MAKE YOUR HOME GREENER

Residential buildings are responsible for consuming 27% of the total amount of energy consumed within Europe and are the biggest source of global warming in the world. This is a fact that has, until recently, been overlooked by lawmakers trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, who have concentrated their efforts on industry and transport. The EU has now passed a new law which intends to cut considerably carbon dioxide emissions1 from buildings. This means that each of us can now save the planet from the comfort of our own homes.

The first things we can do are simple and easy. We can block up draughts2 , switch off unnecessary lights and make sure cold and hot water taps are not left running. The next step requires more planning and some expense, but as well as saving energy, we will also save on bills. Many homes have window and roof insulation3 but it is rarely enough. Full insulation can have a dramatic effect on energy consumption. We should use energy efficient light bulbs. These are usually expensive to buy but consume less than half the energy of standard bulbs. These bulbs last much longer than conventional light bulbs reducing the consumption of resources. Also, thermal solar panels are very efficient. They are capable of providing all the hot water you need.

We can install a ‗grey‘ water recycling system. At present water used to flush the toilets is of the same drinkable quality that comes out of the taps4 . This is an unnecessary waste of energy used in water purification. A grey water recycling system cleans water that has been used for washing and sends it through the toilet system reducing the use of clean drinking water.

New buildings have more energy saving features in their design. They can have a wooden structure, extensive insulation, electronic environmental controls, triple glazing5 , a non-polluting heating system and a turf6 roof. However, it is how we deal with our present homes that will determine housing‘s contribution to global warming. It‘s down to each of us, so get insulating!

1 carbon dioxide emissions [ˈkɑːbən daɪˈɒksaɪd ɪˈmɪʃnz] выбросы 21 углекислого газа / выкіды вуглякіслага газу

2 а draught [drɑːft] сквозняк / скразняк

3 insulation [ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃn] изоляция, утепление / ізаляцыя, уцяпленне

4 a tap [tæp] кран / кран

5 glazing [ˈɡleɪzɪŋ] вставка стекол / устаўка шкла

6 turf [təːf] торф / торф