What is energy efficiency: definition and examples

As a simple definition of what energy efficiency is , we can say that it consists of using equipment or facilities that consume less energy to achieve the same performance or perform the same function, for example, when providing a product or service.

In this way, energy is used much better, no more resources are wasted or used to produce much more than is really necessary.

The energy certificate is a document in which the efficiency of a building with respect to energy consumption is measured . This document collects data such as energy management and CO2 emissions, among others. The energy certificate is carried out with different objectives: to reduce energy consumption and make the owner or promoter of the house know its energy consumption.

Regarding the energy efficiency labeling , depending on the energy consumption of a building or product, the energy efficiency labeling may be included to give information to the consumer.

These labels will show a scale that evaluates energy efficiency a, b, c, d, e, f and g , that is, it indicates them with letters, “a” being the most efficient and “g” the least efficient. Although this is the scale, really after the letter A there are three more. Do you know what energy efficiency A +, A ++ and A ++ mean? These three categories are those, depending on the amount of +, they save from 10% to 45% of the average.

There are many actions or changes in our daily lives that can be carried out to be more efficient with the use of energy. These are some examples of energy efficiency in our day to day:

• Insulation of buildings thus reducing the need for the use of air conditioning systems.
• Change the bulbs or lamps of the houses for LED lamps that are more durable and emit the same amount of light.
• The use of small lamps consumes less than general lights, for example, when we watch TV or read a book it is more convenient to light a small lamp.
• Do not leave electrical equipment such as televisions, chargers, DVD players, among others, connected. The fact that these are off, continues to consume since it is in Stand By mode.
• Take advantage of the sun, for example, avoid the use of electric dryers and dry our clothes in the sun. Or also, design houses with large windows to illuminate the houses, thus avoiding lighting light bulbs. This type of architecture uses the bioclimatic energy of light and heat that comes from the Sun. Here you can see more about the Advantages and disadvantages of bioclimatic homes .
• When we have the heating on that it is not higher than 20 ºC, as with the air conditioning that it is not less than 26 ºC.
• When buying appliances it is advisable to look at the energy efficiency label, which indicates the efficiency of the product. With the label we can know which are those that have low consumption or even those that allow you to save. These appliances have a higher price, but in the long term they are not only energy saving, but also economical.

As with everything, we can also analyze the advantages and disadvantages of energy efficiency.

Advantages of energy efficiency

The benefits of energy efficiency interfere with both the natural environment and society.

• Reduction of environmental pollution and the use of natural resources.
• The production costs of the companies decrease, being able to be more competitive.
• Decrease in energy dependence on the outside.
• Expenses are reduced at the residential level and in tertiary sectors.
• Reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.

Disadvantages of energy efficiency

• Efficient alternatives are more expensive, although in the long term it is profitable for the savings it will entail, sometimes it is preferred to pay less at the time of purchase.
• It is a choice, that is, there are no laws that make the production of efficient products or the use of more efficient facilities in industries mandatory.

The fact that energy efficiency and saving are important is due to the fact that energy consumption worldwide is growing disproportionately and, in addition, the great dependence on energy causes the cost of this to increase.

In addition, the use of conventional energies, the most widely used, contributes to the acceleration of climate change since non-renewable natural resources are being exploited to produce it and greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. You can expand this topic with this other post about The importance of energy sustainability .