MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK 'worst' for wasting energy

The UK has come out worst in a European energy wasters' league, according to a survey of the energy habits of some 5,000 Europeans.

The Germans are the most efficient in their energy use, followed by the Spanish.

The most wasteful energy habit for the British is leaving appliances on standby - which most people do every day. Our best habit is to reach for a jumper rather than turning the thermostat up, with 78% claiming to always do this.

The Energy Saving Trust, the independent consumer advisory body on energy efficiency, predicts that by 2010 - unless we curb our energy wasting habits - we will have wasted £11 billion and around 43 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, one of the main causes of climate change. This is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of over seven million homes.

The Habits of a Lifetime report was commissioned to mark the start of Energy Saving Week.

The week is aimed at encouraging consumers to take action and be aware of the impact of their energy use. The four most common energy-wasting habits in the UK, which cost £2 billion a year are:

Leaving appliances on standby - 71% of UK consumers admit to doing this at least once a week.

Leaving chargers plugged in - 65% of UK consumers claim to do this at least once a week.

Forgetting to switch lights off when leaving the room - 63% of UK consumers admit to doing this at least once per week.

Using the car for short journeys rather than public transport, walking or cycling - almost half (48%) of Brits admit to doing this at least once a week.