Lifts require a lot of energy. By using the stairs, you not only keep fit but also save electricity.
How to save electricity
Use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift
Unplug electrical appliances when not in use
Heat rooms in which you spend the day to a maximum of 20°C (in winter)
Do not cool rooms in which you spend the day to under 28°C (in summer)
Avoid using mobile heaters (in winter) and air conditioners (in summer)
Give rooms a short but vigorous airing by opening as many windows as possible
Avoid unnecessary lighting
Avoid using the energy-inefficient stand-by mode. Instead, unplug electrical appliances when not in use (to make things easier, use a multi-plug socket so that you need only unplug one device). This also applies to charging devices for mobile phones, laptops and electrical toothbrushes.
By reducing room temperature by one degree, you save around 6% on heating energy. Regulate room temperature by using the radiator valve or a thermostat, not by opening windows.
Cooling a room by one degree requires 3% more energy. To attain a comfortable room temperature, create shade and cool down rooms at night.
Mobile heaters, radiators and air conditioners are some of the most energy-inefficient appliances in the home and office. Use them only in an emergency and for a short period.
For a well-balanced indoor climate and to prevent mildew, rooms require fresh air. The most effective way to do this is by giving rooms a short but vigorous airing. Avoid opening bottom-hung windows. If you sleep with the window open, turn off the heating, otherwise you will be heating the night air.
Empty rooms do not require lighting. Switch on the light only if you are using a room. Avoid using decorative lights and unnecessary outdoor lighting.
At home
Use as little hot water as possible
Use less energy to wash clothes
Avoid using tumblers
Iron as little as possible or avoid it altogether
Increase your fridge and freezer temperature: 7°C and -18°C
Save energy when cooking
Avoid using gaming consoles and gaming computers, and avoid streaming videos
Avoid using electric personal care appliances and spa treatments such as solariums, saunas, whirlpools, steam baths, infrared cabins and massage chairs
Take short showers instead of baths. Wash your hands in cold water. Do not rinse dishes under warm running water. Use the dishwasher and its eco-friendly washing programme.
Use low temperatures and eco-friendly programmes when using the washing machine. Apply the principle: as hot as necessary and as cold as possible. Wash clothes less frequently – hang your jumper out in the fresh air overnight instead.
Air-dry your clothes. If you must use a tumbler, choose the ‘iron dry’ programme instead of the ‘extra dry’ programme. Before drying make sure your washing has been well spun.
You can save energy by increasing your fridge and freezer temperatures. Raise the inside temperature of your fridge to 7°C. This has the same cooling effect but uses around 15% less energy. A freezer temperature of -18°C is sufficient to freeze and preserve food.
Avoid meals that require long cooking times. If you can, use one hob only for cooking. Always use a lid on the pan. Switch off the oven – and if possible the hob too – earlier than necessary and use the residual heat.
Share these energy-saving ideas with your friends and family. Saving energy together has the greatest impact!
At work
Avoid unnecessary lighting
Avoid unnecessary heating and cooling
Check offices before going home in the evening and before weekends. Switch off the lights throughout the building. Avoid using neon signs and shop window lighting.
Outside working hours, reduce the room temperature in offices and workshops to 16°C.
Check the premises before going home and close doors and windows.
Switch off the air conditioning if possible.
Share these energy-saving ideas with your work colleagues. Saving energy together has the greatest impact!
At school
Avoid unnecessary lighting
Reduce heating to a minimum in empty rooms
After lessons switch off the classroom lights and any lighting in the school building. Avoid unnecessary outdoor lighting.
Meeting rooms, sports halls and auditoriums do not need heating permanently. Similarly, the heating can be turned off throughout the school building during the school holidays.
Share these energy-saving ideas at school. Discuss them with your pupils. Saving energy together has the greatest impact!
Last modification 28.11.2023
