Environmental Audit of a Household - Report Example

? Report Environmental Audit of a Household Table of Contents 0 Introduction and scope of audit 2.0 Overview of household activities 3.0 Environmental impact of electricity use 4.0 Environmental impact of waste disposal 5.0 Environmental impact of water consumption 6.0 Household “ins” and “outs” flow diagram 7.0 Conclusion and recommendation References Introduction and scope of audit According to the Office of National Statistics (2004), there is a growing consensus that the rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has led to climate change globally. The Kyoto protocol seeks to limit greenhouse gas emission and governments from the developed countries have agreed to lower the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050. The UK government has agreed to a reduction equivalent to 60% of 1990 levels by 2050 (Office of National Statistics 2004). It therefore means all sectors as well as households have to play a role in order to achieve that goal. This environmental audit report is based on an environmental review of my household which is a flat. The review took place between the periods July 4 and July 17, 2011. Everything that is done in the household has an impact on the environment. Electricity is used for energy in the household. It provides lighting and heating and provides energy to operate appliances. Electricity contributes to the emission of greenhouse gas which has a negative impact on the environment. Waste from household activities also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gas in the environment. All of these activities result in climate change which affects all of us. Water is a scare resource and the way it is used in households has an impact on environmental pollution which is just one of the consequences of climate change which is due also to the irresponsible consumption of water (Household Water Audit). Overview of household activities My household consists of three (3) persons, two of whom go out to work from Monday and Friday. I attend university and so I am hardly at home during the days. We are scarcely at home for a full day on Saturdays. However, we spend some time cleaning and washing before leaving home for various activities including shopping and entertainment. Saturdays and Sundays are the only days we prepare breakfast and dinner. The microwave is used to prepare meals each morning and each evening for a approximate 20 minutes each day from Monday to Friday. Our waste from Monday to Friday each week is very light since we are away from home for the better part of those days. However, on Saturdays and Sundays it is a bit heavier, especially on Sunday when we prepare for the rest of the week. Environmental impact of electricity use During any week we operate a number of appliances. They number approximately ten (10) and are used at least once per week. The table below shows the appliances in use, kilowatt hour (KWh) used along with the number of hours in used for each day during the period July 4 to July 17, 2011. Table 1 - Electricity used during the period July 4 to July 17, 2011 Electricity Usage Day Air Cond (KWh) Time (hr) Stove (KWh) Time (hr) M/Wave (KWh) Time (hr) Washing machine (KWh) Time (hr) Fridge Time (hr) TV (KWh) Time (hr) Laptop (KWh) Time (hr) Lights (KWh) Time (hr) Hair dryer (KWh) Time (hr) Iron (KWh) Time (hr) Total KWh Wattage 400   800   1400   400   725 8 120   50   18   1500   1500     Mon 2 5 0.4 0.5 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.1 2 0.09 5 0   0     Tues 2 5 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.05 1 0.108 6 0   0     Wed 1.6 4 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.05 1 0.108 6 0.25   0     Thur 2 5 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.075 1.5 0.108 6 0   0     Fri 2 5 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.05 1 0.108 6 0   0     Sat 2.8 7 1.2 1.5 0   0.8 2 5.8 8 0.48 4 0.1 2 0.126 7 0   2.25 1.5   Sun 2.8 7 2.4 3 0   0   5.8 8 0.84 7 0.15 3 0.144 8 0.75 0.5 0     Mon 1.6 4 0.4 0.5 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.05 1 0.09 5 0   0     Tues 1.6 4 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.05 1 0.09 5 0   0     Wed 2 5 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.1 2 0.09 5 0   0     Thur 2 5 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.24 2 0.1 2 0.108 6 0   0.75 0.5   Fri 1.2 3 0.8 1 0.462 0.33 0   5.8 8 0.36 3 0.075 1.5 0.108 6 0.25   0     Sat 2 5 1.6 2 0   0   5.8 8 0.48 4 0.2 4 0.108 6 0   2.25 1.5   Sun 2.8 7 2.4 3 0   0.8 2 5.8 8 0.84 7 0.25 5 0.144 8 0.75 0.5 0     Total (KWh) 28.4 71 14.8 18.5 4.62 3.3 1.6 4 81.2 112 5.16 43 1.4 28 1.53 85 2 1 5.25 3.5 145.96 The table on page 4 indicates the total hours for which each appliance was used daily as well as the total for the period. The daily as well as the total KWH hours of electricity consumed by each appliance over the two (2) week period is also shown. A total of 145 KWh of electricity was used in our household for the two (2) week period. The wattage is based on the manufacturers’ wattage for the appliances which are shown in the table above. In order to calculate the KWh energy used for each appliance the following formula was employed (Energy savers 2011): (Wattage x hours used per day)/1000. The wattage was multiplied by the number of hours for which the appliance was used each day. The refrigerator was the only equipment in use for 24 hours which is equivalent 8 hours of use per day. According to Earth Org (2011) the average CO2 per KWh of electricity consumed varies and is dependent on the make up of fuels used to generate electricity. The Office of National Statistics (2004) states that electricity contains the embedded emissions from the combustion of coal, gas, oil and other fuels and so the percentage of each component in the electricity supplied differs at times. In November 2010 the average evening use was 572g CO2 per KWh (Earth Org 2011). This estimate was used to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions relating to electricity consumption in our household. The total CO2 emission from our household in relation to electricity consumption is shown in the table below. Table 2 – CO2 Emissions from Electricity Carbon Emissions from Electricity Use KWh of Electricity CO2 per KWh (kg) CO2 Emission (kg) 146 0.582 84.972 The table above shows that approximately 85kg of CO2 is emitted from our household as a result of the use of electricity. This approximates to 2,210kg of CO2 per annum. The cost of electricity per KWh in the UK was 13p in May 2011(Biomass Energy Centre 2011). Assuming that this price remained the same the total cost for the two week period for the 146KWh of electricity used was ?19. . Environmental impact of waste disposal During week 1 and week 2 approximately 130kg and 90kg of products were purchased. These products were purchased at a cost of ?40 and ?25 respectively and are assumed to have been consumed in the period. Waste in household results from the use of these products. The waste in the kitchen includes: packaging material; vegetable; fruits and food peel. Waste in our household is separated into recycled matter and garbage. Paper, plastic, glass and aluminium are placed in the recycle bin and other refuse is treated as garbage. Garbage is collected on a Saturday. Garbage amounting to 12kg in the first week and 33kg in the second week was placed outside for collection. This does not include pet bottles and aluminium cans which are recycled. The second week’s garbage included cuttings from the lawn which is cut every six weeks. According to Clean House Trust (2008) when grass trimmings are placed in a landfill and buried, they emit methane gas during the process of their decomposition. Clean Air Trust (2008) further states that methane is a very powerful gas which is also emitted when paper food and other yard waste is placed in the garbage that goes to the landfill. The table below shows the amount of CO2 contributed by emissions from waste. Table 3 – Composition of Household Waste Composition of Garbage   Week 1 Week 2 Total CO2 Wk 1 and Wk 2 Description Weight (kg) CO2 per kg Total CO2 (kg) Weight (kg) CO2 per kg Total CO2 (kg) Putrescible kitchen waste 6 4.5 27 6 4.5 27 54 Plastic packaging 1 2 2 1 2 2 4 Paper 1 1.5 1.5 1 1.5 1.5 3 Putrescible bathroom waste 1 4.5 4.5 0 4.5 0 4.5 Other bathroom waste 1 1.5 1.5 1 1.5 1.5 3 Garden waste 3 1 3 3 1 3 6 Lawn trimming 0 1 0 11 1 11 11 Other 1.5 1 1.5 1 1 1 2.5 Total 14.5   41 24   47 88 Table 3 above indicates that CO2 emission from waste from household activities was 41kg in week 1 and 47kg in week 2 – a total of 88kg over the two (2) week period. Environmental impact of water consumption According to Clarke et al (2009), a recent study done by the Environmental Agency indicates that water use in the domestic sector is the main factor contributing to greenhouse gas emission in the water supply-use-treatment. Within the use phase water used in the house contributes 89% of emissions (Clarke et al 2009). Water is a very important natural resource. According to Youth Xchange (n.d.) between 20 and 50 litres of water is required by an individual per day. If water is wasted then we may soon run short. Water is used is in households to shower, bathe, brush teeth, prepare meals, wash dishes, clean clothes, housekeeping, flushing toilets and gardening. The table below indicates the use of water in our household for the period July 4 to July 17, 2011. Table 4 – Water Consumption for Household Water Consumption for a Household Consisting of 3 Persons Days Toilet Flushing Food Preparation Dish Washing Laundry Showering Teeth Brushing, Face/hand Washing Other Total Water Usage Freq Litres per use Total (litres) Freq Litres per use Total (litres) Freq Litres per use Total (litres) Freq Litres per use Total (litres) Freq Litres for 3 Total (litres) Freq Litres per use Total (litres) Freq Litres per use Total (litres) Litres Mon 12 6 72 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 389 Tue 11 6 66 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 383 Wed 12 6 72 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 389 Thur 12 6 72 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 389 Fri 13 6 78 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 395 Sat 15 6 90 2 10 20 2 5 10 2 85 170 2 120 240 5 12 60 4 3 12 602 Sun 18 6 108 2 10 20 2 5 10 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 4 3 12 450 Mon 11 6 66 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 383 Tue 12 6 72 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 389 Wed 12 6 72 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 389 Thur 11 6 66 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 383 Fri 11 6 66 1 6 6 1 5 5 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 2 3 6 383 Sat 14 6 84 2 10 20 2 5 10 2 85 170 2 120 240 5 12 60 4 3 12 596 Sun 17 6 102 2 10 20 2 5 10 0 85 0 2 120 240 5 12 60 4 3 12 444 Total     1086     140     90     340     3360     840     108 5,964 Table 4 above indicates the consumption of water for various uses in the household. Uses include toilet flushing, food preparation, dish washing, laundry, showering, teeth brushing, face and hand washing, and other miscellaneous uses including household cleaning. The total consumption of water by the household amounted to 5,964 litres. This translates to approximately 156,000 litres per annum. More than half of the 5964 litres (3,360 litres) was used for showering and a little approximately 18% (1,086 litres) for toilet flushing. These figures indicate that the major reasons for which water is being used are showering and flushing of toilets which in total accounts for approximately three quarters (?) of the total amount of water used. Water UK (n.d.) indicates that the cost of drinking water per 1000 litres is ?1. The total cost of the water used from July 4 to July 17, 2011 was ?6. Household “Ins” and “Outs” Flow Diagram Conclusion and Recommendation Household consumption of electricity and water, and waste disposal contributes significantly to the emission of greenhouse gas and as such has contributed to climate change. Conservation measures aimed at reducing electricity use and water consumption are therefore important in making our contribution to the UK Government’s effort to reduce carbon emission to 60%of 1990 levels. It is not only preserving our environment but making a contribution to the wellbeing of the next generation. The population is increasing worldwide and the percentage of fresh water available for household purposes is declining. Using less water can also reduce damage to rivers and wetlands which are habitats for wildlife animals. This behoves us to make a concerted effort to significantly reduce the amount we use on a daily basis. In addition to saving the environment money will be saved. The members of my household are already energy conscious. Absolutely no hot water was used during the period for bathing, showering and household purposes. Hot water use was not considered necessary with temperatures running at levels even higher than those currently being experienced in the tropics. However, there are still additional ways in which we could conserve on energy, water consumption and reduce the amount of waste disposed of. When replacing appliances we could buy only appliances that are Energy Star rated. We could also replace them as soon as we can find the funds as the saving that are expected to be generated overtime will pay for the appliances. We could also replace our toilets with low consumption or dual flush systems which use less water than conventional toilets. Since gas is cheaper than electricity we could replace the electric range with a gas range. We could also wash only when we have a full load. Additionally, some clothes may be worn more than once before washing becomes necessary. Instead of using running water at the tap when brushing teeth a glass of water could be used. Therefore, instead of using 3 litres of water 500ml could do the job efficiently. Bath and kitchen water could also be recycled for use on the lawn. Furthermore, a more detailed energy audit could be done where the house is checked for areas where air is escaping thus causing the air conditioning system to work harder. It is also important that the area where the air conditioning system is placed is the most suitable in terms of the temperature levels – that is where it is not in the way of direct heat from the sun. In terms of waste matter, some of the kitchen waste could be used as compost. This would reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill and therefore reduce the amount of methane gas in the environment. Less waste in landfill will help reduce groundwater contamination. Simple reminders which can help to conserve electricity include: turning off lights and equipment when not in use; setting computer to sleep when not in use; ensuring that rooms are properly insulated in order to facilitate efficient use of the air conditioner. It is very important to make a list of the things that may be recycled so that everyone in the household is aware. It is illegal to dispose of waste without a license and putting out garbage when it is not due for collection is punishable by law. In order to avoid being fined it is important that the date for garbage collection is carefully noted. . References Biomass Energy Centre. (2011). Fuel Cost per KWh. Retrieved from: http://www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk/portal/page?_pageid=75,59188&_dad=portal. Last accessed 22 Jul 2011 Clarke,A., Grant,N. and Thornton,J.(2009). Quantifying the energy and carbon effects of water saving. Retrieved from: http://www.netregs.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/EA_EST_Water_Report_Full.pdf. Last accessed 19th Jul 2011 Clean Air Trust. (2008.). Climate Change: What’s Your Impact? Retrieved from: http://www.cleanairtrust.org/calculator/#. Last accessed 22nd Jul 2011 Earth Org. (n.d.). Earth Notes: A Note On Variations in UK Grid Electricity CO2 Intensity with Time. Retrieved from: http://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-UK-grid-CO2-intensity-variations.html. Last accessed 22nd Jul 2011 Office of National Statistics. (2004). The impact of UK households on the environment through direct and indirect generation of greenhouse gases. Retrieved form: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_environment/Impact_of_households_final_report.pdf Water UK. (n.d.). Water facts: Water Prices. Retrieved from: http://www.water.org.uk/home/resources-and-links/waterfacts/waterprices#bills. Last accessed 21st Jul 2011 Read More