ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Helping the Earth begins at Home! And can save you money into the bargain!
CO2 is the main ‘greenhouse gas’ which contributes to global warming. Climate change, resulting from global warming, could lead to us having a more unpredictable climate, making our lives and the lives of plants and animals more difficult.
Over a quarter of the CO2 produced in the UK comes from energy used in the home, this increases to 40% if the use of cars is included.
The energy used by the average home creates 7 ½ tonnes of CO2 per year. By becoming more energy efficient, homeowners can save on fuel bills – benefiting the planet and your pocket!
What actions can be taken to make our homes more efficient?
Insulation – in a properly insulated home the heating system will need to produce less heat – saving energy, money and reducing CO2 emissions. If you have cavity walls, do they have insulation? It can be injected into walls from outside and causes no mess. Check that your loft insulation is up to scratch. Consider double glazing if windows are only single glazed.
Heating appliances – turning your thermostat down by 1°can cut 10% off your heating bills. Thermostats ensure your heating system is not continually producing more heat than you need. Thermostat radiator valves on radiators will allow each room to be kept at a suitable temperature. Timers ensure you only heat your home when you need to.
Efficient boilers – these models use much less fuel than older ones. If your boiler is more than ten years old think about replacing it. A condensing boiler could save you over £100 a year in heating costs.
Water heating – can account for 20% of the average domestic heating bill. An insulating jacket is inexpensive and will pay for itself in months. By insulating hot water pipes, heat is prevented from escaping. Take a shower instead of a bath – it uses much less water!
Domestic appliances – if buying new appliances it is well worth looking for those which are energy efficient – look for an A rating on the EU Energy Label, ( 'A' stands for the most energy efficient and 'G' for the least energy efficient). A wash cycle at 40°will cost a quarter of the hottest cycle. Turn off all standbys and turn off lights if you are not in the room.
Lighting – Energy saving light bulbs can pay for themselves within months, they use less than a quarter of the electricity and last eight times longer than standard bulbs.
If all of this sounds a bit daunting and you’re not sure which measures to implement, remember that fitting energy saving light bulbs, loft insulation and an energy efficient condensing boiler are the three measures that will lead to the most significant cuts in your fuel bills and in CO2 emissions.
HOMEOWNERS, BUSINESSES, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SCHOOLS - If you would like to see what grants are available for installing renewable energy, then contact:
Action Renewables, Innovation Centre, NI Science Park, Queen’s Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT, Telephone: 028 90737821, Fax: 028 90737825, Email: info@actionrenewabes.org Website: www.actionrenewables.org
Also, theEnergy Saving Trust (0800 512 012) offers free, independent and local energy saving advice. You can go online to carry out your own home energy check www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Businesses
Envirowise offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits,minimisewaste and reduce environmental impact. The website provides links on:
· Business benefits of reducing waste
· Taking action to reduce waste and increase profits
· Understanding the environmental legislation that could affect your business
The Carbon Trust supports the development of low carbon technologies, and helps business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, call 0800 085 2005 or go online http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/
