Key behaviour changes in combating climate change.

The following is a list of ten personal behaviours which the Scottish Government has identified as being key to reducing Scotland's carbon emissions. Eco-Congregation Scotland already addresses many of these through our programme, but we thought it would be useful to circulate the list. They are all relatively small and achievable changes. Which of these are you addressing in your personal lifestyle?




Key Behaviour Areas Set

Home Energy
1. Installing a more efficient energy system or generating your own. (Replacing inefficient boilers with condensing boiler and/or microgeneration (e.g. solar water heating, biomass boiler, heat pump))
2. Keeping the heat in. (Insulation, draught proofing, double glazing)
3. Better heating management (Turning down heating thermostat to between 18C-21C, reducing the hours heating is on, and turning down hot water thermostat [to a max of 60 degrees]).
4. Saving electricity (Buying energy efficient appliances, lightbulbs, TVs and other products, when these need to be replaced. Washing clothes at low temperatures.)


Transport
5. Becoming less reliant on the car. (Walking, cycling, using public transport and/or car sharing instead of driving)
6. Driving more efficiently (Using a low carbon vehicle [fuel efficient, hybrid, alternative fuel or electric] and
following eco-driving principles)
7. Using alternatives to flying where practical (e.g. train or teleconferencing for business)

Food 
8. Avoiding food waste
9. Eating a healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables, locally in season where we live

Consumption 
10. Reducing and Reusing (This could involve reusing and repairing products to give them a second use and only replacing when necessary. Avoiding unnecessary packaging.)


(From Scottish Government CLIMATE CHANGE BEHAVIOURS RESEARCH PROGRAMME UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2011)