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ENERGY

Think Global warming-act Locally.

Things that everyone can do.

·       Use energy saving attachments eg. SAVA plugs on fridges/freezers, power safer on TV/hi-fi/computers, and use low energy bulbs (all these we supply).

·         Buy energy efficient appliances, A or B rated washing machines/dryers/fridges/freezers, (explain DETR labels if required)

·         Upgrade insulation and draft proofing, pipe lagging, cylinder jackets etc. (explain Warm Front and Heat Devon grants).

·         Avoid wasting water to reduce the energy used to process it, use rain-water for the garden.

·         Recycle cans, bottles, paper etc to reduce energy used in processing raw materials into new products.

·         Join Trans-Send, Friends of the Earth, or other groups concerned with the planet, and lobby your Councillors, MPs, MEP, newspaper letters page, radio phone-ins etc to press for local wind, water, solar, bio-mass systems.

 

Things that property owners can do.

            Evaluate Renewable Energy options for space and water heating.

·         Solar hot water needs unshaded South facing or flat roof, DTI grant £500, pay-back in approx 7-10 years. (Trans-Send can survey and recommend a supplier).

·         Wood fuelled boiler system, log, chip, or pellet, needs storage space and delivery access, DTI grant £50/kW to a max of £1500, or automated wood pellet stove, DTI grant £600, price competitive with oil/LPG but not with mains gas (unless you have your own woods).

·         Ground source heat pumps (Geo Kitten type) for background heating, needs garden space for slinkey or borehole pipes, DTI grant £1200, gives 3x energy output for each unit of electricity used to power it, available 24hr x 365 days, can be set for cooling in heat waves, very good alternative to night store heaters.

If staying with mains gas consider replacing boiler with high efficiency condensing type and fitting more precise time and temperature controls, t.r.vs.etc.

Consider replacement windows and doors and air-lock entry door arrangement if practical.

 

Things that some properties (especially off-grid) can do.

            Evaluate RE options for generating your own electricity.

·         Solar PV (photo-voltaic) panels need unshaded South facing roof or space, a 50% DTI grant is available for approved schemes (we have the application forms). Capital costs are high but likely to fall in the future and inter-connection with mains suppliers can be difficult. Ideal for small low voltage applications like battery charging, caravans, motor homes, boats, garden lighting, water pumping etc.

·         Small wind turbines and micro hydro are very site specific and usually require planning and other consents. DTI grant of £1000/kWe to a max of £5000 are available. Detailed survey needed to assess suitability of wind/water resource and cost of any scheme.

 

Things that new build/major renovation can do.

·         Design to use solar gain and heat storage, build in very high level of insulation and draft proofing, mechanical ventilation with heat exchange (Baxi), day lighting to all areas (Sunpipes).

·         Align at least one roof elevation due South i.e. East/West ridgeline, with as steep a pitch as possible and build in solar water, consider p.v. tiles or shingles.

·         Use low embodied energy materials eg local timber and stone, sheep wool insulation, recycled slates/tiles/bricks etc.

·         Consider grey water use and composting toilets.

 

 

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MOTORING

Think Global warming-act Locally.

If you don't want to change your current car, or give it up, there are still ways you can drive greener.

Lose some weight
Don't drive around with unnecessary weight in your car - the engine will have to work harder and use more fuel. Empty your car of anything that you don't need to carry around all the time.
Remove roof boxes and roof racks when you’re not using them - the extra aerodynamic drag they cause will also raise your fuel consumption. The same goes for open windows and sunroofs, and get any loose items of external trim fixed.

Look after your car
Stick to the manufacturer's service schedule, and get work carried out by a competent garage. Under-inflated tyres can increase your fuel consumption, so check them weekly. Also, keep an eye on your fuel consumption and investigate sudden changes.

Switch it off
Modern engines don’t need to be warmed up before you start driving, so get in and drive off straightaway.
If you get stuck in traffic, switch the engine off. Air-conditioning, heated seats and other electric components also consume energy, so switch off whatever you don't need.

Anticipation
By keeping an eye on the road ahead, you can drive greener as well as safer. Always try to keep the car moving, and allow the engine to slow the car rather than by using the brakes - this gives more time for the cars in front to move off. Avoid having to brake suddenly and don't race between sets of traffic lights or junctions. Finally, use gravity on slopes to start the car rolling, rather than the accelerator.

Lower your speed
Sticking to the speed limit will save fuel, so why not try slowing down a bit more? You'll be less stressed and have a calmer journey. Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed. Use the highest gear possible without letting the engine labour, and try changing straight from second to fourth gear, or third to fifth – this saves time, fuel and clutch wear and tear.

Leave the car at home
A car's engine is at its most inefficient when cold, so consider not using it for very short trips. If it's a nice day, walk or ride a bike instead. Consider using public transport for other trips, too.

Plan your journey
If you don’t need to travel during rush hour, avoid the congested times. Plan a route that misses busy areas or road works, and try to stick to roads that allow you to drive at a steady speed rather than having to stop and start. Consider car sharing with friends or colleagues

Change your driving style

Learn to press the accelerator lightly and smoothly - no more heavy, jerky movements. Don't over-rev the engine; keep the revs under 3000rpm and cruise along.
Give yourself more time for journeys so you don’t have to rush, and stay relaxed for a smoother trip

According to government estimates, there are 10 million empty seats in cars on the national road network every day.
We're all familiar with long traffic queues and increasing pollution as more cars compete for space. Yet cars are still often the most convenient way to get around, particularly if public transport is poor in your area, or you need to carry luggage or children.
Car sharing is one solution, and car clubs and lift-share schemes have sprung up across the country to help connect passengers and drivers. Both are aimed at cutting the number of cars on the road to help improve air quality, reduce congestion and ease pressure on parking.

What is car sharing?
• Two or more people share a car and travel together.
• Typically one is the owner, the other contributes to running costs.
• Useful in rural areas far from public transport.
• Liftshare is the largest national scheme, with more than 150,000 members. See www.liftshare.org.
Car sharing tips
Security: While organisations promoting car sharing will probably conduct identity checks to make sure drivers and passengers are both genuine, use your common sense.
Legal: drivers aren't allowed to profit from giving lifts, but they can ask passengers for a contribution towards the wear on the vehicle as well as the running costs. This should be worked out in advance and the driver isn't permitted to pick up strangers along the route.

What are car clubs?
• Cars available for short-term hire on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• Members book cars by phone or online up to 30 minutes before travel.
• Cars are parked in designated spaces and are unlocked with a 'smart card'.
• For more information, visit www.carplus.org.uk.

Why I joined a car club
Streetcar has 250 Volkswagen Golfs in three cities, which can be rented for just an hour or for up to a month. Fuel is paid for with a card in the car and members are sent an invoice each month. See www.streetcar.co.uk for details. ‘I heard about Streetcar from a friend and it sounded ideal for me. I live in the city and only occasionally need a car.
'Signing up was really easy - I did it online, paid a £150 deposit, which I’ll get back if I leave the scheme, and gave my driver's licence details.’ To book a time slot with the car, I either call or book online, then Streetcar sends a text or e-mail to confirm the booking. My membership card opens the car, then I type my PIN into a keypad to open the glove box and get the keys.
'Once I've finished, I drop it back wherever I found it, into the designated parking space.
'What I really appreciate is the convenience - I can book up to half an hour before I need it and cars are located all over the city.'