Energy efficiency and residential energy saving

Abstract

Energy efficiency and energy saving are two closely related but distinct technical concepts. This article focuses on the problem of communicating to the public these concepts, which can easily be confused or distorted when submitted to public opinion. Technical and pedagogical coordination in the proper use of language is essential, given that it directly affects understanding and effective implementation, in this case, of the energy efficiency policy. The importance of clarifying, distinguishing and transmitting information lies in the impacts that certain concepts have in our daily life, in economic, social and environmental terms, as in the case of energy use. It is in this context that this article seeks to demonstrate how language can succeed or fail to transmit what it is we want to communicate, thus affecting national policy guidelines.