Home energy is about 25% of the average UK household’s carbon emissions. This is mostly energy for heating, but also for cooking and other appliances. Gas prices are expected to rise 50% or more in 2022, so saving energy is a priority for your finances and for the planet.
Some of the steps you can take are fairly easy, others would need substantial investment, and currently there’s only limited grant support available.
Quick Steps
- Turn down your thermostat! A couple of degrees could save you hundreds of pounds.
- Improve your insulation. Bridport Town Council website offers various sources of information and advice. See here.
Bigger Steps
- Especially if your boiler is old, or fuelled by oil or coal, consider replacing it, ideally with a low emission system like a ground-source or air-source heat pump, or efficient modern storage heater using off-peak green electricity. See more at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
- Switch to an electricity provider using 100% renewable energy: you can see recommendations on best suppliers at www.greensquare.co.uk.
- You can get a free home visit to advise on energy savings if you are on a low income through the LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) free home visit scheme, operated locally by Ridgewater Energy: details above.
- We can assess our carbon footprint (emissions) with an online calculator, see www.footprint.wwf.org.uk, or for more detailed analysis www.carbonfootprint.com.