Saving energy: how small choices make a big difference
Why saving is just as important as making things sustainable
In discussions about the energy transition, the focus is often on new energy sources: sun, wind, hydrogen. But the cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy you don't use. That is why in Powerplay you start by using less energy: every kilowatt-hour we save does not have to be generated, puts less strain on the electricity grid, and directly reduces costs and CO₂ emissions.
This applies not only at home, but especially at business premises. Many entrepreneurs face high energy costs and do not know where to start. That is why Powerplay is proud to have partnered with organisations such as Klimaatplein, which gives entrepreneurs free advice to reduce their CO₂ emissions and save costs.
Insight is the first step: know where your emissions are
Many organisations want to become more sustainable, but the first step is hard to find. That is precisely where the power of measuring lies. If you know what you emit and where, you know where to start.
Free CO₂ calculator from Klimaatplein
With the free CO₂ calculator from Klimaatplein you easily gain insight into:
- where your organisation causes greenhouse gases,
- how much emission this involves,
- and which components have the most impact.
This calculation creates awareness and makes savings concrete and measurable. By repeating the calculation annually, you also see the effect of the measures taken reflected in your figures.
Know where you can save in 2 minutes
For entrepreneurs who want to get started quickly, there is the SME Energy Saving Check from Klimaatplein.
- Free and anonymous
- Takes only 2 minutes
- Gives immediate insight into savings opportunities
- Suitable for almost any SME
The saving check shows where you can reduce energy and costs, often with measures that pay for themselves quickly.
Energy waste: an underestimated problem with enormous impact
A large part of our energy consumption is simply lost through waste. And that is precisely where enormous opportunities lie.
Examples of common energy waste
- Compressed air in industry
About 10% of industrial energy consumption goes to compressed air. At many sites, up to 40% is wasted through leaks, incorrect settings or improper use. - Electric motors
Around 70% of industrial electricity consumption is used for electric motors. By tuning motors better and adjusting the speed to actual needs, an average of 25% electricity can be saved. - Poorly configured climate installations
Installations that heat and cool at the same time cause enormous waste. The amount of energy lost in this way is equal to about 25% of all the energy that onshore and offshore wind turbines generated in 2023. - Lighting outside business hours
Simply switching off unnecessary lighting outside working hours can save 500 million kWh annually. A simple measure that yields a lot, as players of Powerplay may have already seen.
Figures like these show: the energy transition is not only about new technology, but also about dealing more cleverly with what we already have. In real life, just like in Powerplay, it is important to reduce before we build more: this way we prevent even more waste of energy and rare raw materials.
Small choices, big consequences
What these examples have in common is that they are often:
- technically simple,
- financially attractive,
- and have an immediate effect.
By preventing energy waste, we save money, free up space on the electricity grid and reduce pressure on the energy system. The best part is that these measures are simple and have a very low impact: nothing is built and it often yields much more money than it costs.
Powerplay: understand the energy system behind your choices
The serious game Powerplay shows how all these choices come together in the Dutch energy system. By playing, you discover:
- why saving is so important and valuable,
- how supply and demand influence one another,
- and why not every sustainable solution can be applied everywhere at once.
More understanding leads to better discussions, more realistic expectations and smarter choices. Not only at home, but also at work and in the public debate.
Conclusion
The energy transition is not an abstract story of policy and technology. It is the sum of daily choices. By gaining insight, preventing energy waste and using smart tools, you can start saving today and contribute to a future-proof energy system.