While some people turn up the heating during the cold winter months to make their homes warmer than in summer, others prefer to put on a warm sweater and woollen socks instead. Riina Uska, Director of Real Estate Development at Tallinn University of Technology, belongs to the latter group. She shares her thoughts and experiences to encourage and inspire members of the university community to adopt more sustainable everyday habits. In January, the focus of the Sustainability Months is on heat and light – that is, energy use in buildings.
What considerations guide how you manage heating, ventilation and lighting in your home across different seasons?
I much prefer a cooler indoor environment to an overheated home. Of course, it is pleasant to watch a burning stove or fireplace but always within reason. At my home the heating can be adjusted separately in each room and switched off entirely if needed, and I make full use of that option. In my bedrooms, the heating is turned off even in winter. I enjoy sleeping in a cool room under a warm duvet – the head should be kept cool. In rooms that are used more frequently, the temperature is set at around 20°C, which is perfectly sufficient. If that occasionally does not feel warm enough, I put on socks and a sweater. I am far too lazy to start adjusting the heating system for that. Lighting is used only in rooms where people are present, and during darker periods, when there is no need for bright light, I prefer softer lighting rather than large fixtures. At the same time, I use dedicated task lighting for my plants during the dark winter months.
What motivates you to consider air quality in addition to indoor temperature?
I would rather live in the forest than in the city, but in an urban environment the options are limited – either opening windows and doors or relying on technical systems. I personally prefer the former. Air quality depends greatly on location. Fortunately, I do not live in the city centre and traffic volumes are very low, so I always prefer to open windows for fresh air, even in winter.
Many people prefer to wear short sleeves indoors even in winter, while in summer they want to step into cooled spaces. How do you cope with changing temperatures?
I certainly do not wear short sleeves indoors in winter, the indoor temperature is generally around 20°C. In summer, I do not cool the rooms, as I do not have that option. Instead, I keep the windows closed, which helps maintain a satisfactory indoor temperature. If it becomes too warm, I take a cool shower.
Share a good energy-saving tip for those who cannot adjust the indoor temperature in their homes.
There is really no new trick here. Instead of excessive heating or cooling, put on a sweater or hoodie. During hot weather, a cool shower helps, as does proper ventilation – creating a draught by opening doors and windows and definitely drawing curtains to keep the heat out. Those who have stone floors at home know that stones remain cool even in warm weather, offering a great way to cool down through barefoot. And if there is an opportunity to use an outdoor pool or a natural body of water, that is by far the best way to cool off.
Measure the sustainability of your lifestyle using the lifestyle test here.
Learn how to contribute to reducing your environmental footprint on the Sustainability Months page, in TalTech’s Green Guide, and in the Government Office’s Green Behaviour Toolkit (in Estonian).