Europe in energy-saving mode: Austria leading the way in energy conservation
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Europe in energy-saving mode: Austria leading the way in energy conservation

Stephan Kurmann
12.12.2022
Translation: Katherine Martin

Austria is on a quest to save energy. Ninety-eight per cent of respondents claim to be doing their bit – whether it’s by switching off lights, not taking baths or putting lids on pots when cooking. And it’s the nation’s young people who’re taking energy conservation particularly seriously. Here’s what has been revealed by a representative survey carried out on behalf of Digitec Galaxus.

Energy is in short supply in Europe at the moment, with energy prices continuing to rise. Austria’s federal government has already enacted measures to counter inflation, including a 600-million-euro energy bill subsidy to offset the massive increase in the population’s energy costs.

However, the population isn’t just counting on governmental measures – they’re also actively saving energy. Online retailer Galaxus surveyed people in Austria on the topic. One thing is clear: when it comes to saving energy, Austria is ahead of Germany and Switzerland.

Yes to saving energy: the majority of people are doing their bit

Just 2 per cent of respondents in Austria said they weren’t contributing to energy conservation. The majority of the population has trained up in the art of saving energy.

Across the DACH region as a whole, people are very willing to save energy. In Germany and Switzerland 96 per cent of respondents said they used energy conservation tips. In Austria, the figure is as high as 98 per cent. Every country outperforms its neighbours regarding certain tips: Switzerland is the most likely to flip off those light switches (89%), three quarters of people in Austria cover pots with lids while cooking (73%) and in Germany, people are turning down the heating to save energy (75%).

Energy-saving role models in Austria: women – and young people

The Austrian demographic that has taken energy-saving tips most to heart? Women aged 15 to 24. In Germany and Austria, women are also more economical in their use of energy than men.

What’s striking when comparing the results internationally is that 15- to 29-year-olds in Austria are especially active when it comes to saving energy. Five out of seven energy-saving tips are followed most strictly by the younger generation. They’re mostly saving energy by turning down the central heating, shutting down devices completely, turning of the lights and taking the train instead of driving. In Germany and Switzerland, on the other hand, it’s older generations who’re the most economical when it comes to energy saving.

Energy-saving products: LED lamps proving popular

More than half of Austria-based respondents have bought products this year which directly or indirectly save energy. LED lamps (51%), firewood and candles (33%), and power-saving socket strips (15%) were most in demand.

Austria budgeting the most for energy-saving products

So, how much have our survey participants spent on energy-saving products this year? In Switzerland, 80% of respondents said they’d spent up to 200 francs over the course of the year.

In Germany and Austria, around half of those asked said they’d invested between 30 and 500 euros. The percentage of those who spent over 2,000 euros or Swiss francs on energy-saving products is highest in Austria, at 6%.

Energy-efficient household appliances in high demand

When asked, «Do you currently pay more attention to energy efficiency when buying household appliances than before the energy crisis?» 70% of respondents in Austria answered «Yes» or «Mostly yes».

According to the survey, women pay slightly more attention to energy efficiency in household appliances than men do. Seventy-four per cent of women opt for energy-efficient appliances. For men, the figure drops to 67%.

What are you doing to save energy, if anything? Which tips do you follow? Which ones do you ignore? And how important is it that your electrical appliances are energy-efficient? Join the conversation in the comments section.

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Studies claim that we have a shorter attention span than goldfish. Ouch! My job is to get your attention as often and for as long as possible. How? With content you enjoy. Outside of the office, you’ll find me on the tennis court, curled up with a book, Netflixing or travelling. 


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