Energy Efficiency

Becoming more energy efficient is a great way to reduce your impact on climate change

With the prediction that world temperatures will rise by 2-4 degrees and sea levels by 30-40 cm by the end of the century. Burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas for electricity, heating and transportation releases gases into the atmosphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect, which is causing climate change.

In Herefordshire, climate change is likely to mean hotter drier summers, warmer wetter winters, increased flooding, summer thunderstorms and less snow. Not only will this affect us, but also the wildlife and countryside. Climate change can reduce the biodiversity, abundance and distribution of plants and animals. The effects can be very complicated due to the complex interaction of all living things.

It is going to take an effort by everyone to make a difference and it is absolutely vital we start now. It is easy to reduce our energy usage, which also saves us money!

Energy Saving Tips

The average UK household wastes around £300 per year through being inefficient. To find out where you are wasting energy in your home take a free Home Energy Check survey or call 0800 512012. The energy efficiency advice centre (EEAC) offers free impartial advice to households on how to cut their fuel bills with information on energy efficiency and renewable energy grants.

Use Herefordshire’s carbon footprinting calculator to see what impact you are having on the environment at present and get tailored advice on how to reduce it.

Herefordshire Council’s work on energy efficiency is based on the requirements of the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) 1995. It sets a target to reduce domestic energy consumption by 30% over a ten to 15-year period to below a baseline of 1996 levels.

All councils with housing responsibilities have to submit an annual report to central government on energy savings made energy savings in all housing in their area. The purpose of the act is to help towards tackling climate change, improve air quality and assist towards eliminating fuel poverty. To date the Herefordshire Council has reported to DEFRA a reduction of domestic energy consumption of 16.12% from April 1996 to end of March 2006. To view copies of the last three reports follow the 'Projects And Reports' link on the left hand menu.