Individual involvement
Save energy
Most of the UK’s electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels, a process which releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Scientists have shown that these gases are contributing to significant warming of the earth’s atmosphere, which leads to climate change. For the UK, this is likely to mean massive increases in winter flooding, summer drought and severe storms, and the prognosis for the world as a whole is even more serious.
But if everyone in the country turned off their TV at the power point overnight instead of leaving it on standby, it would save enough energy to shut down one whole power station. Here are some more suggestions for easy ways to save energy:
- Turn down your central heating by 1°C – this can save up to 10% of your heating fuel, and consequently take 10% off your bill!
- Don't leave TVs or other electrical devices on standby
- Switch off the lights when you leave a room
- Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Electricity companies often give these away free of charge or heavily discounted, but even bought in the shops they will still save you money because they use so much less power than conventional bulbs, and they also last for years
- Hang laundry on a clothes line to dry - tumble driers use huge amounts of energy
- Only use your washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load – ‘half load’ settings typically use as much as 80% of the power of a full cycle
- Choose a green electricity tariff and get your electricity from renewable sources. Due to the rising costs of fossil fuels, this is no longer necessarily the expensive option it used to be
If you’re willing to spend a little more time and/or money on saving energy, you might also like to think about these measures:
- If you’re buying a new appliance, choose an energy-efficient one. In most cases, this will mean an A-rated appliance; in the case of fridges and freezers the rating go up to A++
- Add insulation to your home to conserve warmth - cavity wall insulation can cut heat losses (and consequently heating bills) by up to sixty percent, and you may be eligible for a grant to help with installation costs
- Install solar water heating panels on your roof – a typical domestic system will cost between £3000 and £5000 to install, but government grants of up to £400 are available to help with this. On average, solar water heating will save £50-£80 per year off your heating bills
Useful links
The Council’s Housing Energy Team can provide information about discounted energy saving measures, from light bulbs to solar panels. See Energy efficiency and conservation or telephone 01422 392487.
Energy Saving Trust|
For more information about appliance energy ratings.
Kirklees Energy Services|
For information about local grants for home insulation.
EcoHeat|
A local company providing domestic and commercial installation, service and repair of solar technologies (thermal and electrical) and efficient heating systems.
Low Carbon Buildings Programme|
For more information about grants for solar water heating and other renewable energy technologies.
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