Energy efficiency makes good sense - for the planet and wallet. As we move towards a renewable future reducing the demand for energy will help the renewable energy we do generate go further. Unfortunately it is still not part of our culture. Imagine the day when leaving a light on in an empty room will be viewed with the same disdain as dropping litter. OK, we still have a fair old way to go, but the more of us that take positive action the better. Good Energy customers use less energy than the average UK household and we are doing everything we can to help them.
For simple and effective energy saving advice, products and services, visit the Good Energy Shop.
For now, here are a few ideas:
1. Measure the amount of energy you actually use. The cheapest energy of all is the energy you don’t use. One of the best ways to instantly see how much energy you are using and its effect on the environment is to install an energy monitor. Some of the staff here at Good Energy have been putting them to the test and found that you can cut your electricity usage by around 20%.
2. Take a look at the many energy-wasting culprits in your home or business and replace them with energy efficient alternatives. Turn lights off - install energy saving bulbs. Energy saving bulbs may cost a bit more but they are 75% more efficient and last about twelve times as long. 1 bulb can save you £4.48 or 20.1kgs of CO2 per year.
3. Switch appliances off at the wall - Around 8% of our domestic energy is consumed by TVs, DVDs, stereos and computers left on standby and this produces around 1 million tonnes of CO2 a year in the UK. Saving £11.45 or 51.3kgs of CO2 per year. And if you are just addicted to your remote, make a compromise with a Standby Buster.
4. Insulate your home or business properly. Insulate your roof - 25% of heat loss in an average home is lost through the roof/loft. Decent loft insulation can reduce the footprint of a typical UK home by 1.5 tonnes and reduce heating bills by 1/5 (20%). Saving £90 or 665.4kgs of CO2.
