Light, power, roll… action 2005

Yet somehow our unthinking daily habits are fouling up, beyond all recognition the atmosphere we share – and breathe. Day in, day out, we procrastinate and deny the significance of the silly little things we could all do – right here right now. Here are just a few examples.

Light: an energy efficient light bulb saves a massive 75% of CO_2, and repays its cost within a year or two. Yet how many years does it take us to do this simple thing at home – and to persuade friends too?

Power: that £40 a month direct debit we pay for electricity and gas at home releases a massive five tonnes of CO₂ annually. Green tariff electricity costs just a few percent more, and is 100% CO₂ free. Change your tariff now. Tell a friend. It’s another 60 second ‘no-brainer’.

Roll: the most efficient cars produce a massive 75% less CO₂ per mile than the worst urban four-wheel drive. Even an average car produces less than half the CO₂ of an urban four-wheel drive. Many drivers of such vehicles simply haven’t been told this yet! When you get the chance, politely explain that their choice of car is unwittingly showing two fingers to future generations.

Action: if we all think it’s too late, then it is. If we all think we can make a difference, then we can. After decades of energy conscious inaction, 2005 can be the year we actually break a habit or two – and actually save some CO₂ – for real!

Building services engineers – with our low energy aptitudes and capabilities – are already at the epicentre of this change. It is vital, if we are to be taken seriously, that building services engineers are seen to lead the low carbon lifestyle ourselves.

So whether you do it to get rich, to save the planet or to keep up with Mr and Mrs Jones, just do it. There is a lot of happiness in doing it too!

Dave Hampton MCIBSE, director of ABS Consulting and chair of The Carbon sub-group of The Sustainability Forum