September, 2011

Measuring your utility use helps you to better manage

When we measure we can manage – so what happened at our house that has resulted in these huge changes from last year?

• Electric:
• • Disconnected the dryer and have been using the clothes line
  • Disconnected the microwave
  • Installed compact fluorescent bulbs in all table lamps and are testing LEDs in the ceiling lights
  • Installed power strips at the TV and Computer stations and shut them off when not in use.
  •               RESULT: Year-to-date kilowatt hour reduction of 1,815kWh.
  •               RESULT: Net zero energy
  • Gas:
    • Disconnected the dryer
    • RESULT: 19 Ccf reduction in consumption
  • Water:
    • Consciously did not water the vegetable garden this summer
    • RESULT: 10,000 gallon reduction in demand
  • Sewer:
    • RESULT: 9,000 gallon reduction driven by water consumption
  • Trash:
    • Participation in the One-Bag-A-Week Challenge cut weekly trash in half
    • RESULT: Significantly more recyclables