According to a recent poll, roughly half of UAE residents (47%) want to make their houses as ecologically friendly as possible, with more than half (55%) making sustainability a priority when purchasing electrical devices.
A third (33%) of respondents regard sustainability to be as essential as pricing in their product selection, and 27% would switch to a different electronic brand if the goods offered were better for the environment. 29% are aware that the more environmentally sustainable electronic goods are, the more money they save on utility bills. According to the poll results, 30% would prefer if electronic brands focused more on explaining environmental factors such as energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
This was followed by UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced that 2023 will be the ‘Year of Sustainability’. Sheikh Mohammed stated on social media that effective climate action required a unified vision and collective will.
2023 is the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. Effective climate action requires a shared vision and collective will. As host of COP28, we are committed to fulfilling our role as a global convener and will continue to support action and innovation in the field of sustainability.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 20, 2023
Based on the findings of the study, here is what we recommend that everyone implement in order to be more sustainable all the while saving up.
Monitor Your Consumption
With Dubai’s Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) , announcing the completion of the installation of 2.1 million smart electricity and water meters around the emirate to benefit residents. This will allow residents to monitor and regulate their own consumption from the comfort of their own homes and offices in real time.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
According to Energy Star, a program administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy that encourages energy efficiency. LED lightbulbs use around 90% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs. LED lighting can help your home run more efficiently while also saving you money. High-quality LED lights have a lifespan of 30,000-50,000 hours or more, whereas an incandescent light bulb has a lifespan of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 hours.
Install Low-Flow Shower Heads
Showers account for up to 30% of household water consumption. Switching to a low-flow showerhead can help you save water. Installing a low-flow showerhead will save you approximately 13,200 litre of water each year. Traditional showerheads used five to eight liters of water per minute up until 1992. The current showerhead standard is 2.5 gallons per minute, with low-flow variants using two gallons or less per minute. Installing a low-flow showerhead will reduce water use in your home, save energy, slash annual heating costs, and lessen your monthly water bill.
Purchase energy efficient appliances
Purchasing energy-efficient appliances may be a larger expenditure than purchasing a typical appliance, but it is critical to consider the cost of an appliance over its whole lifetime.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats save you money while reducing energy waste. Investing in a programmable thermostat will allow you to monitor and control your cooling. When you go solar, adding a smart thermostat is a great way to take full potential of your clean power production.
Seal Air Leaks
Sealing air leaks around your house is one of the simplest initial steps toward developing a more energy-efficient home. Air can enter via holes in the ceilings, walls, floors, and window edges, especially in older homes. Caulk, seal, and weatherstrip any gaps and cracks to reduce monthly expenditures and elongate the lifespan of your HVAC appliances.
Climate Appropriate Landscaping
When landscaping your property, choose plants and trees that are suited for the climate. Large grassy spaces surrounded by lush plants, trees, and flowers are traditionally desired landscape features. This style of scenery is not suitable for all climates. Dryer conditions will necessitate more water and attention to care for it. By designing an eco-friendly landscaping, you may drastically minimize the quantity of water required for your yard. This strategy is not only more ecologically friendly, but also more cost-effective.
Low VOC Paints
Low VOC paints have less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) than traditional paints. VOCs are chemical molecules present in a wide range of items that have the potential to harm both human health and the environment.
In the case of paint, VOCs are emitted not only when the paint is applied, but also in the years that follow.
Install Low Flush Toilets
When compared to regular toilets that consume 6 liters of water every flush, low-flush toilets can greatly help to minimize water waste. Low-flush toilets, in particular, utilize 4.5 liters or less per flush.