The new analysis shows that Australian households can save up to US$6,000 per year, and with only a few changes, carbon emissions will be cut in half.

The new analysis shows that by changing some of the key facilities in the home, Australian households can save up to US$6,000 per year while reducing carbon emissions by more than half.

The consultants of Ironbark Sustainability compiled statistics from news.com.au to let people know what emission reductions can be achieved in their households.

It shows that composting, recycling, and even changing your diet can change the amount of emissions you produce and save you money.

Switch to solar energy-even if you don't have a panel at home

Not everyone has a suitable type of house to install solar panels, but even signing a power plan that uses 100% renewable energy will have the greatest impact on personal emissions.

"(Signing a green power plan) is as good as buying solar panels, as long as the electricity is 100% renewable," said Paul Brown, managing director of Ironbark.

Mr. Brown said that people living in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales will significantly reduce their emissions because these states rely heavily on black coal and lignite, which are the most polluting sources of electricity and account for nearly half of Australia’s carbon emissions each year. 30%.

States such as South Australia and Tasmania have lower electricity emissions because of their higher levels of solar, wind, and hydropower. People can check the emissions generated by the local council area by visiting the Snapshot Climate website.

On average, installing solar panels can save a family 8.9 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year, while also saving them $3,100 in electricity bills.

If an electric vehicle (EV) runs on 100% renewable energy, then buying an electric vehicle (EV) can save another 5 tons.

Eat less meat and compost your food

If the family also composts, recycles, and eats chicken instead of beef (except switching to solar power and running electric cars), it can save a total of US$6,120 per year and reduce emissions by a total of 16.6 tons per year.

Considering that Australia’s latest National Greenhouse Account report estimates that per capita emissions are 19.4 tons per capita, this is a significant saving

Although there are usually more than one person living in a family, for most families, the ability to reduce emissions by 16.6 tons per year is still significant.

Due to the decline in emissions during the coronavirus epidemic, the per capita figure for the period until December 2020 is lower than normal, but the figure for 2019 is only a little higher-21 tons-so saving 16.6 tons will still cut emissions by half above.

Find more energy-efficient appliances

As the world attempts to move to net zero emissions, one focus will be to replace white goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and even kettles with more energy-efficient versions.

Although these may be more expensive initially, Anna Malos, the country leader of the Australian Climate Working Group, said they will reduce electricity bills and better protect the environment.

There are also benefits to switching to electric cars, but Ms. Malos said that for those who cannot afford it, they can consider alternatives, such as hybrid cars or even first-class gasoline cars.

Even simple things like walking or cycling to the store instead of driving can reduce household emissions.

"They seem to be small decisions, but they can have the right impact over a longer period of time," Ms. Mallos said.

Climateworks estimates that in the next ten years or so, about one-third of global emissions reductions will need to come from better energy use. Its model shows that the energy efficiency of existing buildings can be increased by 41% to 44%.

Switch from gas to electric

Australia is about to commit to the 2050 emission reduction target, and all state and territory governments have already done so.

If the goal is to be achieved, gas stoves, heaters and hot water systems will need to be replaced with electric versions — sooner rather than later.

Hugh Saddler, a leading energy analyst emeritus at the Australian National University, told news.com.au that the life expectancy of gas-fired heating systems is about 20 years, and those who buy these systems now are locking in their emissions for the next 20 years.

Although natural gas produces fewer emissions than coal, it still releases carbon and is incompatible with net zero-emission households.

Professor Sadler said that policies are needed to ensure that these appliances are replaced by electric versions, and the alternatives are now "fully mature and cost-effective."

Reverse cycle air conditioners, solar hot water systems and induction cookers can replace gas heating, hot water and stoves.

"The home doesn't need natural gas at all," Professor Sadler said.

In this year’s report, the International Energy Agency proposed a way to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It recommends that by 2025, 80% of all electrical appliances sold in advanced economies should be the most efficient models, and gas boilers should not be sold. .

The recycling data is based on the benefits of keeping paper and cardboard away from landfills, as they generate emissions when they are decomposed.

Recycling plastic and glass also has some emissions benefits, but Mr. Brown said it is difficult to compare it with emissions from, for example, the production of new plastics from petroleum.

"We have seen some old data, as well as data from overseas estimates, but there is no data that allows us to estimate the direct greenhouse benefits of recycling these products at the household level in 2021 with sufficient rigor," he said.

Family is an important part of the solution

Mr. Brown said that by 2020, about 27% of Australia's electricity will come from renewable energy sources, including solar photovoltaic systems for more than 2.7 million properties.

"It's not big companies that are doing this, but moms and dads are pushing it," he said.

"I think it reflects people wanting to do their part. They spend between US$5,000 and US$10,000 each."

Mr. Brown said that 29% of Australian households that install solar energy save the country more than 14 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

In terms of reducing emissions, Dr. Sadler said that Australia can do a lot without having to deal with industries that are more difficult to decarbonize, such as manufacturing, which require high temperatures to make cement, bricks, other ceramics and some chemical manufacturing processes.

"They will be the hardest to find alternatives, but you can do a lot of things without worrying about these, because we now have very good technology," he said.

• Install solar energy or sign up to 100% renewable electricity plan

• Buy more energy-efficient vehicles, whether it’s electric, hybrid, or more efficient gasoline vehicles

• Reduce red meat consumption

• Choose more energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines or other appliances

• Compost food scraps

• Walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving

• Switch from gas to electric stove, heating or hot water

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