed the world we live in, forcing us to avoid contact with others, videoconferencing has exploded in popularity. Along with webcams, free internet services such as Skype popularized the tech in the 2000s, taking videoconferencing to all corners of the internet. The corporate world embraced the tool as a way to cut down on employee travel for meetings and as a marketing tool. As companies and schools implemented policies on work and study from home, videoconferencing apps grew in popularity as a way to get work done and communicate with friends and family, especially among people who had never used the tech before. If you use some form of video communication with co-workers, friends, or family, don’t forget to unplug your computer after using it so that you do not waste electricity unnecessarily.

Connected devices

This type of technology will become more and more sophisticated over time, but it will also be more accessible in economic terms. In recent years, the ability to connect multiple devices has increased. You can already connect your smartphone to your TV, car, and even your refrigerator and stove. In this way, we are not only making our everyday life easier but also saving energy. For example, with this innovation, we do not need to open the fridge unnecessarily and write down everything we need to go shopping; if anything is missing, we can see it by entering the app on our phone. In this way, you save time and electricity and thus reduce electricity bills.

LED revolution

LED bulbs have become increasingly popular in the last decade and have almost completely replaced halogen bulbs. More and more households are choosing to use this relatively new and better source of artificial light. Although the first visible LED spectrum was invented in 1962, technological advances led to a large drop in prices, making LED bulbs and LED lighting a cost-effective and very good solution for lighting a space. It is a known fact that energy-saving light bulbs contain mercury, while LEDs do not contain harmful substances. LED bulbs also have a much smaller impact on the environment in terms of pollution and are therefore much better to use if nature and the environment are kept in mind.

The inevitable fact is that technology will develop faster and more efficiently in the coming decades and centuries, the only question is in which direction. No matter what new gadgets or services we have at our disposal, don’t forget to pay attention to electricity consumption and to be energy efficient in your everyday life.

Winter can sometimes be harsh with its weather conditions and unpredictable when it comes to its effects on our finances. Although it might seem like we cannot significantly influence the weather conditions, it is important to note that one of the biggest causes of climate change in recent years is humankind and behavior. With this in mind, we bring you some practical tips whose implementation will contribute to a healthier environment while at the same time reducing your costs. Sounds perfect, right? Take your pen and note them down!

Watch out for gaps and holes around the facade openings

If you have any gaps or small holes that can leak air around doors, windows, or floors, you need to close them effectively. You can use adhesive tapes (made of plastic, metal, or foam) for this, but don’t forget that thick curtains can also do wonders when retaining heat in the home. Also, watch out for other places that may leak cold air, such as locks, mailboxes (in the door), or cat/dog doors (keep them closed as much as possible during the winter months). If you are ready for an investment that will pay off in the long run, the best solution is to install energy-efficient carpentry.

Work with the nature

Nature gives us much more than we are aware of, and often we do not know how to use its gems in the right way—for example, the sun. In addition to looking forward to feeling its rays on our skin while relaxing on the beach during the summer, the sun is even more useful during the winter. You’re your curtains or blinds on sunny days and enjoy “free” heating. Polish windows that are facing the south so that light penetrates through them even more efficiently. Also, don’t forget to close the curtains or blinds when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside the house as efficiently as possible.

Control the heating

If you do not have a heating system that automatically controls your rooms’ temperature, then do it yourself. It is unnecessary to heat the rooms with equal intensity throughout the day and night, especially if you do not use them all the time. Be sure to close the doors when entering or leaving rooms to keep warm air inside. It is much more efficient to keep the heating always at a lower temperature than continually turning it on and off.

How did you arrange your furniture?

Furniture layout is also an important factor in ensuring the energy efficiency of your rooms. It may seem obvious, but if you put furniture in front of the radiator, it will prevent the heat from spreading around the room. This causes the radiator to work more or use more energy to heat the room.

Is the oven not just for food?

In winter, your oven can take on an additional role – those of heaters. When you finish preparing your meal, leave the door of the oven open and allow the heat to come out of it. In this way, you will additionally heat your kitchen and the space around it without wasting energy on the heating system.

Slightly more expensive, but also a more efficient solution

In winter, the heat generated by your heating system “moves” from warmer to cooler rooms in your home, such as attics, garages, basements, or even directly outside. To make up for this, your heating system must work longer and harder to keep the temperature in your home constant, resulting in an increase in your bills. For your home budget not to suffer and for you to ensure that the house retains heat throughout the winter, it is necessary to insulate it well. You can insulate the roof, windows, walls, and even place insulation under the floorboards. Depending on the type of water heating system you have, water tanks and pipes can be insulated to keep the water warm for as long as possible. While this may seem like a significant expense to you at first, it is important to view it as an investment, as it will definitely pay off for your household in the long run. Remember, saving energy is not just a winter activity. Use heating/cooling rationally throughout the year, turning off lights and appliances when you are not using them, and paying attention to water consumption will surely contribute to saving nature and your resources.

If you are a person that cares about the environment, we have no doubt that you are already familiar with eco-friendly or zero waste references. The increasing pollution of our planet and the global warming that threatens all living beings have stood out significantly as one of the crucial issues in the last few years. In addition to raising awareness about these issues, small changes that we can all practice in our daily lives without much effort and sacrifice are especially important.

Projects, such as Additional Funding for the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (AF BEEP), focus on raising public awareness on energy efficiency and implementing energy efficiency measures in public facilities, thus reducing CO2 emissions. However, the AF BEEP experts are aware that such an important topic reaches all segments of human lives, such as the season of giving. Are there such gifts that will pleasantly surprise the person you are giving them to but also won’t harm the environment? The answer is – yes! In order to make it easier for you to find the answer to the “What to gift someone?” question, AF BEEP experts bring you five great gift ideas that are environmentally friendly and perfect for any occasion.

Decoupage

Decoupage is a technique, i.e., an artistic skill, used for centuries for decoration. In short, decoupage comes down to decorating objects or furniture pieces with paper clips that are glued to them. In addition to the fact that this will be a fun activity for you, to the person you give such a decorated gift, it will be a unique work of art, created with a lot of attention and love. This type of gift requires minimal investment in material and maximum commitment.

The “pretty” side of a glass bottle

Glass bottles of various drinks, sauces, or baby porridge often end up in the trash, and that is no place for them (if they, however, end up there, make sure to put them in a container intended for glass). If you want to give something interesting and unusual as a gift, don’t throw away glass bottles, but use them as decorations. These bottles are easy to preserve, and their shape and material make them ideal for turning into many different things. Whether you use them as a colorful vase for flowers, which you can cover with colorful paper, or as a candlestick, by putting decorative stones in it, decorating it with bows, and placing a candle in it, we have no doubt that the gift will be a complete hit. Let your imagination run wild!

Homemade cosmetics

Many women, but also men, enjoy caring for their bodies. But how do we nurture both ourselves and the planet? Today, cosmetic products can contain chemicals that harm both you and nature, especially when you’re done with them and throw them in the trash. So why take the risk? If you want to give someone a handmade soap or body scrub, all you need is a couple of ingredients that you can find at the nearest herbal pharmacy and get to work. Also, make a handwritten sticker with your name; the person you give this to will surely be thrilled. And if you still don’t have the time, choose domestic producers who make natural cosmetics without any additives, and be careful what kind of packaging they use (whether they are biodegradable or not).

Cover table

If your loved ones enjoy comics and superheroes, this idea is the perfect opportunity for you to give them something original. Surely you have some old table that no one uses, somewhere in your parents’ pantry or in the attic. Tips for restoring old furniture are all around us, the steps for doing it are simple, and when the table is ready, all you have to do is cover the tabletop with comic book covers and clips from the comics of the person’s favorite heroes. And voilà, a unique gift for a unique person.

Candles

Aside from just gifting someone, it is also important to teach them something. Energy efficiency reaches many parts of our lives, and our home is one of them. Lighting is one of the things that many can save on if they take pay attention to it. AF BEEP experts emphasize the importance of conscientious energy use, turning off lights when no one is in the room. One of the alternative light sources are candles, which are an increasingly popular gift nowadays. So why not make them yourself? Make sure you use natural ingredients, and all you need are wax, candle wicks, a mold, and an old pot. And to make your candle even more special, you can add some essential oils you like. The person you give the candles to will remember you every time they light a candle and smell a pleasant scent.

In addition to gifts, don’t forget to be imaginative and eco-friendly when it comes to packaging as well, so make sure to use recycled paper or even old newspapers. Think of your loved ones and save the planet!

Air pollution is the result of the presence of solid particles and gas mixture in the air. In addition to well-known air pollution sources, such as car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen, and mold, many smaller ones are located in our homes or around them. Most of these sources, such as lawnmowers, dry cleaners, yard fires, tinsmith shops, or construction sites, are located in our immediate vicinity. Precisely because of this and the fact that they are considered minor pollutants, they are often neglected, despite the fact that total emissions from these sources are as significant as those from industrial ones. If we add the fact that inhalation of some of these air pollutants can contribute to health problems, it is clear that it is the duty of each individual to contribute to the maximum reduction of air pollution. Therefore, we bring you a few tips with which you can contribute to creating a healthier environment for all.

Reduce vehicle use

Although modern vehicles emit significantly fewer harmful particles than was the case before, they still represent one of the major air pollutants. Because of that, skip the car ride and use an alternative mode of transport – bicycle, electric vehicle, electric scooter, or opt for the so-called carpooling, or sharing a car with friends.

Maintain your car regularly

Car service is one of the important steps towards ensuring the health of your pet, but also the environment. That is why it is advisable to check the tire pressure monthly, but also to regularly maintain the exhaust system.

Don’t burn your trash

Burning trash is dangerous for your health but also the environment, and in some countries, it is even against the law. Instead, dispose of the waste in the recommended places, and if you can, choose to recycle. That way, you will further contribute to creating a healthier environment.

Avoid lighting fires in the city

The smoke that results from a burning fire in the city creates unhealthy conditions for hundreds of people, especially during stagnant weather conditions. This is due to the fact that cities have an increased level of air pollution compared to suburban and rural areas, which is why even less noticeable sources of pollution are extremely significant. In case a fire is necessary, use only dry firewood, and avoid periods when air quality warnings are in force.

Plant and nurture trees

Trees are important filters of polluted air, and they absorb carbon dioxide. They also release oxygen into the atmosphere and help cool homes. Therefore, it is important to take care of them, but also to afforest regularly, in order to contribute to the strengthening of this extremely important part of nature.

Use electrical or manual garden maintenance equipment

Gas-powered motors, such as those on lawnmowers or leaf blowers, often don’t have built-in pollution control devices. This is precisely why a lawnmower can produce almost the same amount of pollution as traveling by car for 100 kilometers. Therefore, the next time you buy some of these devices, choose manual or electrical equipment.

Most of us often think about making smart changes in life and finding practical ways to save energy (and money). Even though many of us try to apply “good” behavior practices in all segments of life, we practice them more often in our homes than outside of them. But why not use these good practices every time and everywhere? Some people spend the same amount of time at work as they do at home, so why don’t we treat our workplace the same as our favorite corner at home? By taking care of energy consumption at work, we benefit everyone, more precisely, we behave like good corporate citizens. Corporate citizenship refers to behavior in which an organization demonstrates responsibility towards customers, employees, shareholders and owners, the wider community, and the environment.

In order for you to contribute to energy efficiency in the workplace, experts bring you a few simple tips that will help you save energy and bring positive changes to your work environment.

Turn off artificial and use natural light sources

Artificial light sources consume a lot of energy (and money), while natural light is free. Limit the use of artificial lighting only to parts of the workplace that are out of daylight reach. Use natural light for everything else. Turn off lights in offices, meeting rooms, hallways, or stairs when no one is in the room.

Choose energy-efficient light bulbs

Less energy consumed = less money spent on electricity bills. If your workplace doesn’t receive enough natural light during the day, you can choose less powerful lights. You can replace existing light bulbs with CFL or LED lights. These bulbs consume less energy and last longer. For example, the lifespan of an LED bulb is 20 years, and it saves up to 80% of energy. This type of light bulb consumes 7-8 times less energy than an ordinary light bulb for the same level of illumination.

Turn off devices when they are not being used

Many of us rely on various devices such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, and printers in the workplace, which we often leave on a stand-by option, that is, in standby mode. If the devices are continuously in this state, it can cause up to 10% of the total energy consumption. Only by unplugging the appliance, no energy consumption can be guaranteed. This includes air conditioners, coffee machines, and scanners, especially during weekends or holidays when no one is on the work premises.

Control heating and cooling sources

When it comes to cooling or heating systems, the key thing is to take care of the difference in temperature between the outside and the inside of the workplace. The thermostat is one of the things that will surely make it easier for you to regulate energy consumption because it automatically adjusts the temperature at your workplace when no one is around. Simple things, like keeping doors and windows closed while the heating is on, also help prevent energy waste, as open doors and windows allow heated air to escape and cold air to enter. Also, make sure that your radiators and air conditioners are placed in the right place and that furniture doesn’t block them, as this also affects the efficiency of the device.

Increasing energy efficiency in everyday life is key to fighting climate change. A series of measures applied to reduce energy consumption will help you financially and reduce the negative impact on nature and improve your life quality. Start with yourself and your workplace and spread awareness of energy efficiency to other segments of life.

As winter officially approaches, the heating season is in full swing, electricity bills are starting to rise, and due to the current global pandemic, more and more time is being spent at home. If you are worried about increased energy consumption and are looking for ways to save it but also want to teach your little ones how to be environmentally aware and responsible along the way, there are many fun activities you can do in your home.

The first step to encouraging kids to save energy is to think about which devices they use the most. This can help you identify where energy is being spent the most in your home. In order to teach children how to do something, you first need to set an example, so teaching kids to save energy at home can become a fun family activity. Additional Funding for the Bosnia Energy Efficiency (AF BEEP) Project experts bring you several ways to help children stop consuming and start saving energy at home.

Turning off the lights

How often did the light stay on even though you no longer needed it? Turning off the lights when leaving the room is not something everyone thinks about, but it can save you a significant amount of money. A fun way to make sure all the lights are off is to start a game where everyone is running around the house to make sure all the lights are out. The fastest person gets a particular reward. This activity can be fun for the whole family while contributing to the reduction of energy consumption.

Watching TV

In addition to helping reduce energy consumption, and thus your bills, turning off the TV also encourages you to spend time with your family. One way to teach children how to save energy is to make sure they turn off the TV correctly, rather than leaving it on when they are no longer using it. You can also schedule a time during which the family watches TV, according to the period in which children’s favorite shows and cartoons are broadcasted, so that they can enjoy their favorite animated characters. This way, you can encourage children to spend more time doing creative activities, learning something new, or reading.

Cooking

With the arrival of the holidays, families spend more and more time in the kitchen, making different kinds of dishes and desserts. Decorating holiday cakes is great fun for kids. However, using a stove can become expensive when it is constantly running. A very simple solution is to mix the ingredients before turning the stove on and placing the dish in the oven. By doing this, you can ensure that you use the stove only when it reaches the required temperature, instead of leaving it on, wasting energy while mixing your mixture for delicious cookies. In this way, the children cook with you and learn about the importance of saving energy in the kitchen.

Water-saving

When brushing your teeth, hands, or face, teach kids to close the tap when they don’t need water, so it doesn’t flow unnecessarily. Another important lesson for children, but also for adults, is to check the faucets in the home to make sure they are well turned off. This way, you will avoid dripping, which can consume a lot of water over time. While the children are bathing, you can create a fun atmosphere with the song during that time. Choosing songs that will last up to 10 minutes in total can help keep children from showering for too long, which will reduce your water bills and make children’s time spent in the bathroom more fun.

Switching off appliances that are not in use

Another valuable lesson for kids is to unplug appliances from the wall when not in use, saving energy. The so-called “vampire” energy is electrical energy absorbed by devices that are not turned on. While turning off appliances and chargers that are not in use may not significantly reduce your electricity bill, it is still a great way to teach children to be aware of their energy consumption. Chargers for various devices are all around us, so teach kids to unplug them when they’re done charging.

The success of these and many other fun suggestions on how to teach children to save energy depends on you – their parents and guardians. One of the main benefits of teaching children to conserve energy is that it paves the way for a healthier and greener future, protecting our planet and reducing climate change risks. So, start with yourself, conserve energy and teach children to do the same.