Frequently asked questions

Start by measuring your biggest sources, usually electricity, vehicles, flights and food, then cut those first. Avoid unnecessary use, choose efficient BEE star-rated appliances, consider rooftop solar, walk, cycle or use public transport where you can, waste less food, and segregate and compost wet waste.

It shows how energy-efficient an appliance is, from 1 star (least efficient) to 5 stars (most efficient), under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's Standards and Labelling programme started in 2006. The label also shows estimated yearly electricity use, which is the easiest number to compare between models.

Central financial assistance is 60% of system cost up to 2 kW and 40% of the extra cost between 2 and 3 kW, capped at 3 kW. PIB gives this as about Rs 30,000 for 1 kW, Rs 60,000 for 2 kW and Rs 78,000 for 3 kW or more. Check current rules on pmsuryaghar.gov.in before applying.

Yes, a higher setting uses less electricity. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency says each 1 degree Celsius increase in AC temperature setting saves about 6% of its electricity use, and star-labelled room ACs must have a default setting of 24 degrees Celsius from 1 January 2020.

First measure Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions with the GHG Protocol, then act on the largest sources. Common steps are an energy audit by a BEE-accredited auditor, efficiency upgrades, buying renewable electricity through open access or green tariffs, rooftop solar, travel and commuting policies, and working with key suppliers.

It lets a consumer buy renewable electricity directly from a generator of its choice through the grid. Under the Green Energy Open Access Rules notified by the Ministry of Power in June 2022, consumers with a connected load of 100 kW or more are eligible, and there is no minimum for captive users.

Offsets are not a substitute for reducing your own emissions. Most climate standards expect you to cut emissions first and use credits only for what is left, and claims based on offsets need care to avoid greenwashing. Our article on carbon neutral, net zero and greenwashing explains the rules.

It depends on the household, which is why measuring first matters. In many urban homes electricity, a car and occasional flights are the largest items, while in others food or cooking fuel matters more. Calculate your own footprint and tackle the biggest line first.