October 2007 News
Energy Saving Week
22-28 October
Saving the planet sounds like a tall order but even the smallest of changes could make a big difference, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
It is Energy Saving Week and everyone is being encouraged to do their bit to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions – one of the main greenhouse gases thought to contribute to climate change.
Home improvement measures such as insulating your loft, filling gaps between your floor boards and putting a jacket on your hot water tank can make a difference to your fuel bills.
Bigger improvements, such as installing a high efficiency boiler, cavity wall insulation and double glazing can result in savings of hundreds of pounds each year.
Energy Saving Recommended logos on new appliances show which are the most efficient in their category.
There is some financial help from the Government and energy suppliers available for those planning to make improvements to their homes.
If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, are on certain benefits, you may be eligible for a Warm Front grant of up to £2,700. To find out more, ring 0800 316 2805 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk
Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, has launched a new scheme to offer Londoners cut price home insulation, with £100 cash back. Call 0845 070 5059 quoting WEB GLA to check eligibility and arrange a survey.
You could win a Standby Buster which lets you switch off all appliances in your home by remote control instead of switching them off one by one. Hackney Homes is giving away five of the gadgets. To win, simply send an e-mail to housingeditor@hackneyhomes.org.uk stating one way in which you are saving energy at home.
Commit to saving 20%
Last October saw the launch of the 'Save your 20%' campaign, which encouraged individuals to save at least 20% of the energy they use every day by adopting a number of measures in their homes. The campaign was inspired by the Government's target to reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010. If you would like to commit to saving 20% energy visit the Energy Saving Week website.
Top ten tips to help make a difference:
- Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £40 per year
- Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows
- Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
- Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily
- If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme
- Only boil as much water as you need (always cover the elements of an electric kettle)
- A dripping hot water tap wastes energy, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off
- Use energy saving light bulbs. Just one can save you £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs
- Do a home energy check and find out how you can save up to £300 on your household bills. You can do this online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or ring 0800 512 012
What is the Council doing?
- Sourcing green products – the Council has just won an award for this procurement work which includes getting a hydroelectricity supply for all Council-owned premises including street lights. Hackney’s bin lorries are the greenest in the country.
- Improving recycling services – recycling saves the energy needed to manufacture new items. Recycling one bottle saves enough energy to power a 100 watt light bulb for an hour. Visit www.hackney.gov.uk/recycling for more information.
- Encouraging green design – new Council buildings such as 2 Hillman Street, where the cashier’s office is now based, have energy saving measures including low energy lighting and eco-friendly cooling and heating systems built in. Council workers are encouraged to save energy and recycle where possible at work.
- Promoting sustainable transport – parking is free for electric and other green vehicles. The Council actively campaigns for improved public transport and to encourage cycling and walking.
- More Council services are now available on the phone 020 8356 3000 and internet www.hackney.gov.uk so you don’t need to travel to visit us.
Page updated: 24 Oct 2007