Sustainable Development

Greening in the Home - Energy

The majority of energy consumed is generated from non-renewable resources. Energy consumption, through heating, lighting, running electrical equipment, and transport, all impact on our environment - social, economic as well as green. It may not be obvious, but even consuming water uses energy, through the cleaning and transportation of water as well as the disposal of wastewater.

The majority of energy consumed is generated from non-renewable resources such as oil, coal and gas and billions of £ of energy is wasted each year in the UK.

Energy consumption in turn produces greenhouse gases, which are responsible for climate change, and pollutants that can be harmful to our health.

To prevent or lessen the inevitable effects of climate change, it is our responsibility to try to reduce our energy consumption, whilst researching and implementing ways to use renewable energy.

Our UK goal is to; reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% (on 1990 levels) by the year 2010, and to produce 10% of electricity from renewables by 2010.

You as an electricity consumer have the ability to change your supplier to one that sells electricity from renewable sources like wind and bio mass.

Why not log onto:

www.foe.org.uk/campaigns/climate/ press Jor_chonge/choose_green_energy/

How to conserve energy

Use low energy light bulbs - they now come in all shapes and sizes and can be purchased for a reasonable price in many outlets - each bulb uses only 20-25% energy of a regular light bulb. That means a 75% saving on every bulb you change and they last up to 10 times longer.
Make sure that your loft is insulated, you should have 8 inches/250mm of insulation - there are grants available
If possible invest in cavity wall insulation - there are grants available
Make sure that your hot water tank has a jacket!
Turn down your thermostat 1 degrees and save 10% in your heating bill!
Did you know that when leaving your T.V. on standby it is still using 25% of the energy that it would use when on? Remember to switch TV's off and not leave them on standby.
Always switch your monitor off when not in use
Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly, it runs more efficiently and uses less energy - saves you money too
Only boil the water you need to make a cuppa
There are loads more tips on the Energy Agency website