Thicker jumpers and new shower heads: six ways to reduce gas consumption

Researchers estimated that wearing a thicker jumper could encourage people to notch down the thermostat by between 0.5C and 2C. Photograph: Eugenio Marongiu/Getty Images/Image Source

Governments across Europe are preparing for gas shortages this winter and are running public information campaigns to try to reduce consumption. In Germany, the spotlights on public monuments have been switched off and showers have gone cold at municipal pools and sports halls.

Amid concerns that Russia could turn off the flow of gas into Europe, having already reduced supplies to the continent by 75%, the EU has asked member states to cut usage by 15% and Germany has gone further, targeting a 20% cut to avoid winter shortages.