On February 25 this year, the Environmental Competence and Education Centre of Ltd “ZAAO” organized an online session titled “Saving Energy in Your Household: Heat, Electricity, Alternative Energy”. This was the final session in the adult non-formal education program “Saving the Family Budget by Living Greener!”. The session was attended by 93 participants who, under the guidance of industry experts from the Elektrum Energy Centre, AAS BALTA, RD Electronics, and the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), gained practical knowledge on reducing energy consumption, lowering expenses, and improving safety in their homes.
The session provided a clear overview of electricity and thermal energy consumption, emphasizing that the largest costs and energy use are typically associated with heating, water heating, large household appliances, and devices left in standby mode. Edgar Korsaks-Mills, a specialist from the Elektrum Energy Centre, noted: “Heating and water heating costs are most significantly influenced by the building’s thermal insulation and the technical condition of major electrical equipment. Regular maintenance of appliances such as refrigerators and boilers, as well as choosing the correct operating programs, helps reduce energy consumption and can lead to significant long-term savings.”
To ensure that large household appliances do not consume more energy than necessary, it is important to assess household needs and choose equipment with appropriate capacity and size. A representative from RD Electronics encouraged participants to pay attention to the energy label (A–G scale), which is a reliable tool for comparing consumption and efficiency, considering not only the purchase price but also the long-term operating costs of the appliance. Sustainability does not always mean higher cost — the most important factor is choosing a high-quality solution that suits the specific needs of the household.
A representative of the insurance company BALTA pointed out that the most common home insurance claims are related to damaged electrical installations, improper installation of electrical equipment, or environmental factors such as dusty or aggressive surroundings. Therefore, regular inspection of equipment and safe installation are essential. Meanwhile, a representative of the State Fire and Rescue Service reminded participants about fire safety requirements in homes, especially during the heating season.
Participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to join the lecture online, as well as the concise and practical content that brought together expert recommendations on reducing energy consumption, optimizing household bills, improving home safety, and choosing sustainable appliances. In the feedback survey, 70% of participants rated the lecture as excellent, 22% as outstanding, and the remaining participants as good, confirming both the relevance of the topic and the suitability of the format for residents’ needs. As one participant emphasized: “Such sessions are important because these topics are not taught unless you are a specialist in the field. Information is available, but it is not compiled in one place, and requirements and technologies change so quickly that it is difficult to keep up without expert explanations.”
This was the final session in the adult non-formal education program “Saving the Family Budget by Living Greener.” From the end of 2024 to the beginning of 2026, a total of 267 residents completed six sessions covering textile circulation, waste sorting, food waste reduction, biodiversity, water consumption, and energy efficiency, and received certificates confirming completion of the program.
