There's no point spending out on a fantastic renewable heating system if your building is uninsulated and leaking heat through the walls, roof and windows.
If you invest in energy efficiency first, the money you spend on a renewable energy system will go further.
So what can you do?
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Make sure the building is insulated; there are grants for householders to install loft and cavity wall insulation. Householders should call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to find out about grants in their area. Community groups can apply to the Commuity Sustainable Energy Programme on 0845 3 671 671 for a grant towards energy efficiency measures as part of a project that includes a renewable energy system installation. |
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Use low energy lighting; switching one 100W tungsten bulb for its low energy alternative (20W) will save abound £9 a year. How many bulbs do you need to change? |
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Use efficient equipment and appliances; whether you are choosing a new dishwasher for your village hall kitchen or a heat recovery unit for your workplace, you will have a choice of products that consume varying amounts of electricity to do the same job. On domestic appliances and white goods you can look for the Energy Saving Recomended logo. Registered charities and social enterprises employing people, looking to purchase new equipment should check on the Energy Technology Product List as they can also claim Enhanced Capital Allowances. |
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Control your heating system; it doesn't matter what type of building you are heating it is always worth investing in a good control system. Think about when you want the building to be warm, and how long the building takes to warm up and cool down. Can you turn the thermostat down a bit, or put on a jumper? Make use of natural ventilation before air switching conditioning on. |
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Know how much energy you use; read the meter regularly and check whether the estimated readings on the bills are accurate. When you know how much energy you use it is much easier to identify where you can save it. |
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BE energy efficient; start thinking about what you do that uses energy and how you could change it. Switch off lights in areas they are not being used, switch off TV's, stereos and computers rather than leaving on standby. Make sure appliances and equipment are kept in good running order. Make sure eveyone who uses the building is aware of the project to use less energy, mave a meeting and let people know what they can do. The Carbon Trust can provide free stickers and posters for you to display. |
Your RE4D mentor will be able to give you some energy efficiency advice, but for more detailed information and energy audits you will need to conatct the following organisations:
Registered charities and social enterprises should contact Envision on 0845 456 9350.
Community groups should contact Community Action for Energy on 08701 261 444.
