Europe fights climate change on home front

According to figures published by the EU, homes are responsible for a quarter of all energy usage in Europe and that proportion is on the rise.

Now Europeans are being asked to do their bit to halt the increase, taking basic steps like turning off unused lights and turning down the thermostat a few degrees.

Energy use in buildings is steadily climbing up the political agenda in Brussels.

Given domestic energy consumption is so large and can be tackled with simple steps like insulation, double glazing and efficient light bulbs, it is not surprising MEPs have been urging action.

They face an uphill battle as ever-cheaper electrical equipment and increasing affluence translates into growing energy consumption.

In an attempt to turn the tide, the EU has resorted to shock tactics, publishing a list of home energy sins.

These include: