... Also we have an 'energy tax' which makes us aware of out energy consumption. Our energy company has send us a device to check the energy consumption of all electrical devices at home. It certainly made me aware that turning off my computer at the end of the day will safe me about a 100 euro a year.

Aye and if everyone were to just bend over once and switch the TV OFF, Hi-Fi, instead of leaving it on stand-by (I've heard conflicting values on this but these appliances use between 1/3 and .6 of the energy they use when functioning) then we could meet Kyoto without trying probably. Stop using tumble-driers and let God's good air and wind do the job, stop using the washing m/c just to do your favourite shirt, stop filling the kettle to the top just for one cup of tea ...