"automatic shifting instead of manual - I'm sure we can all think of long lists of upgrades and tweaks that are now part of the norm but all were expensive to instate."

Some 'upgrades' are wasteful - auto transmissions have an inherent loss compared with manual systems. At 'full speed lockup' there is minimal loss, but even at idle such systems consume extra power compared with idling in neutral. Upgrading to halogen downlights causes many problems, including house fires due to the extra heat not being dealt with properly. Air conditioning chews electricity - because the houses are built in such an energy inefficient way compared to older houses designed with higher ceiling and passive air cooling systems, such as water cooling towers as in certain desert countries.