Opportunities for a greener future

Energy efficiency is the result of optimizing energy consumption to achieve certain levels of comfort and service, either by adjusting electricity consumption or implementing mechanisms to save energy while avoiding losses during the process. For example, by using electric and hybrid vehicles with emissions of no more than 75 gr-CO2/km, bicycles and electric scooters (with and without a motor), type A+, A++ or A+++ (formerly rated between A+++ and D) and A, B or C (new rating from A to G) appliances, lighting systems with LED technology, heating and hot water systems that use condensation or biomass boilers and A+, A++ or A+++ (formerly rated between A+++ and D) and A, B or C (new rating between A and G) heat pumps, automatic systems to turn devices on and off, presence detection devices to turn on lighting, wall insulation systems, replacing windows, installing electric vehicle charging points and using solar panels for self-supply.

The search for energy efficiency has become a priority for society because sources of energy based on fossil fuels are finite, more expensive, generate a dependency on foreign markets and, most of all, they have a very negative impact on the environment. 

The ISO 50001 standard is used to measure the level of energy efficiency based on productivity. In households, this is calculated based on the optimal operation of devices and installations using low electricity consumption. 

Reducing energy consumption and avoiding losses during use (e.g., losing heat in the home due to poor window insulation) is essential to optimize the use of energy resources, and therefore to reduce CO2 emissions, which is the leading driver of climate change. 

A home can save up to 40% on its annual electricity bill. The best way to achieve this is by using electric and hybrid vehicles, bicycles and electric scooters, energy efficient appliances and LED lighting systems, heating and hot water systems that use condensation or biomass boilers, efficient heat pumps, automatic systems to turn devices on and off, presence detection devices to turn on lighting, wall insulation systems, replacing windows, installing electric vehicle charging points and using solar panels for self-supply.

In addition to helping to protect the environment and optimize the consumption of energy resources, efficient homes provide other additional benefits such as less noise, more habitable conditions (in terms of temperature, for example) and improved air quality in cities.