Energy experts helping Australian households reduce carbon emissions

They explain how in The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook – How to Save Energy, Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, launched today by Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr.

“Climate change requires a global solution, but that solution will require action from every individual,” Senator Carr said.

“Australians have a pretty good idea why we need to cut back on our greenhouse emissions. This book tells them how.”

The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook is a practical guide to saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions around the home.

It is written by CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship’s Dr John Wright, Dr Peter Osman and Peta Ashworth.

“When it comes to tackling climate change, people often ask, ‘What can I do?’,” said co-author Dr John Wright.

“As the book explains, there are lots of things that we, as individuals, can do to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at home.

“There has never been a more important time to save energy. Not only is it becoming more vital to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but the pressure on energy prices will be putting an increasing strain on households across the country.

“Just how much energy and money a person can save depends on their current energy use and the number and types of changes they can make. It’s up to them.

“Even better, the book shows people how it’s possible to cut their energy use without too much impact on their lifestyles.”

The handbook offers information and advice on how to measure and reduce an individual’s carbon footprint in all aspects of modern living, including:

• simple energy-saving tricks around the house
• maximising a home’s potential for easy heating and cooling
• ways to save on shopping and transport
• making the most of gardens
• tips for building and renovating homes.

Published by Pan Macmillan, The CSIRO Home Energy Saving Handbook is $29.99 RRP and available at book stores and online retailers.

Did you know…

• Australian households use enough water every year to fill Sydney Harbour four times
• Two dripping taps is like having an additional person in the house taking a shower every day
• Hot water can account for about a quarter of your energy use and solar hot water can save about half to three-quarters of your hot water energy use
• A cold water wash reduces your washing machine greenhouse emissions by up to 80 per cent
• Every dollar we spend shopping produces roughly five garbage bags of CO₂-e
• Shade trees can reduce your cooling energy costs by up to 30 per cent
• Australians now recycle 2.5 billion aluminium cans a year, but we still throw away a billion cans a year – enough to construct 200 jumbo jets.

National Research Flagships

CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The 10 Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia.