Case Study (222 Kb PDF)

Summary

Energy is essential in our homes for the daily operation of domestic appliances, heating and lighting systems, etc. In the last few years, the energy consumption in the domestic and tertiary sectors (in Spain in general and particularly in Burgos) has increased at the annual rate of 2.5%. Considering all these issues, the Provincial Energy Agency of Burgos has developed an information campaign denominated "El ahorro energético en el hogar" (Saving energy in residential housing), the purpose of which is to promote, province-wide, the rational use of energy in residential housing, mainly targeting housewives and consumers. This objective has been achieved through the edition and distribution of 22 000 dissemination leaflets containing simple yet effective advice on residential energy efficiency, supported through the realisation of dissemination conferences in several provincial municipalities.

Results

From the standpoint of the Provincial Energy Agency of Burgos, the campaign has been successful and very positive in general, with the following results:

• Distribution of 22,000 dissemination pamphlets with interesting energy advices among the general public within the province.
• Hundreds of people attended the nine conferences organized in different provincial municipalities.
• Roughly 200 questionnaires filled by the assistants. Through these, the agency staff was able to assess that housewives are conscious of the importance of residential energy savings and that they indeed realise the advantages of the efficient use of electrical domestic appliances. However, a certain lack of awareness was observed in aspects such as; lighting or efficient heating systems.
• Collaboration of principal city councils and the provincial housewives and consumers associations helped a great deal to achieve an excellent campaign acceptance rate.