London,
13
October
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London
Save energy and help save the planet
Saving the planet sounds like a tall order but even the smallest of changes could make a big difference, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
It is Energy Saving Week from 20 – 26 October and everyone is being encouraged to do their bit to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions – one of the main greenhouse gases thought to contribute to climate change.
Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Sustainability, Cllr Sophie Linden said: “There are lots of simple steps we can take to save energy, which saves money as well as helping to protect the environment. For example, filling gaps between floor boards and putting a jacket on your hot water tank can really reduce heating bills.”
Top ten tips to help make a difference:
1. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £40 per year
2. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn t need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F
3. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows
4. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
5. Don t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily
6. If you re not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme
7. Only boil as much water as you need (always cover the elements of an electric kettle)
8. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy, so fix leaking taps and make sure they re fully turned off
9. Use energy saving light bulbs. Just one can save you £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs
10. Do a home energy check and find out how you can save up to £300 on your household bills. You can do this online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or ring 0800 512 012
What is the Council doing?
- Hackney’s bin lorries are the greenest in the country.
- Improving recycling services – recycling saves the energy needed to manufacture new items. Recycling one bottle saves enough energy to power a 100 watt light bulb for an hour. Visit www.hackney.gov.uk/recycling for more information.
- Encouraging green design – new Council buildings such as 2 Hillman Street, where the cashier’s office is based, have energy saving measures including low energy lighting and eco-friendly cooling and heating systems built in. Council workers are encouraged to save energy and recycle where possible at work.
- Promoting sustainable transport – parking is free for electric and other green vehicles. The Council actively campaigns for improved public transport and to encourage cycling and walking.
- More Council services are now available on the phone 020 8356 3000 and internet www.hackney.gov.uk so you don’t need to travel to visit us.
It is Energy Saving Week from 20 – 26 October and everyone is being encouraged to do their bit to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions – one of the main greenhouse gases thought to contribute to climate change.
Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Sustainability, Cllr Sophie Linden said: “There are lots of simple steps we can take to save energy, which saves money as well as helping to protect the environment. For example, filling gaps between floor boards and putting a jacket on your hot water tank can really reduce heating bills.”
Top ten tips to help make a difference:
1. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £40 per year
2. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn t need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F
3. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows
4. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
5. Don t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily
6. If you re not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme
7. Only boil as much water as you need (always cover the elements of an electric kettle)
8. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy, so fix leaking taps and make sure they re fully turned off
9. Use energy saving light bulbs. Just one can save you £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs
10. Do a home energy check and find out how you can save up to £300 on your household bills. You can do this online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or ring 0800 512 012
What is the Council doing?
- Hackney’s bin lorries are the greenest in the country.
- Improving recycling services – recycling saves the energy needed to manufacture new items. Recycling one bottle saves enough energy to power a 100 watt light bulb for an hour. Visit www.hackney.gov.uk/recycling for more information.
- Encouraging green design – new Council buildings such as 2 Hillman Street, where the cashier’s office is based, have energy saving measures including low energy lighting and eco-friendly cooling and heating systems built in. Council workers are encouraged to save energy and recycle where possible at work.
- Promoting sustainable transport – parking is free for electric and other green vehicles. The Council actively campaigns for improved public transport and to encourage cycling and walking.
- More Council services are now available on the phone 020 8356 3000 and internet www.hackney.gov.uk so you don’t need to travel to visit us.