Getting our heads round reducing energy use at home

This blog has been created by a small group of people in Sheffield, we got together after Sheffield Climate Action's http://www.sheffieldclimateaction.org/ ‘match-making’ meeting on Tuesday 6th November 2007.

We are sharing our research on how to make our homes more energy efficient; providing local information and contacts where ever possible.

We are interested in local peoples' experiences of installing and/or using energy saving technologies in their homes.

Please leave some feedback here or comment on individual items below. We would love to hear from you!

DEFRA launches green homes package

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has set out a range of initiatives to enable people to 'green' their homes, including:

• the Energy Saving Trust's 'Act on CO2 advice line,' 0800 512 012 offering free, tailored, impartial advice to anyone in England seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, save water, reduce waste, green their travel, and connect to grants and offers from energy companies;
• the 'Green Neighbourhoods Initiative' offering a green makeover to up to 100 English neighbourhoods seeking to reduce their carbon footprints by over 60%, with a particular focus on hard-to-treat homes;
• the reviewed 'Carbon Emissions Reduction Target' scheme, which doubles previous obligations on energy companies to assist households in increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080402a.htm

Green Energy 360

We think http://www.greenenergy360.org/ is brilliant. Answer simple questions on this site and it will recommend the best renewable energy technology for your situation.

How does your energy supplier help you?

I was interested to discover what help my electricity and gas supplier offered on line. All electricity and gas companies have a duty to help us save energy. Mine (e-on) graphs our electricity and gas usage and compares it with the previous year. It also offers cheap deals on energy saving appliances such as low energy bulbs. I was particularly taken with the Electrisave meter which shows exactly how much electricity we are using at any point. Now I can see just how much I am saving by running my washing machine at 30 c instead of 40, and how much I save when I turn off that light. Useful and engaging! https://www.eonshop.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductCode=ESAVEPACK&Category=5

The Eco-house Manual: How to Carry Out Environmentally Friendly Improvements to Your Home

We really like this book - a lovely clear overview. There is so much information out there, this is a lovely easy place to start.

Getting our heads round reducing energy use at home

This blog is has been created by a small group in Sheffield. We got together after www.SheffieldClimateAction.org ‘match-making’ meeting on Tuesday 6th November at the Quaker Meeting House in Sheffield (6pm-9pm).

We plan to describe some of our research and experience in how to make houses more energy efficient.