Save energy, save money, save the world

Energy efficiency and CO2 reduction is a commonly debated subjected having secured a greater foothold in the news, politics and most definitely the commerce sector. It’s become fashionable for UK government party policies to include a green flavour, perhaps more to appear socially responsible then pursue real agendas. I could be and hope I am wrong though since they apparently aim to cut carbon emissions by 60% come 2050.

Are you paying too much?

It’s really worth checking to ensure you’re not already paying more for your energy supply as the larger companies offer extremely competitive tariffs. Electricity and gas prices have risen by 30% and 40% since 2003 but you can still save £300 a year by changing supplier. If you do decide to change be aware of hidden or unquoted costs such as VAT.
Additionally, paying bills by debit card (or online) can save over £50 annually, or you can use a cashback credit card providing that you pay in FULL every month. This way you could earn money on all energy bills and pay off the credit card using direct debit. If you cannot pay the full amount then forget it – the interest charges incurred will be higher than actual cashback received.

Free grants

The large energy suppliers are obligated by the government to assist in achieving CO2 reduction targets by providing grants, subsidies and concessions through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, launched in April 2006. Published by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, this initiative aims to see wide scale development and production of advanced power generation technologies as well as helping you pay for their installation.
This is good news because anyone is eligible for these grants regardless of income, and whether you rent or own your home. People receiving certain benefits will qualify for further discounts.

Grants are provided to supplement the cost of solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, small hydro systems, solar thermal hot water technology, ground source heat pumps, bio-energy technology, renewable CHP , microCHP (combined heat and power), and fuel cells. Simple measures such as fitting loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are covered by these grants too.

A successful application will save you a small fortune, and suitability installed energy systems will pay dividends as a direct result of money saved on fossil fuels.

Make money with green projects

An energy efficient home automatically boosts property value because of what is known as an Energy Performance Certificate, which is a compulsory scoring system for people in England and Wales selling a three or more bedroom property. The policy is under review for wider implementation and falls under the UK government’s Home Information Pack - but in a nutshell, the greener your home, the higher your rating and therefore the more it is worth. This is something you may want to consider even if you fall outside any immediate mandatory property requirements as it’s sure to catch on and become a financial benefit.

Tips

Spending money to save money isn’t all that attractive in the first instance, so here’s a list of old fashioned cash saving techniques and ideas… in no particular order:

• Turn off your PC when not using it. If you absolutely must keep it on, at least switch off the monitor
• Switch off lights if you aren’t using the room
  
• Use energy saving bulbs – they use four times less electricity and last ten times longer
  
• Shower instead of bathing – baths use four times the water. Powershowers are inefficient however
  
• Don’t dry clothes on radiators – it prevents heat reaching the rest of the room
  
• If drying clothes indoors, use a clothes rail in an unheated room with the windows open and door shut
  
• Ensure furniture or curtains do not block heat from radiators
  
• Turn off microwaves, toasters, TVS, stereos or other appliances
  
• Turn off your computer or set to standby. If you need it switched on, turn off the monitor while you’re away
  
• Allow time for food to cool before putting it in the fridge
  
• Use saucepan lids to heat its contents quickly, and cut food in to smaller chunks
  
• Fit seals and draft excluders
  
• A dripping tap wastes about 2000 litres a month
  
• Only use the required amount of water when boiling the kettle
  
• Turning down the thermostat by I degree cuts 10% on heating bills
  
• Keep your fridge and freezer full – these appliances have to work harder otherwise
  
• Fit heat reflective foil to the wall behind radiators – this stops the warmth emitted being absorbed into the wall
  
• Use the “half-load” setting on your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher if you don’t intend on filling it/them to maximum capacity
  

Saving a few hundred pounds a year may not sound a lot, but imagine if someone took that money, sealed it in an envelope and posted it to you once a year? I know I wouldn’t complain which is why any amount of money not wasted is money made. All it takes is to change small habits to make big savings.