Energy

Energy is the lifeblood of modern society, powering everything from our homes and businesses to transportation and technology. However, the way we produce and consume energy has profound implications for environmental sustainability. The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to global environmental issues, including climate change, in fact the majority of the world’s energy is still derived from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas which emit greenhouse gasses and are associated with environmental degradation, including deforestation, water contamination, and air pollution.

Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer a more sustainable alternative, producing electricity without the harmful emissions associated with fossil fuels. However, transitioning to renewable energy requires significant changes in infrastructure, technology, and policy. It also demands a collective effort from individuals, communities, and governments to reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency, and support clean energy initiatives.

By understanding the connections between energy use and environmental impact, you can make informed choices that contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Our Tips

• Reduce your electricity consumption: Be mindful of your energy use by turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use. Unplug devices to avoid phantom power usage, and consider air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer. In addition to that, remember to reduce hot water usage, which saves both water and the energy needed to heat it.

• Switch to a renewable energy plan: Opt for electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. Many utility companies offer green energy plans, or you can even consider installing solar panels at home! A correctly dimensioned photovoltaic system allows a payback of the investment within approx. 10 years (in northern Italy).

• Improve efficiency of electric appliances in your house: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs (like LEDs), and use smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling. Insulate your home to reduce energy loss and lower your heating and cooling needs.

• Support sustainable businesses: Choose products and services from companies that prioritize sustainability and have lower carbon footprints. Look for eco-friendly certifications and support businesses that are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

• Optimize the use of heating and AC: use it less and better, make do with a reasonable temperature (18-20 °C for the heating) and improve home insulation. Improper maintenance and intensive use increase air conditioning consumption and bill costs. When used correctly, high energy class models make a difference to costs and energy expenditure. Regular cleaning of air conditioning filters and grilles is important not only for healthy air, but also to keep consumption and costs down, as does keeping the windows closed inside the air-conditioned/heated room.

• Try to Improve the energy efficiency of your house: Improving the energy efficiency of your home is a crucial step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By enhancing insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and sealing windows and doors, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat, cool, and power your living space. This not only lowers your utility bills but also decreases your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production.

Opportunities in Bologna

ènostra

is a cooperative supplier of renewable, sustainable, ethical electricity. It is very innovative because it allows you to participate in the implementation of collective renewable plants and choose the prosumer tariff. This cooperative is a non-profit. Joining ènostra means becoming a partner of the company that supplies you with energy. If you want to simulate your bill with ènostra: here.

WeForGreen

is another energetic cooperative very similar to ènostra. It allows you to produce your own energy to cover your electricity consumption completely or partially, with the solution “remote” photovoltaic without the need to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of your house.

Alperia

is an electricity and gas supplier. The electricity provided is renewable energy (certified with Guarantees of Origin) and is produced by 35 hydroelectric power plants in Alto Adige managed by Alperia. Furthermore, Alperia supplies gas on which it counterbalances by compensating for greenhouse gas emissions and by financing projects to protect the environment.

NeN

is an electricity and gas supplier who buys “green” energy on the market and resells it to you at a fixed price. If you’re interested, upload your current bill on their website and calculate the 100% green electricity rate tailored to your consumption.