|
that the level of CO2 in our atmosphere is getting dangerous, and that the consequent climate change effects are happening faster than anticipated. As more than 40% of the UK’s CO2 emissions result from the choices we make as individuals, we can take action on this global issue by reducing our own CO2 emissions. This feature shows you how.
The most effective action you can take1. Fit loft insulation
2. Cavity wall insulationHouses lose a third of their heat through the walls. Installing cavity wall insulation only takes a couple of hours and is easily done by the insulator from outside the house, yet it could save up to £115 every year on your fuel bills, as well as cutting your carbon footprint. If you have solid walls, these can also be insulated. 3. Install draught excludersFitting draught excluders where there are gaps could save £20 per year. 4. WindowsIf your house does not yet have double glazing, installing it could save up to £80 a year. Won’t cost you a penny – do this week!1. Switch off appliancesSwitch off appliances when not in use to save £30 per year. Leaving unused appliances on standby (which means they’re still using energy) costs around £800 million a year in the UK alone. 2. Boil as much water as you needOnly boiling as much water as you need could save you up to £25 a year (based on five kettles a day, boiling one litre more than necessary). 3. Hang out clothes to dry in good weatherSwitch on the washing machine when you have a full load, and wash clothes at 30º to save energy and money. 5. Turn down your thermostat
6. Try walking instead of drivingTry walking instead of driving to replace one short car journey a week. Also, follow smarter driving tips – like keeping tyres correctly inflated and changing up a gear a little earlier – to save up to a month’s worth of fuel a year. 7. Try not to waste foodTry not to waste food – the average UK household spends £424 a year on food that goes straight in the bin. Plan a menu for the days ahead, make shopping lists and use leftovers wisely. 8. Set hot water thermostat to 60ºCTurn the thermostat down on your hot water cylinder so that it’s set at 60ºC or 140ºF and save. Will cost a little but you will save money almost immediately – do within the next few weeks1. Switch to energy saving light bulbs
2. Recycle everything your local council will collectMost recycling is free, but some bulky goods and electrical items may cost a small amount. 3. Fit insulating jacket to hot water tankFitting your hot water tank with an insulating jacket will only cost a few pounds and, with all the heat it traps, it pays for itself within six months. Fit one that’s at least 75mm (3 inches) thick and you could save around £30 a year. If every UK household that could fitted an adequate tank-jacket tomorrow, it would save over £132 million of energy every year. Will involve upfront costs, but you will save money over the longer term1. Fit an energy efficient boilerReplace a boiler (10-15 years old) with an energy efficient condensing boiler (‘A’ rated) and suitable controls (e.g. thermostats) and you could save £200 each year each year. The Government’s Boiler Scrappage Scheme could help you cover the cost of the job with a £400 cashback offer. 2. Buy energy saving appliancesReplace white goods with energy saving recommended appliances, and you could save between £5 and £20 each year. 3. Buy a fuel efficient carNext time you buy a car, choose a more fuel-efficient model and you could save up to three months’ worth of fuel in a year. Source: Act On CO2 |
Sustainability.org.il > עצות בנושא אנרגיה >
Houses lose a quarter of their heat through the roof, so lagging your loft to the recommended depth of 270mm will save on your heating bills every year. Insulating your loft can be done for as little at £250, but there are offers available to help cover the cost and make it even cheaper – maybe even free if you’re elderly or receiving benefits.
Turning your thermostat down by 1ºC could reduce CO2 emissions and cut your fuel bills by up to 10 per cent.
Replace traditional 100W light bulbs with energy saving ones and you will save up to £60 over the lifetime of the new bulb.