Repsol YPF

Midway through the eighties scientists started to notice that the temperature of our planet was slowly rising. This was caused by a concentration of certain gases in the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and the consequence of this warming would translate into serious repercussions for the ecosystems. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has certified that the climate is not only warming up, but also becoming more unstable. From an ecological point of view, the concern is based on rising sea levels and increasing temperatures, which will probably increase water supply problems and lead to the extinction of numerous plant and animal species. The spreading of infectious diseases and the arrival of new epidemics could be further consequences. Research into the greenhouse effect has found that the main source of emission of gases causing this phenomenon is the burning of fossil fuels, that is, coal, oil and natural gas. However, these resources are necessary and it is about exploiting and consuming them in an appropriate way, so that we may enjoy the benefits that they bring. The almost fourteen million Spanish homes recorded in the last census as the main residence, pump a quarter of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Each family is responsible for emitting approximately 5 tons. The Spanish Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) is concerned that whilst industry has managed to control its energy consumption and reduce its pollutant emissions over the last five years, the demand for energy in the home has practically doubled. A survey carried out by the Spanish Confederation of Housewives, Consumers and Users (CEACCU) revealed that only 20% of Spaniards do all they can to save energy, as against 80% who admit using it inadequately. The increased consumption is due to the installation of new equipment but also due to bad energy use. Acts such as: leaving lights on in more than one room, not turning the television off using the switch or leaving the computer on for hours, are enough to waste an enormous quantity of energy. As such, sensible energy consumption is the best way of saving and of not polluting the environment. The IDAE intends to implement an Action Plan including measures to control energy consumption not only in industry but also for farms, the business, services and transport sectors as well as in homes. It is about combining efforts to fulfil the Kyoto Protocol, which gave Spain a 15% growth margin in greenhouse effect gas emissions from 2008-2012 in relation to 1990, a margin that Spain has not only exceeded but more than doubled. Furthermore, excessive consumption of energy resources does not only harm the environment and threaten the continuing quality of life on the planet; it also negatively affects the household budget. In fact, average family energy costs have grown disproportionately in recent years, largely due to inefficient use.   To reduce bills and, above all, to contribute towards making earth a better and more inhabitable world for everyone, it is sufficient to apply several efficiency principles in our day-to-day activities and when deciding what to buy. To start with, specifications for new homes should include information concerning their energy standards in addition to information about the finish and quality of the materials, that is, the characteristics of the walls and partitions, windows, insulation (not only in separating walls, but also in interior walls, ceilings and floors) and of the heating, hot water and air conditioning systems. When setting up home, whatever your circumstances, it is always possible to rationalise electricity consumption by substituting incandescent light bulbs for low-consumption lamps, by being aware of our real needs and not buying appliances that are bigger or more powerful than necessary, as well as looking at the energy classification of household appliances.Additionally, since November 2002 vehicles are required by law to have a label reflecting their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.