A recent study ( Environmental Science and Technology, DOI:10.1021/es102641n) by Julian Allwood et. al. of the University of Cambridge calculated that over 70% of the world’s energy use could be cut by improving energy efficiency.  They suggest that reductions in energy use could be made from better home and building insulation, covering saucepans when cooking, reducing washing temperatures in washing machines and dishwashers and eliminating hot water storage tanks.

None of these ideas is new, but the size of the potential savings can’t be ignored.  Looking at achievable ways that energy demand can be reduced provides viable options for reducing carbon emissions that can be used in conjunction with renewable energy sources.