As a nation our high use of energy together with how we generate our energy (the burning of fossil fuels) is a significant source of Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Furthermore, our energy intensive lifestyles and reliance on non-renewable energy sources trap us into an increasingly expensive relationship; as the scarcity of fossil fuels increases so does their price.
To mitigate climate change and reduce the strain on our pockets we need to:
• Reduce our energy consumption; and
• Change our sources of energy from non-renewable to renewable.
An important first step in reducing our energy use is to determine what our current consumption is.
Online Home Energy Checks
You can find out how energy efficient your home is by completing a simple and free online survey devised by the Energy Saving Trust. By following the advice given you could save around £270 per year. Complete the Home Energy Check on the Energy Saving Trust website below and the results will be given to you instantly.
Complete an online Home Energy Check
Work out your Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprinting is a method of calculating the greenhouse gases that each of us individually produce. Some methods of carbon footprinting include just energy use and transport whilst others consider the food that we eat and the things we purchase.
The following websites are simple to use, leading you through all the steps necessary to work out your carbon footprint.
WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator
Act on CO2 Carbon Footprint Calculator
Please see the Energy Efficiency, Top Tips for energy reduction and Renewable Energy pages for further information on how to reduce your energy use.
Date of last review: 15 December 2008