challenge #2: energy
Dear participants,
It’s the second week, which means it’s time for our second theme! This week, we’re diving into a crucial topic: Energy ⚡
Energy sobriety is the first step toward transition. Increased energy consumption makes it harder for supply to adapt. By reducing demand, we initiate essential change.
Let’s jump into this week’s challenges and don’t forget to check out the events of the month, inspiring occasions to guide you along this journey!
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Challenge #1: Unplug unused devices 🔌
Benefits: Save money 💰 | Enhance safety 🏠 | Reduce emissions 🌍
Did you know that standby devices can account for up to 10% of your annual electricity consumption? By unplugging unused devices (chargers, TVs, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, etc.), you’ll cut costs and lower your ecological impact.
Here’s a breakdown of common devices and their consumption:
Source: “Energy Efficiency in Households,” Swiss Energy, 2016.
Our tips 🗒️
- Use power strips with switches to cut off power with a single click.
- Always unplug rarely used devices.
- Check the energy efficiency of your appliances—some use much more than they should!
Bonus tip 💡
Turning off devices in standby mode (like computers and phones) can save up to 15% on your electricity bill, which could be over 100 francs per year!
Challenge #2: Lower your heating temperature 🌡️
Benefits: Adjusted comfort 🛋️ | Lower costs 🏷️ | Less CO₂ 🌍
Heating accounts for two-thirds of a household’s energy use. Did you know that lowering your heating by just 1°C can reduce consumption by 7%?
Our tips 🗒️
- Set your thermostat to 19-20°C in living spaces and 16-18°C in bedrooms.
- Close shutters at night to retain heat.
- Open windows wide for a few minutes instead of leaving them ajar for extended periods.
- Use blankets, slippers, and warm clothing to avoid overheating your home.
- Program your heating to lower at night or during absences.
- Insulate doors and windows with draft stoppers or seals to minimize drafts.
Practical tip 💡
If you are not able to adjust your heating, consider sending a letter to your property management to request better regulation.
Want to go further? 🦸
Want to share your experience and join a bigger community? Sign up on agirageneve.ch and join the movement for optimal heating!
Challenge #3: Optimize room by room 🛁
Benefits: Save water and energy 🌍 | Lasting comfort 🏡
In the bathroom:
More than half of our water consumption happens here. Washing machines and dryers also account for 15% of a household’s electricity.
How to save?
- Running full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher.
- Using eco modes—it takes longer but uses less water and energy!
- Opting for natural drying.
- Washing mostly clothes at 30°C—this is often just as effective!
- Taking short showers (5 minutes) instead of baths.
And what about the kitchen?
The kitchen is another energy-intensive area, making up 13% of household electricity use—10% of which comes from refrigerators and freezers.
Tips 🗒️
- Setting the fridge to 5°C and freezer to -18°C.
- Defrosting your freezer regularly.
- Using power strips to turn off unused devices (microwaves, kettles, coffee machines).
- Heating only the water you need and use lids when cooking.
Source: City of Geneva – Everyday actions to save energy
Bonus Challenge 💡: Join the Climate Week!
Benefits: Learn 🎓 | Enjoy meaningful activities 🤝
From November 19th to December 1st, join conferences and workshops on energy to deepen your knowledge.
Climate Week – Events & Workshops:
- [FR] Behind the Scenes of the Energy Transition at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Friday, November 22, 12:00-14:00
- [FR] 2 Tons Workshop – Mission Geneva Durable, Saturday, November 23, 14:00-17:00
- [FR] Conference with Jean-Baptiste Fressoz: Without Transition: A New History of Energy (The Geneva Graduate Institute), Tuesday, November 26, 18:30-20:00
- [FR] Digital Footprint Workshop, Mission Geneva Durable, Thursday, November 28, 18:00-21:00
Events in English:
- Beyond COP29 – Youth Impact & Rethinking Climate Policy!, Wednesday, Novembre 27, 17h30 – 20h30
- Circular Safari: A Journey to the Heart of Sustainable Production and Consumption in Geneva, Saturday, November 30, 11h00-14h00
Resources
- City of Geneva Tips for Managing Energy Use at Home
- Eco Tips from SIG
- Property owner, property manager, or part of a collective? Check out SIG’s eco21 program, which offers plans to reduce energy use in various buildings and subsidies through the GEnergie initiative.
More Activities
- Sustainability Scavenger Hunt: Explore key sustainability spots in Geneva with Mission Genève Durable’s interactive city game!
- Corporate Climate Awareness Workshops: Boost collective impact with a 10% discount on climate and environment awareness workshops for businesses. A great opportunity to engage your teams in the ecological transition! Learn more about the 8 themes on Ecolive!
Share your experience ✨
Collaborate with the Agir à Genève platform and post your achievements on social media with the hashtag #MonDéfiCarbone or #MyCarbonChallenge.
