I remember being a kid bouncing on a rebounder. At least that’s what my family called it. It was basically a mini trampoline. I had never heard of the rebound effect at that time but today it is an important issue in all our efforts to mitigate climate change.
Basically, the rebound effect is when improvements in something like energy efficiency encourage greater use of services. For example, someone might install a high efficiency furnace and then stop setting back the thermostat at night, a behaviour they did before installing the new furnace. Although in some cases the impact of the rebound is small, in others it can actually be greater than the original state.
I often think about this in terms of energy efficiency but I see it in other places too. I was buying something the other day and I said I didn’t need a bag. But when they offered me their fancy, heavily branded cloth bag I caved and took it. I don’t need another cloth bag. In the long run I have created more waste and used more resources, but if it’s a cloth bag it’s okay right?
The thing is that if you made the change once you can make it again, or better yet never go back. If you purchased a high efficiency furnace you can still save 4 to 6% on your annual heating bill by setting the temperature back each night from 21°C to 17°C. I’ve also heard that this drop in temperature is actually one of the triggers that tell your body it’s time for sleep.
Other tips that you may have forgotten about when you made the switch to high efficiency include:
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Wash only full loads of dishes
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Wash full loads of clothes in cold water AND hang them to dry
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Conduct proper maintenance on all your appliances
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A low-flow toilet still isn’t a garbage can
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And the most energy efficient light is the one that is turned off
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Oh, and a fuel efficient car still uses more gas than walking or taking the bus