Energy consumption The WorldPortugal Countries1990 (per capita) 2004 (per capit a) Canada EUA Germany Portugal China Banglades h 0.1 -Agriculture and fishing (0.4%) -Industry (7.6%) -Construction (2.2%) -Transportation (1.3%) -Household chores (48%) -Services (40.5%)

As we can see, from the first table, Portugal is one of the developed countries with the lowest rates of energy consumption. Our country is exceeded by other countries like USA and Canada, however it is above China or Bangladesh. We also verify an increase in the energy consumed, from 1990 to 2004, of 44 %; due to a marked technological evolution. From the second graphic, we understand that the most dispendable portuguese energy sectors are the services and also the househlod chores, when sectors like transportation and agriculture are less dispendable.

Ways to conserve energy At Home At Work

At Home Turn your refrigerator down. Refrigerators account for about 20% of Household electricity use. Set your clothes washer to the warm or cold water setting, not hot. Switching from hot to warm for two loads per week can save nearly 500 pounds of CO2 per year if you have an electric water heater, or 150 pounds for a gas heater. Use less hot water by installing low-flow shower heads and save 300 pounds of CO2 per year for electrically heated water, or 80 pounds for gas-heated water. Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most- used lights. Although they cost more initially, they save money in the long run by using only 25% the energy of an ordinary incandescent bulb and lasting 8-12 times longer. In a typical home, one compact fluorescent bulb can save 260 pounds of CO2 per year.

At Work Set Computers to Sleep and Hibernate, enable the "sleep mode" feature on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity. When you leave your office turn off the power. Work with your employer to implement these and other energy- efficiency and waste-reduction measures.

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