Current Household CO2 Emissions
According to a detailed analysis by Heatable, the average UK household emits about 6 tonnes of CO2 annually. This figure includes various standard household behaviours, including heating, using electricity, transport and vehicles, and general waste. Heating your home alone accounts for a substantial portion of these emissions since fossil fuels predominantly fuel them.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that between 1990 and 2021, greenhouse gas emissions in the UK dropped by 40%, though household emissions only decreased by 6% during the same period. (https://cy.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/articles/climatechangeinsightsuk/august2023)
Key Contributors to Household Emissions
- Heating your home: Many homes still use gas boilers, contributing significantly to the carbon footprint of your home. Transitioning to renewable energy sources for heating can drastically reduce these emissions if it is available in your area.
- Electricity/Utilities: Electricity use can contribute significantly to carbon emissions, especially when the electricity is generated from non-renewable sources. With more and more technology readily available and commonly used in today’s homes, electricity use is at an all-time high.
- Transportation: We all know that our cars create emissions, but did you know they’re one of the biggest contributors to your personal household emissions? Whilst it’s unavoidable in a lot of parts of the UK to have a car, using public transport, cycling, and electric vehicles are potential solutions to reduce these emissions.
- Waste: Unsustainable household waste management is another huge factor in household emissions. Recycling as much as possible, composting and managing the amounts of waste in your home are great ways to reduce your individual carbon footprint.
For The Future
To help reduce your household CO2 emissions, there are a few things you can do:
- Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Implementing better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home technologies can reduce energy consumption – get in touch for more information on how we can help you.
- Renewable Energy: Installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources for household energy needs.
- Sustainable Transportation: Where possible, use electric vehicles and public transportation.
- Waste Management: Improving recycling programs and reducing overall waste generation through better consumer practices.
By understanding and addressing the primary sources of household emissions, we can make significant strides towards a more sustainable future. Each small change contributes to a larger impact, highlighting the importance of collective effort in tackling climate change.
Get in touch today for more information on a FREE grant to help reduce your household costs.