Home Comforts
Our homes account for about 14% of the UK emissions. You can reduce your household bills and reduce green house gas emissions by taking some simple steps. A great source of information is the Energy Savings Trust.
More information on simple steps to take to reduce your carbon footprint is available in the United Nations Lazy Persons Guide to Saving the World!
Renewable Energy
Installing renewable energy technology in your home is an effective way of reducing emissions.
Not everyone can afford to do this, there is another way to make the electricity you use renewable and that is to purchase electricity from renewable sources. There are a number of companies offering a 100% renewable tariff.
www.uswitch.com allows you to compare energy supplier prices, you can also specify that you want a green deal which means the supplier offers renewable energy.
Insulation
About 25% of heat is lost through the roof, 35% through the walls and as drafts around windows and doors.
The most cost effective way to retain heat is through draft proofing.
The second is to insulate the loft. Cornwall Council works with some partners to help householders insulate their homes. For further information click here.
Heating
The government have put in place the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to encourage householders install low emission heating devises such as ground and air source heat pumps.
You can claim for solar heated water, biomass boilers and some heat pumps. Payments are made over 7 years and are designed to cover the cost of installation.
The suppliers and installers of renewable heating options can offer advice and help with understanding and applying for the RHI.
Lighting
Low energy light bulbs can save an amazing amount of energy and provide some really good quality light.
If you haven't already, a really good way to save some money off your electricity bills is to replace your bulbs with energy efficient ones.
If you have had a go at our bikes that we have had at the show over the last 2 years you know how much more energy you have to put in to get the non energy efficient bulbs to light up!