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Reduce the amount of energy you use – it's easier than you think!
Did you know that Canadians are among the world's top energy consumers? We don't seem to be bucking this trend, but thankfully, there are ways we can reduce energy consumption.
ENERGY STAR appliances
If you need to replace an old appliance, choose one bearing the ENERGY STAR sticker.
This international symbol guarantees a 10 to 50% reduction in energy costs. For example, replacing a 20-year-old refrigerator for an ENERGY STAR fridge may help you save up to $70 a year.
Compact fluorescent bulbs
Switch your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. Compact fluorescent lights consume up to 75% less energy and last six to 10 times longer, depending on how they are used.1
Place compact fluorescent light in areas that need to be lit for long periods of time and in places that are difficult to access. This is a more economic approach that also cuts down the number of times you'll need to change bulbs in tricky spots!
And don't forget to recycle these light bulbs when they have burned out – they contain mercury, which is a heavy metal and toxic in the environment.
Find out more
Visit the Natural Resources Canada Web site for more information on ENERGY STAR and compact fluorescent light bulbs. And to learn more about energy efficiency in Quebec and Canada, visit the Équiterre Web site.
Did you know?
Desjardins Group is getting involved, and our initiatives, which help to Change the world, one step at a time have not gone unnoticed! Here are some examples of what we've been up to:
- Launched an energy efficiency program coordinated by Desjardins Property Management
- Developed a partnership with the Association québécoise pour la maîtrise de l'énergie (AQME)
- Innovated! Desjardins is the first company to adopt the Change the world, one step at a time campaign and develop 12 corporate actions (PDF, 276 KB) to do it.
1 If compact fluorescent bulbs are turned on and off frequently (used less than 20 minutes each time) their life will be reduced. If this is the case, it is better to use LED lighting or leave the lights on if you will be popping in and out of the room frequently. Source: Lighting Design Lab
