Sustainable energy use is good for the environment and health throughout the year
This winter, as always, there will be moments when the price of electricity is exceptionally high. The fluctuations in electricity prices resulting from exceptional situations in electricity production or windless days, cause those with spot-priced electricity contracts, in particular, to monitor the price of electricity carefully and react quickly to price peaks.
Fossil fuels are widely used on days when electricity consumption is high and fossil-free alternatives are not sufficient to meet demand. In this case, in particular, it is wise to schedule your own electricity consumption at a quieter time when the price of electricity is also lower. When electricity is cheap, there is more of it available, and it is usually also more environmentally friendly. Even then, electricity should not be consumed unnecessarily.
"Our goal should be sustainable energy use in all situations, not just when electricity is expensive. This way, the possible adverse effects of rapid changes on things like the health of residents will be avoided and sustainable development will be promoted," says THL Senior Researcher Anniina Salmela.
A change towards a more sustainable lifestyle requires a permanent change in consumption
Cutting down on energy consumption is the most significant way in which an individual household can reduce the climate and environmental impacts of housing. Air pollution from fossil fuels increase mortality rates and cause greater morbidity. The overconsumption of natural resources affects people's health and well-being also in Finland. It is a good idea to reduce your own consumption to a more reasonable level and try to make permanent changes to it.
Every household can save energy when they identify what their personal consumption comprises, and in this way identify potential possibilities for savings. However, when implementing energy saving measures, it must be ensured that these do not cause harm to the condition of the home and the health of its inhabitants.
THL's tips for sustainable energy saving at home
1. Lower room temperature moderately
Room temperature has a direct impact on how comfortable life is in housing, and there are individual variations in how we experience temperature. Especially in premises where elderly people or children live, room temperature must be at least 20 degrees. It’s good to note that draft will increase the feeling of cold and high room temperatures dries indoor air. Temperature can also be adjusted in different rooms in the home depending on their use. For example, a cooler room temperature in a bedroom can promote sleep.
2. Keep your home’s ventilation on
The purpose of ventilation is to remove impurities from indoor air and to bring sufficient clean air into the room. Make sure that the ventilation works properly and that there is sufficient heating and ventilation especially in the bathroom to reduce the humidity load. Enhance ventilation only when necessary.
3. Maintain hot water temperature at 55°C and use water in moderation
Legionella bacteria, which cause infections and, in the worst case, severe pneumonia, can reproduce at water temperatures of 20 to 45 degrees Celsius. To prevent Legionella infections, keep hot household water temperature at 55 to 60° C. Hot household water means hot water in the hot water system.
Instead, you can save energy by reducing your shower time. Unnecessary, excessive water consumption should be avoided otherwise as well. Wash full loads and avoid pre-rinsing dishes with running water. Clothing that is only slightly dirty may only need to be aired or washed in a shorter and cooler washing program.
Note, however, that very low water consumption is also a risk factor for the growth of Legionella in pipe systems. Therefore, all water points in the home should be used daily, and sometimes the hottest possible water should also be run from taps.
4. Let professionals take care of additional insulation
Home energy repairs can help you reduce your home's energy consumption and save on heating costs as long as the planning is carried out by a professional. However, avoid unnecessary repairs with only short-term benefits.
5. Only burn clean and dry firewood
Burning wood is a significant source of particulate matter emissions. However, when wood is burnt correctly, the generation of particles harmful to health and the environment can be reduced. It is advisable to sweep the hearth regularly, only burn clean and dry wood, and follow the instructions for use of the fireplace or sauna oven.
Climate change and its health impacts a part of planetary health and well-being
Planetary health and wellbeing refers to the fact that there is an inevitable interdependency between the health and wellbeing of people and the rest of nature. In its goals for influencing, THL proposes placing planetary health and wellbeing at the heart of decision-making in order to simultaneously promote the health and wellbeing of people and the entire planet.
More information:
Know & act: Impacts of energy saving measures on housing health (in Finnish) (.pdf)
Energy savings in households (THL) (in Finnish)
Well-being in winter:Tips for saving energy at home in plain Finnish (THL) (in Finnish)
How to reduce emissions resulting from burning wood and exposure (in Finnish)
Anniina Salmela (indoor air)
Senior Researcher
tel. +358 29 524 7712
[email protected]
Marjo Niittynen (water systems and Legionella)
Senior Researcher
tel. +358 29 524 8331
[email protected]
Taina Siponen (small-scale wood burning)
Senior Specialist
tel. +358 29 524 6465
[email protected]
