Our calculators:
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How much CO2 does my housing emit? The question is difficult to respond precisely to, given the number of parameters that enter into account. It depends on our energy usage (how hot do we run the heating, what energy do we use?) but also the isolation of the housing.
Whatever the case may be, our housing is our second highest energy consumers, after transportation. But the housing sector, taken as a whole, is the first energy consumer and the fourth highest emitter of Greenhouse Gasses (GHG).
A housing will emit the 1.7 tons of CO2 per year and per inhabitant, in Europe. These numbers take into account the energy used in the home (gaz, heat, electricity...), but also the associated services, such as waste disposal.
Heating is the first cause of energy consumption of western homes. The first thing to do is therefore to improve heat isolation, to avoid wasting energy. If that is not possible, the best attitude is to waste not, including in how we heat our homes. That includes not heating, when we are out. It also includes keeping the heating down during the night, with a target temperature not higher than 19°C during the day and 16°C during the night. Household appliances are also responsible for a large share of energy expenditure. It's worth using less energy consuming appliances, and using them less frequently. It is also worth moving fridges and freezers away from heat sources (ovens, radiators...). And choosing the eco-friendly modes on dish-washers, washing-machines, clothes dryers and the like. Lastly, remember to unplug any electrical appliance you are not using. There's no point in offsetting CO2 emissions if you don't first reduce your energy expenditure.
