38% made improvements to their home
Almost two thirds (65%) of parents spend up to 2 hours a week thinking about their home’s energy efficiency, new research has found.
The research of 750 parents in Ireland into home energy habits found that 56% of parents say their children are the least energy efficient in the home while 26% say their partner is the least mindful of energy usage.
The research was carried out to launch See it, Solve it, a new campaign from Bord Gáis Energy which aims to help customers to imagine a better way to use energy at home and live more affordably and sustainably.
The campaign which was launched by TV presenter and podcaster Hector Ó h’Eochagáin, including a new TV ad that was a carbon neutral production, tells the story of a little girl called Nell and her dog Jackie.
In the ad, Nell and Jackie go on an adventure throughout their home to find out how their family use their energy before presenting their findings to a Bord Gáis Energy expert. Hector provides the voiceover for the campaign.
As consumers find themselves increasingly in need of more energy efficient solutions for their homes, Bord Gáis Energy now offers home energy management services which not only advise on the various energy efficient options available but can also cover installation and service needs.
Launching the campaign, Hector Ó h’Eochagáin said: “See it, Solve it is a new campaign from Bord Gáis Energy which aims to support customers on their journey towards more affordable, sustainable living. The research shows that energy usage in the home is something many parents spend a lot of time thinking about and it can be a source of arguments. As a dad myself, I can say there’s been a few rows over the years about turning lights off and making sure things aren’t left plugged in! However, it was great to see that the majority of parents are talking to their children about energy usage and even learning from their kids about the subject.
“I am delighted to be the voiceover of Bord Gáis Energy’s new TV ad and by helping to tell Nell and Jackie’s story, I’ve learnt so much about how I can implement simple changes to my behaviour to be more energy efficient and sustainable.”
Teresa Purtill, Director of Services and Solutions, Bord Gáis Energy said: “At Bord Gáis Energy, we are on a journey to becoming a net zero business by 2045 and helping customers transition to a lower carbon future too. To do this, we have switched our focus from being a classic utility supplier to providing our customers with affordable energy management services that will enable them to be more energy efficient at home and live more sustainably.
“We are committed to delivering the next wave of energy innovation to the Irish market that will drive positive, radical change and we have an opportunity as well as a responsibility to reshape the future of our company, customers as well as energy consumers in Ireland.”
Of those questioned, over a third (38%) said they have made home energy improvements to their home in recent months and have seen several positive changes including a warmer home in the winter (41%) and a reduction in energy bills (28%). The most common energy upgrades are:
· 48% upgraded windows
· 36% upgraded doors
· 30% installed wall insulation
· 23% installed solar panels
· 18% installed a heat pump
Leaving appliances on standby has been the source of an argument for 44%. Leaving the lights on is the most common energy efficiency fail, with 83% admitting this happens in their home. This is followed by leaving doors open (68%), leaving appliances on standby (59%), leaving items plugged in (55%) and wasting hot water (44%).
Almost three-quarters (73%) believe that it’s important to do their bit at home to help mitigate the impact of climate change.
So important is the subject that 86% said they discuss the importance of being energy efficient in the home with their children and 34% say they have learned about the subject from their children.