Energy sobriety is a concept that we're hearing about more and more often... but what exactly is it? Though it doesn't sound very exciting, at Équiterre, it's one of our favourite concepts! Can you recognize examples of energy sobriety? Take this 5 minute quiz to find out!
First of all, do you know the difference between energy sobriety and energy efficiency?
→ Energy sobriety refers to the notion of reducing energy consumption at the source. It’s about questioning our energy needs and prioritizing the essential.
→ Energy efficiency refers to any technology or any change in activities that provides the same results with less energy. It helps to reduce the amount of energy required to satisfy an unchanged need.
In short, sobriety can be summed up as "consuming less" and efficiency as "consuming better". Taken together, energy sobriety and energy efficiency free up energy that can be used to help decarbonize our society. They are therefore an integral part of the necessary energy transition.
Energy sobriety and energy efficiency: Can you tell the difference?
For each statement below, find out whether it's an example of energy sobriety or energy efficiency.
Switching from a gas-powered car to a hybrid.
Efficiency! It's technological.
Replacing some of your car trips by public transit or by bike.
Sobriety! Reducing your car trips and opting for different modes of transportation are individual sobriety measures.
Coordinating a car sharing system in your neighbourhood.
Sobriety! Car sharing and carpooling are collective sobriety measures.
Opting for energy efficiency certified appliances.
Efficiency! It's technological.
Installing a heat pump at your home.
Efficiency! It's technological.
Lowering the heating, air conditioning and lighting in your home.
Sobriety! Reducing energy demand is an individual sobriety measure.
A winning duo on many levels
In the current context of energy waste and overconsumption, reducing our energy demand with sobriety and efficiency measures should be a priority in order to maximize our current energy capacity. By reducing our demand, we free up energy for something else!
In this quiz, we listed a few concrete examples of energy sobriety and energy efficiency from an individual point of view, but we also need to apply these concepts to more systemic changes in our society, and the government has a lot of work to do.
Did you know?
Quebec's per capita energy consumption is very high compared to other industrialized countries;
More than half of the energy consumed in Quebec still comes from fossil fuels;
The Quebec government is working on major projects to electrify our vehicles and industries in order to reduce fossil fuel usage;
Quebec’s surplus of hydroelectricity will soon be gone.
It's time for Quebec to make fundamental changes that will enable our society to consume less energy and better. There's plenty that the government can do, and Équiterre is working to make it happen!
We need to plan for Quebec's energy future
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Analyst, Climate Policy
abrazeau@equiterre.org