Home energy
Energy use in our homes and workplaces accounts for a large proportion of our carbon emissions and our impact on the environment.
Within Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding villages, many of our homes and local business properties are not adequately insulated, we aren't able to make as much use of clean energy as we would like and we could potentially save a huge amount on our bills from heating, lighting and cooking.
Our group works with local and district councils, as well as independent groups and local businesses to promote solutions that can help you reduce energy use at home and work, generate clean energy sources and generally ensure our community is more energy-efficient and resilient to the effects of climate change.
Things you can do right now:
- Switch to a green energy provider (Which? have a great guide to finding one)
- Ensure you have sufficient loft insulation (Severn Wye Energy Agency offer free, independent and local home energy advice and access to funding initiatives that can help you improve your home for less)
- Dry clothes outside
- Cook with lids on pans
- Turn electrical items and lights off when you leave a room
- If you have one, charge your EV at a time when energy use is lower
Events coming soon:
- Carbon Footprint popup shop #2 (date TBC)
- Solar PV options, including the 'Solar Streets' initiative (more details to follow)
Green homes grant scheme
Under the Government Green Homes Grant Scheme, hundreds of thousands of people will be able to claim vouchers of up to £5,000 and in some cases £10,000.
The grants will be provided in the form of vouchers which can be used towards making energy-efficient improvements to homes.
The Government grant scheme will cover at least two thirds of the cost that homeowners spend on energy efficiency green upgrades, while those on the lowest incomes will not have to pay anything.
Grants for energy-saving improvements to your home including:
- Insulation: Solid wall, cavity wall, under-floor, loft, flat roof, room in roof, park home.
- Low carbon heat: Air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, solar thermal
- Draught proofing
- Windows and doors: Double/triple glazing (where replacing single glazing), secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing), upgrading to energy efficient doors (where replacing doors installed prior to 2002).
- Heating controls and insulation: appliance thermostats, hot water tank thermostats, hot water tank insulation, smart heating controls, zone controls, delayed start thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves
- The grants are split into primary and secondary categories.
Home energy directory
Our team pulled together a Home energy directory, giving details of all the services available locally (some with funding) that can help you reduce energy use in your home.
WWF Carbon footprint calculator
The World Wildlife Fund offer an easy-to-use carbon footprint calculator. Whilst not going in to granular detail, this calculator gives an idea of what your carbon footprint might be, how it compares to others and what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.
