Ten Methods to save Energy in India – Initiative of Indo-German Development Cooperation

You cannot create or destroy energy. You can convert it from one form to another. This law of Physics applies to our daily lives as well. One should conserve energy for various purposes. The two important motives for doing so are to save on your utility bills and protect the environment.

India and Germany have committed to bringing about sustainable urban development while conserving energy at the same time. It is part of their responsibilities towards achieving the SDGs. The Indian Government has taken initiatives by forming the Smart Cities Mission whereby it will be developing 100 cities into smart cities to compete with the rest of the world.

The Indo-German relations are such that Germany has come forward to help India in this endeavour. As an initiative of the Indo-German Development Cooperation, they have taken the lead in assisting India with developing three of its cities, namely Kochi, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar.

One of the critical aspects of the smart cities mission is urban mobility. Germany commits to improving public transportation in India by introducing e-vehicles. They not only do not depend on petroleum fuels but also help sustain the ecological balance.

Let us now look at ten simple as well as intensive methods to conserve energy.

• Adjust your daily behaviour – You do not have to go very far. Switch off the lights and fans when not in use.

• Replace your light bulbs – The best way to conserve electricity is to replace your light bulbs with LEDs. They not only provide better light but also save power in a big way.

• Use solar energy – Install a solar PV rooftop. Germany has the expertise in this particular field. The Indian Government also provides subsidies for people installing solar rooftop panels.

• Use energy efficient appliances – Look at the BEE Star Label when you buy electrical and electronic appliances. Go for the 5-star rated devices as they save a lot of energy for you. A 5-star washing machine saves not only electricity but also water.

• Reduce water heating expenses – Use solar water heaters installed on the terrace of your house. You can save a lot of electricity as these heaters have a long life. The solar energy is available for you free throughout the day. Use it to provide hot water for your bath in the mornings.

• Switch over to CNG for transport – Petroleum fuels like diesel and petrol are the principal reasons for the CO₂ and CO emissions in India. These greenhouse gases can cause a lot of ecological damage. Switch over to cleaner fuels like CNG, and so on.

• Use public transport – Using public transportation on a frequent basis automatically removes a large number of cars from the roads. If you have electric vehicles plying in your cities, they contribute a lot towards saving fuel and protecting the fragile environment at the same time. The Kochi Ferry that runs on electricity is an example of what the Indo-German relations can do to protect the environment.

• Carpooling – A group of four people can decide on carpooling. You not only reduce the load of three cars from the road but also save a lot by way of fuel expenses.

• Insulate your house – Plug the leaks and do not allow the cold air from inside the rooms to escape. It will reduce the load on your AC whereby you save electricity.

• Use your cycle or walk to the department store – Do not use your 2-wheelers or cars for minor errands when you can use the bicycle or walk around.