1) Does Green energy cost more?
Yes, but only very slightly and by being smarter in the way it's used, you shouldn't notice any difference in the bills.
2) Insulating the house will make it hotter in the summer?
Not true. Insulation serves to create a barrier between the inside and outside of your house. It's designed to allow you to keep the house at a comfortable living temperature whether hot or cold outside.
3) Diesel cars are bad for greenhouse gases?
Not true, Modern diesel cars are extraordinarily efficient, many 4x4 diesels do less than 10 L/100km which is a very low CO2 g/km number. But even better than that are diesel vehicles converted to run on biodiesel.
4) Do Light globes really make that much difference?
Yes, the modern halogen or energy efficient light globe might cost a few bucks more, but it normally pays for itself within a year, and they last for ages. By replacing your old globes you could see your lighting costs reduced to fraction of what they were, that can be a three figure saving.
5) Solar panels don't give you much power?
Not true, Solar panel technology has moved on massively. But the big benefit is government rebates for plugging into the grid. These systems are now modular with grid connected installation from $6000. For a very low user this could cover all of their electricity needs. But add a panel or 2 over the next couple of years and your household will no longer be getting those large electricity bills.
6) I can work out my CO2 emissions from an online calculator?
Yes you can get a rough idea but beware. Most on line calculators use conversion rates that arent specific to what is being used in your household. For example the Brown coal or Lignite that is the main source of energy in Australia produces much more CO2 than regular black coal which nearly all on line calculators dont account for. Same goes for vehicle fuel, they use a conversion factor that looks purely at the fuel and not at the efficiency of the vehicle.
7) Whats the difference between Carbon Offsets and Carbon Credits?
See our Carbon Offset page...
