Recent research conducted by the Energy Saving Trust, on behalf of Smart Energy GB, indicates that children who adopt energy-saving practices could save over £16,500 throughout their lifetime. The study analyzed everyday behaviors of children, such as turning off appliances and reducing shower durations, to assess the long-term financial impact of these habits.
Small adjustments in behavior, as highlighted in the findings, can lead to substantial savings. For instance, teaching children above the age of five to switch off the TV could result in savings exceeding £942. Similarly, encouraging older children to limit shower time to four minutes may yield potential savings of around £1,447.
Moreover, instilling habits like adjusting the thermostat down by one degree for children could lead to savings of up to £5,937 over time. The cumulative effect of these practices could equate to nearly a decade’s worth of energy bills, based on an average annual estimate by Ofgem.
A survey commissioned by Smart Energy GB involving 750 parents with children aged six to 11 revealed that 78% of parents already encourage energy-saving behaviors at home. Common habits include turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, unplugging appliances, and air-drying laundry. Additionally, parents with smart meters find that in-home displays help children grasp real-time energy usage.
Educator Bobby Seagull emphasized the significance of teaching children eco-friendly habits, noting that these actions can collectively make a significant impact over their lifetime. He praised parents for their dedication to teaching energy-saving skills and highlighted the usefulness of tools like smart meters in this endeavor.
Apart from energy conservation, nearly all parents stress the importance of educating children on environmental responsibility. Lessons on recycling, reusing materials, and reducing water consumption rank high among green teachings. The research also indicated that a majority of children enjoy conserving energy, considering it both fun and important.
Notable figures like David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, and Steve Backshall serve as role models for young individuals in promoting environmental awareness. Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, commended households for fostering positive energy habits among family members, emphasizing that even small changes, such as using smart meters to monitor energy consumption, can lead to noticeable savings.
