Saving Energy

A few things you can do at home to fight climate change and save energy!

The OMHM is targeting a 5% reduction in energy consumption and a 7% drop in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the 2010 to 2015 period. This will be achieved through new ventilation upgrade, insulation, building envelope sealing and electromechanical system management projects.

However, to meet this goals, the OMHM will also need the invaluable cooperation of its 40,000 tenants.

Here are some of the daily activities that will help you make big cuts in energy consumption and a difference in the battle against climate change:

  • Ventilating and refreshing your apartment's air
    I only open the doors and windows a few minutes each days. Keeping the windows open for long periods results in enormous use of heating energy and cools the apartment without refreshing its air. You can refresh the apartment's air more effectively by opening the window wide for five minutes. But first turn off the heat and only turn it back on once you have closed the window. The best time to refresh your apartment's air during the winter in the late afternoon.

  • Reduce heat consumption
    Reduce the temperature by 3°C at night and 1°C during the day. The 3% nightly reduction generates 6% savings in heating energy. 

  • Save water and power
    • I take a short shower rather than a bath: a short (less than seven minute) shower uses 66 litrs of water (9.5 lires per minutes). A bath requires 100 litres. I cut my energy and water consumption by taking short showers rather than a bath. 
    • I don't run the water when I do the dishes. Use a plug a partly fill the sink rather than keeping the water running when washing dishes. 

  • Buy Energy Star appliances
    If I need to buy or replace a refrigerator, washing machine, computer, printer or television, I select an Energy Star model. Household appliances consume large quantities of power and are responsible for 22% of all electric consumption. Energy Star products use 10% to 50% less power than conventional products. 

To learn more about climate change and to discover other ways of reducing your energy consumption, please visit Défi Climat 2010.

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