Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency involves minimising the amount of energy used whilst giving the same outcome. Efficient energy use can be achieved through improved technologies and processes, or brought about by changes in people's behaviour.
Examples of energy efficiency are: insulating homes to reduce the requirement for energy to heat and cool buildings to maintain a comfortable temperature; installing skylights to increase lighting without the use of unnatural light; using energy saving lightbulbs, which have lower energy demands; and turning off equipment fully when it is not in use.
Making homes, vehicles, and businesses more energy efficient is seen as a key solution to addressing global warming, energy security and fossil fuel depletion.
According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficient buildings, industrial processes and transportation could reduce the world's energy needs in 2050 by one third, and be crucial in controlling global emissions of greenhouse gases.
Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways of improving its energy efficiency. Insulating your loft, for example, can save as much as £155 and one tonne of carbon dioxide per year.
Energy Solutions, an independent, not-for-profit company (part-funded by Brent Council) promotes the sustainable use of energy in buildings, industry and transport throughout North West London. They hold a number of free drop-in surgeries across the borough, which provide advice on energy efficiency matters and renewable energy systems. Help is also given to access grant and loan schemes to implement energy efficiency measures (ie. loft and cavity wall insulation) and renewable energy systems.