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Islington Council

Saving energy reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, one of the main causes of climate change. Nearly half of all the carbon dioxide released in London is from our homes. This is twice as much as transport in the capital releases. Climate changes causes hotter, drier summers and wetter winters resulting in heatwaves, drought and flooding.

Saving energy, whether it is to improve the environment or save you money, is a key element in our Getting Greener campaign. Here is what you can do to help and what help is on hand.


    Saving You Money

    There are some simple steps you can take that will save energy and you money:

    • use energy saving light bulbs, they last over 10 years and will give you a saving of up to £10 a year
    • turn your heating thermostat down if you are too warm. Turning it down 1°C can save you up to 10% of your annual heating bill
    • hot water should be hot, but not boiling so make sure your cylinder thermostat is set at 60°C
    • have a shower instead of a bath and you will only use two-fifths of the water
    • close curtains when it starts to get dark to stop heat escaping through your windows and save £15 per year
    • avoid leaving appliances such as computers and even cordless phones on 'stand by' or 'charging' when not necessary. A TV left on standby is still using 80% of its power
    • only heat the amount of water you really need when boiling a kettle
    • a dripping hot water tap can waste enough water to fill a bath in one day alone, so turn it off
    • never put warm food in your fridge, defrost it regularly and never leave the door open longer than necessary
    • use the washing machine on a low temperature programme and always make sure it is full

     


      Keep Warm and Keep Well

      Do you want to:

      • make your home warmer in the winter?
      • find out more about grants heating, insulation and security measures?
      • make sense of your fuel bills?
      • receive free, impartial advice on saving energy in your home?
      • save money by changing your fuel supplier or switch to a green supplier?
      • have an energy advisor give a talk to your community group?

      If so, contact the Islington Green Living Team. The address and freephone telephone number is at the bottom of this page.

      Grants are available if you are:

      • in receipt of benefits
      • over 70 years old
      • disabled
      • have a child under 16 and receive a benefit

       


        Invest to Save

        • Replacing your 15 year old central heating boiler could reduce your heating bills by over 20%
        • If you have a loft, have it insulated - 25% of all heat is lost through the roof
        • Insulating your walls can save you a fortune as a third of all you heat is lost through walls. The easiest and cheapest solution is cavity wall insulation. Even if your home does not have wall cavities insulation can be improved, but it will be more expensive

        There are various discount schemes to help you carry out this work. For advice and information about these improvements, contact the Islington Green Living Team.


          Make a difference

          Renewable energy is here now! It is probably cheaper and more easily available than you think. Renewable energy sources are clean, free to use and they will not run out.

          • Solar hot water heating: get up to 70% of your hot water needs from the sun by fitting a solar panel to your roof. Up to £1,000 grants are available but funds are limited so call now!
          • Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems: generate your own electricity using sunlight. PV cells attached to the roof convert sunlight into electricity.

          You can also find out more about:

          • wood-fuelled heaters and systems
          • hydro-turbines: using water to generate electricity
          • wind turbines: using wind to generate electricity
          • ground sources heat pumps: drawing heat from the ground to heat buildings

          Funding and support is available for all renewable energy installations so contact the Islington Green Living Team to find out more.

          The Islington Green Living Team offers free, independent advice on a wide range of energy issues, from simple tips and green electricity suppliers to new boilers and solar panels. Free low energy lightbulbs, grants and discount schemes are also available.

          If you live in the EC1 New Deal area find out more about the CARRA (Carbon Assessment and Reduction in Regeneration Areas) project and how to become a local 'Energy Ambassador' or attend one of the 'Energy Advice Roadshow' dates.


            Green Living Team Contact Details

            Islington Green Living Team
            Green Living Centre
            222 Upper Street
            Tel: 0800 953 1221 / 020 7527 2410
            Email: energy.advice@islington.gov.uk



            Page Last Updated: 28 August 2008