Why save?
Everyone can make a difference by saving energy at home. When you use less energy, you also save money and help protect our environment from the impacts of climate change.
It's getting hotter
Australia's climate is warming. The average temperature has steadily increased by 0.8°C since 1900, and the 1990’s was the warmest decade on record. 2005, 2003 and 2002 have all been within the top 10 hottest years on record. Our current decade may be the hottest yet.
Our energy use affects climate change
The warming is caused by greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These emissions are heating the planet by acting as a blanket that traps the sun's heat inside our atmosphere. By far the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions is from energy generation and use, accounting around 70 percent of Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions.
If we make changes, there will be savings
Making changes in your household can change our future. Energy efficiency is the easiest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home. Benefits include:
- cheaper energy bills
- less greenhouse gas emissions
- better use of our natural resources.
Find out more about the savings
If we do nothing, there will be costs
Even a seemingly small rise in global temperatures will have huge consequences for our future. An average increase of 2°C in Victoria will have a dramatic effect on rainfall patterns, the seasons and the fragile ecosystems that support our daily life. Extreme weather events are likely to become more intense and more frequent in many regions. Our transport networks and infrastructure will be under real threat as droughts, storms and flash flooding become commonplace. Other potential consequences include:
- more hot days
- less rain
- more bushfires
- less snow
- threatened natural environment
- shifting coastlines
- higher insurance
- declining health.
Related Information
Quick Action: Appliances
When you're cooking, pick the right pot for the job. Match the size of the pot to the hotplate or burner, you'll use less energy.
