Sustainability in the household

Environmental and climate protection are among the defining issues of recent years. Major decisions at a political level are increasingly determining everyday life. But sustainability starts on a small scale - every single household can make an important contribution by making conscious decisions. The first steps start with a sensible change in diet and lead to larger, but sustainable investments.

Reduce water consumption

As the basis of all life on earth, water is the most important resource of all. Consumption in Germany is almost 130 litres per capita. The energy required for extraction and treatment has a considerable impact on climate change. This makes it all the more important to use it sparingly, something that everyone can contribute to privately. There are many tips for effectively reducing water consumption: take a quick shower instead of a bath, only run the dishwasher and washing machine fully loaded in eco mode or install a flow limiter. The options are varied and simple. Diet also has a significant impact on water consumption.

Change your diet

Diet has an enormous influence on energy consumption. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, greenhouse gas emissions in Germany amount to 145 million tonnes per year, accounting for 15% of total consumption. Excessive meat consumption and global trade are considered to be particularly harmful to the environment. Regional and seasonal fruit and vegetables and a reduction in meat consumption are therefore much more sustainable and healthier.

Green electricity and effective heating

The expansion of renewable energies is primarily a matter of economic policy. This not only affects Germany as an industrial centre, but also private households. Long-term investments in sustainable concepts are becoming more attractive thanks to subsidy programmes. A photovoltaic system on your own roof is an example of an investment in the future that is both climate-friendly and financially sensible. Especially when it is combined with a heat pump. Although the Building Energy Act (GEG), also known as the Heating Act, is controversial in its details, the efficiency of the heat pump is not. With the extensive subsidies, purchasing or replacing the heating system is worthwhile from both a climatic and financial point of view. Rising CO₂ prices in particular are likely to make heat pumps even more attractive in the long term, despite the high investment costs. The fact that CO₂ consumption is significantly lower than that of fossil fuels is the biggest plus point.

Saving energy in everyday life

Conscious use of available resources is at least as important as the investments mentioned above. Lowering the room temperature by one degree already saves 6% energy. It is also more efficient to air the room once or twice a day for a few minutes instead of leaving the window ajar. Consumption by household appliances can also be drastically reduced with just a few changes. Use the fan function on the cooker, use a kettle, cook with a lid on the pan or unplug the TV from the mains - small steps lead to high savings potential in the long term. When buying new appliances, it is also advisable to pay attention to the energy efficiency class.

Conclusion

Households account for around a quarter of total energy consumption in Germany. With just a few minor to major adjustments, private individuals can do a lot to help protect the environment.