How to Stay Warm and Green This Winter

Global Heating is driving climate change

Heating is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide, especially during the winter months when demand for warmth increases across homes.

Heat contributes to more than 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, making it a significant driver of climate change. The impact of this heavy energy use isn’t just immediate, it has lasting effects on our planet and accelerates global warming over time.

Heating usage for home, industry and other commercial applications accounts for around half of the world’s energy consumption, surpassing the amount of energy demands for both electricity and transportation. The heavy reliance on fossil fuel powered heating depletes natural resources and contributes to greenhouse gas levels, affecting air quality, ocean temperatures and weather patterns worldwide.

What does unsustainable heating mean for the planet?

Heating homes throughout the year, especially during the winter months, requires an intense amount of energy, which is often supplied by burning fossil fuels like natural gas, coal, and oil. This energy intensive process releases large quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions trap in heat and accelerate global warming, contributing to environmental and health impacts around the world.

As carbon dioxide levels rise, our natural systems are disrupted worldwide. An example of this is increased ocean temperatures, which leads to coral bleaching and  disruption of habitats, harming species and marine life that rely on these ecosystems for survival. It also affects animals on land who face changing habitats and food shortages, as the warming temperatures alter the landscape they depend on.

The increase of carbon dioxide also contributes to lower air quality, which poses serious health risks for both animals and humans. Polluted air, particularly in densely populated areas leads to higher respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially impacting vulnerable communities and populations. 

What type of sustainable heating should we be prioritising?

By considering alternative heating sources, homes across the world can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon footprint, and make a positive impact on environmental health. With rising heating bills, many people are turning to renewable energy and alternative options as a way to heat their homes more sustainably and cost effectively. 

Renewable energy is provided by natural sources such as the sun, wind, water, waste and geothermal heat from within the earth. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are continuously replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, making them an environmentally friendly choice for home heating.

From solar and geothermal systems to efficient heat pumps, sustainable heating options are readily available today and these systems not only help protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but can also offer long term money saving by lowering energy bills in your home.

Switching to renewable energy for heating your home is a productive and impactful step in the fight against climate change as it reduces individual carbon emissions whilst at the same time providing reliable and affordable warmth, making them a good investment for a cleaner and greener future.

5 ways to heat your home sustainably this winter 

As the colder months creep in and you find yourself cranking up the thermostat, it’s more important now than ever to be mindful about the sustainability of heating your home.

Whether you want to make major changes or simply adopt more mindful habits, there are a variety of approaches you can take to reduce your environmental impact when it comes to heating your home. 

Here are 5 ways to sustainably survive winter:

1 – Wear extra layers of clothing

Dressing warmly indoors during the colder months can help reduce the time you have your heating on. Thermal socks, cosy sweatshirts and blankets can give you an extra layer of insulation to avoid prolonged heating usage.

2 – Double glazing windows

Double-glazing provides extra insulation by trapping air between two glass panes, reducing heat loss through windows. Meaning you can store heat in your house for longer and reduce the demand for heating.

3 – Install Insulation

Insulating walls, attic, and floors helps retain heat, reducing the need for heating and making your home more energy-efficient. This helps to lower both emissions and heating bills.

4 – Set the Thermostat to 16-20°C (62-68°F) 

A thermostat setting between 16-18°C is considered sustainable for homes. Even lowering your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees can save energy and reduce heating costs without compromising warmth in your home.

5 – Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows

Using draft stoppers or sealants like weatherstripping can prevent cold air from entering your home through gaps around doors and windows, helping retain indoor heat and reduce the demand on heating.

By making some of these switches, you‘re not only reducing your carbon footprint and making a positive difference in the fight against climate change, you can also save money on heating bills, creating an all round more sustainable option for you and the planet in the long term.

Switching to sustainable heating is a step towards a greener future.

Fossil fuels remain the dominant cause of global warming, being responsible for around 80% of the world’s energy. While there have been some major shifts towards renewable energy among large companies and industries that traditionally generate higher levels of pollution, we still have a long way to go in transitioning to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Large companies must be held accountable for their environmental impact, but that doesn’t mean the actions we take in our home are any less important. Every change counts when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet, even the smaller ones. Making changes to your home heating is one of the simplest and most effective ways to live more sustainably this winter.

If you want to learn how to live more sustainably, check out our free resource guides for tips and support on your journey to a green future for all.