HeatandEnergy.Org

Growing Your Company Greener while Saving Some Green

2010-07-27T16:13:00.000+01:00

Sometimes going green means a lighter pocket book — like when you go to the grocery store and have to choose between the $5.00 pint of organic strawberries or the $2.00 pint of conventional strawberries. It doesn’t have to be that way for your business. Choosing to make your office experience more environmentally sustainable can make for a more fun, efficient and cost effective company. Below are some examples of how you can grow a greener company from recycling to reception.

Recycle, re-use and return. Make recycling containers easily available for everything your city allows (e.g., paper, soda cans, plastic bottles, etc.). You can save money and trees by printing everything double sided and/or by re-using printer paper that has only been printed on one side. Use ink cartridges that can be refilled or returned to the manufacturer in the original box when empty instead of thrown away.

Reward leg strength and public transportation. Start the week fresh with “no car Monday” to get employees in the habit of not driving to work every day. One less car on the road means reduced carbon emissions in our environment. Employees who bicycle to work tend to have more energy and will stay healthier. Instigate a reward policy for employees who ride a bicycle to work. One company I know lets bicyclists leave work half an hour early each day to allow for a longer commute home.

Fight the power. If possible, switch lights to energy efficient bulbs and make sure they are always turned off when not in use. Power all computers down at the end of the day and turn all electronic equipment off.

Choose local products. Shopping for business equipment locally reduces sprawl, pollution from shipping and helps money stay in your community. Instead of buying new furniture or other office equipment, you could buy used at a local retailer. Kill three birds with one stone: save money, help sustain the environment and keep your community vibrant.

Support other green companies. In Portland, Oregon there is a non-profit organization called SCRAP that accepts and resells donations from individuals and companies. Money raised is used to support art and craft projects in the community. They have a program called Fill Minds Not Landfills that works with companies of all sizes to help keep things like letterhead paper, old calendars, paper clips, and Cd's out of landfills.

Use a remote answering service. Using virtual answering services saves on the cost of hiring an employee and helps with going paper free. Calls are still answered by a live person and can be forwarded to you anywhere you are, or messages can be sent via email. Some of these telephone services are also green companies themselves.

Party down with Friday no waste potlucks. Set your virtual answering service iPhone app to take messages for an hour and enjoy a team building potluck lunch. You worked hard all week. Now you can celebrate. Have everyone provide food and beverages in washable containers and use real silverware and plates (nothing disposable). If you’re able, compost the food scraps. Finish off the party by going out for coffees - just remember to bring re-usable thermoses!

Double Glazing - Problems with sealed units?

2010-05-21T16:25:00.000+01:00

Do You Suffer With Condensation in your Windows? Do you think the only solution is to replace?
There is another option our proven process quickly removes condensation from double glazing windows and doors, recovers insulating R-Value and protects against permanent damage! Resolve the problems of condensation in windows & misty windows with the window restoration specialists.
Benefits

Up to 50% cheaper than replacement
Environmentally responsible
Convenient and no re-visit
Reduce your energy bills
20 year insurance backed guarantee
Can be done from the inside or outside
Safety glass and toughened units can be repaired

A Social Housing group reduced their Glass To Landfill by an amazing 70% and reduced their Glazing Costs by 47%
More details here.........

Can you Skip It?

2010-05-17T10:34:00.002+01:00

Can you Skip It?

Are you

- In need of an office clearout?

- A community organisation or charity looking to raise money?

Sonoco currently have a number of 35 cubic yard, lidded paper/cardboard skips. They are looking to find people who could use one for a recycling drive, office clearout or fund-raising.

The skips take newspapers, magazines, office paper and cardboard. Sonoco offer a free of charge service, NO uplifts or rental charges and may pay a competitive rebate*.

Skips can't be placed on public roads: you need some private land the skip could be located on. You can share a skip with nearby companies, but one organisation must take lead responsibility.

Sonoco can set up an account for money transfers - perfect if you do biannual or quarterly clearouts - or you can choose to donate the income to a charity of your choice (Overgate Hospice are currently supported by Sonoco).

Skips are available on a more permanent basis for companies generating a large volume of paper waste and cardboard.

Sonoco have also recently launched a new wheelie bin service for cardboard and paper, using wheelie bins starting at 240 ltrs up to 1100ltr, these are currently being used by pubs, restaurants, offices, small businesses and schools. There is a small charge for this service, which can be arranged either weekly or fortnightly. To find out more about either service and to explore if it could be useful to you, contact Zoe at ukrecycling.sales@sonoco.com

Thermaskirt - 10% Discount fot Worcester Customers!

2010-05-07T12:57:00.002+01:00

Thermaskirt - 10% Discount fot Worcester Customers!

Free Materials

2010-05-07T12:24:00.000+01:00

Why Waste featured offers & requests... you want...

Scaffold Planks

No longer fit for purpose. Various lengths10 cubic metres per month.

Location:Barnsley.

Membrane material

glass fibre cloth bonded to ptfe film

10 sacks per month

Location:Hull

Pallets

Varying sizes & configurations

7 per month

Location: Sheffield

Redundant telephone exchange system

would like to donate to a charity. Will take 16000 lines

Location: Bradford

Various items of stationary & office equipment

including answer phones, filing trays, folders etc.

Location: HalifaxHave you got...

Textile Waste

All textile wastes and biproducts from fibre through to fabrics

Location: will collect from anywhere in Y&H region.

Wood Waste

All forms of low grade wood waste

Location: anywhere in Y&H Region

Shelving

For charity -Bradford Food Bank

Food /catering waste

Location: anywhere in the Y&H Region

for many more offers and requests visit

www.whywaste.org.uk

Win An Energy Saving Fridge

2010-04-27T23:07:00.000+01:00

Energy Saving Trust has teamed up with refrigeration specialist Lec, to offer you the chance to win a sophisticated black R5510B under counter refrigerator.

Help available with metered water bills

2010-02-18T14:49:00.000Z

Water Companies are required to offer help to customers on low incomes who have 3 or more children, or if a member of the household needs to use more water because of a medical condition.Your company will advise you how to apply for the Watersure Scheme (a vulnerable household charge). You will need to provide evidence that you are receiving a means-tested benefit and details about your family.

If accepted on the scheme, your annual bills will be a maximum of the average bill for households in your area. Few customers are aware of the scheme so if you think this applies to you, ask the company for advice. Yorkshire Water's application form is available for you to download from our Downloads page, use it as a tool to assess how a easy the application may be. (Yorkshire Water' s scheme charges are set at £154 for water and £177 for sewerage charges for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010).

Also, OFWAT figures estimate that most households will save between 5% & 10% on the annual water charges by having a water meter installed, and the water companies are obliged to install meters free of charge upon request.

Upto £10k interest free loans to install renewables in Kirklees - repayable upon change of ownership

2010-02-12T18:59:00.000Z

RE-Charge is an exciting new scheme funded by Kirklees Council to help home owners reduce their carbon footprint. RE-Charge offers interest free loans to home owners to install renewable energy and low carbon technologies on their property. This scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and there are limited funds available.
Renewable and low carbon technologies are powered by abundant, free sources of clean energy such as wind, the sun and even plant and animal matter. Generating energy from renewable sources can help reduce our dependence on resources like fossil fuels, producing much less carbon dioxide – a major climate change gas. It may be possible to generate a significant proportion of your home’s heat or electricity requirements from renewable and low carbon technologies and, with rising fossil fuel prices, significantly reduce your fuel bills.

How does the scheme work?

If your application is successful and your property is suitable for the technology you wish to install, RE–Charge will loan you up to £10,000, interest free. Any costs above £10,000 would be paid in advance by the householder.
A ‘Legal Charge’ (another name for a ‘mortgage’) will be taken as security over your property, the sum of the loan will become repayable upon change of ownership of your property. Costs will vary depending upon the type and size of property and the type and size of technology installed. After a technical survey is carried out you will be provided with a quote including a full breakdown of the costs.

What technologies are available under this scheme?

The technologies available under the RE-Charge scheme are:

Biomass heating systems
Hydroelectricity
Micro CHP (As this technology is in its infancy it is anticipated it will be available in years 2 and 3)
Solar water heating
Ground source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

Wind energy will not be funded under RE-Charge.
www.heatandenergy.services.officelive.com

Cash in on your empty car seats

2010-01-25T11:38:00.000Z

Fed up with driving to work? Hating the hunt for a car park space? Feeling the pinch? Why not turn that empty seat next to you into cash?

The West Yorkshire Travel Plan Network are offering up to *£700 in cash prizes for employees who share the journey to work by car between Monday 18 January and Sunday 14 February. Simply share the car journey, fill in a Travel Diary and return it by Friday 26 February to be entered into the free prize draw.
*There are seven prizes, 1 x £300, 1 x £150 for employees who are employed by participating organisations of the West Yorkshire Travel Plan Network and 5 x £50 for any other West Yorkshire Commuter.

Taking part is easy

All you need to do is the following:

Find someone to share your journey to work, why not check out our handy tips below?
Agree which days and times are convenient for you both and share the journey.
Download and print a copy of the travel diary and keep it in the car or complete the Travel Diary online, see below for further instuctions.
Complete your details and those of your car sharing partner(s) in the travel diary.
Update your travel diary and make sure you return it by Friday 26 February using the business reply service.
You will hear by the end of March if you are a lucky winner in the draw.
For more information please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Online Travel Diary: once you have filled part of the form in click on save, you will then be asked then enter your email address in the box provided, this will generate an email which will have a link to your saved form. You can use this email to update your Travel Diary each time you car share or follow the link in your web browser and add it to your Favourites.

How to find someone to share a journey.

Try asking your workmates, family, friends and neighbours if they are going in the same direction as you. If you can’t find anyone to share with then search for a match on http://www.wycarshare.com/, look out for the Private groups section to see if your employer or site has a car sharing group.

Why car share?

Car sharing even just once or twice a week can save you cash in shared fuel and car parking costs. It can be less stressful, more sociable and less frustrating searching for that elusive car parking space.
For more information about the benefits of car sharing and to download the Travel Plan Network car sharing leaflet.

Free Smarter Driving Lessons

2010-01-25T11:36:00.000Z

The West Yorkshire Travel Plan Network has teamed up with The Energy Saving Trust to provide Network organisations with eight free smarter driving lessons.
Organisations can save up to 15% of their vehicle's fuel bills by training their drivers to drive in a more eco friendly way. Simple changes in driver behaviour like anticipating traffic flows to reduce the number of times vehicles have to stop and start can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The Energy Saving Trust have a specialist team of instructors who teach all of the smarter driving techniques in a 50 minute driving lesson on a pre planned route close to your workplace.
These lessons are very effective for high business mileage users or employees who drive regularly for work purposes.
If your organisation is interested in taking up this free offer please complete the application form or email us at tpn@wypte.gov.uk for more information. Organisations must take their eight free lessons on the same day and before the end of March 2010

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR WATER?

2010-01-21T23:31:00.000Z

Most of us pay a charge to our water company for draining away the rain and other water which comes off our roofs and driveways. It's called surface water.
But every year tens of thousands of people pay too much on their water bill because they don't realise they don't have to pay it.
You should only pay a surface water charge if the water from your roof and driveway drains into the sewers.
If your surface has a “soakwawy” for example a tank under the lawn that collects this water the you shouldn't been paying for it. and you may be entitled to a refund, up to 25%!

Definitions of soakaway on the Web:
A deep hole used for drainage, where rainwater and other waste water drains directly into the ground, without connection to any mains drainage or ...
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/soakaway
A pit, filled with broken stones etc below ground to take drainage from rainwater pipes or land drains and allow it to disperse.
freepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wakefield/definitions/defbuild.html
An arrangement for draining rainwater into the ground. Usually a large hole dug and filled with broken bricks, rubble or similar 'waste' ...
www.practicaldiy.com/building_glossary.php
Drainage of rainwater, using graded aggregate laid below ground.
www.findersquoters.co.nz/technical.htm
There are many other examples that may entitle you to a rebate, maybe you have a large pond, cesspit on your property or a stream where your drainage water goes, anywhere other than the drains or main sewer. Questionably, also do you have a water harvesting system? The different water authorities define this differently, it may be worth making the enquiry.
If you own a small property, it may be worth considering creating a soakaway the next time you are making external improvements.
Rebates & Timings: IMPORTANT
All water companies have the same policy about giving payments back for surface water drainage charges. Not only that, the water companies also expect customers to tell them if they think they think they're being wrongly charged. They will only refund for the financial year you advised them. Hence if you contact them now, they will only rebate back to April 2009. Leave it untill May this year and your claim will only apply from April 2010!
Why else may you be paying too much?
If you are on a water meter, it’s worth checking with neighbours in similar size households and occupancy that your water bills are similar.
If not you may have a leak, maybe more than one property on the estate is feeding from the meter?
Again, the owness is on you to tell the water company you suspect you are being over charged, and if they agree they are only obliged to compensate for the financial year you informed them of your suspicions.
What can you do if you believe you have a problem but the water authority disagree?
You need to take regular weekly readings of your water meter, to establish your actual usage, and use this as a basis for calculating your actual usage, as opposed to what the board say has been used, you're on site they are not, and the person with the most accurate and detailed records always wins in a dispute, (record these in a diary with the actual time the readings are taken).
You also need to either turn the water off at the stopcock to the cold tank for say a day, hopefully you can manage, with what’s in the cold tank, if you don't flush the toilet all the time, and don't use the mains tap in the kitchen.
You could take a reading last thing at night, and again first thing in the morning, provided no usage occurs overnight, this will establish if there is any leakage or not, because the meter will record it! You should also record this test, and subsequent test, as you can refute allegations of leakage with it!
Be prepared to do battle and put in the effort, don’t give, I have heard of people getting rebates as much as £900 – and of course you have your future water savings, there’s an incentive!

Air Tightness Testing In Exisitng Homes

2010-01-13T00:39:00.000Z

A survey of dwellings has revealed that remedial works following air tightness testing have yielded energy savings of between 15% and 30%.

Air tightness testing is the procedure to trace any unwanted drafts and uncontrolled airflow through the house.

Too much air leakage leads to heat loss resulting in higher heating costs and C02 emissions. A home isn't a balloon, so when cold air comes in, warm air gets pushed out. A building with air infiltration points will be slower to heat and faster to cool. The warmer air becomes, the greater its ability to carry moisture. If warm air is allowed to escape from the building envelope through unintended channels it will cool in cavities and form condensation and can give rise to dampness, mould growth and degrade insulation.

How can air tightness be achieved?

A survey of dwellings has revealed that remedial works following air tightness testing have yielded energy savings of between 15% and 30%, this can sometimes be achieved for as little as a couple of pounds and a little attention to detail.

Good levels of air tightness are best achieved by good design at building stage and are governed by the Code For Sustainable Homes (Housebuilders and Developers please visit our Commercial Services) rather than by retrospective works. However, you may have unwittingly committed breaches yourself to your homes permeability or been the victim of lazy, or tradesman unaware of the impact of breaches, for example, installed cheap down lighters or unsealed holes behind kitchen cupboards.

Air Tightness Tests are sometimes referred to as an Air Pressure Test, Envelope Test or an Air Permeability Test.

There are two types of air tightness tests: calibrated and uncalibrated. It is important that auditors use a calibrated door. This type of blower door has several gauges that measure the amount of air pulled out of the house by the fan. Uncalibrated blower doors can only locate leaks in homes. They provide no method for determining the overall tightness of a building. The calibrated blower door's data allow the auditor to quantify the amount of air leakage and the effectiveness of any air-sealing job.

Good news! We can perform the test on your existing home and help you to reap the rewards of an air tight house.

Every single house in the country that is 5 years or older will benefit from an air tightness review. Having great insulation in your cavity helps keep the thermal heat loss down, but combining that with an air tight house, you'll see immediate benefits.

If you feel comfortable doing the small improvements that will reap huge rewards, great, we will highlight the areas on the day that need addressing. If you don't, we have a team of local builders available that can apply their skills to finish the job for you.

Testing costs from as little as £50 can you afford not to invest considering the potential return? Contact info@heatandenergy.org today and start saving tomorrow!

Smartest Climate Change Idea Ever?

2010-01-08T20:09:00.003Z

I recently wrote an article titled “Pay as you save –the smartest climate change ever aimed at home owners” following UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband announcement in December. The plan briefly is to trial “The Home Energy Pay As You Save scheme” which will give 500 UK households the opportunity to invest in energy efficiency and microgeneration technologies in their homes with no upfront cost. Householders will make repayments spread over a long enough period so that repayments are lower than their predicted energy bill savings, meaning financial and carbon savings are made from day one.

Though I had some disappointment that so few homes are to be involved, I congratulated Mr Miliband and expressed that in my opinion this is one of the smartest ideas of the 21st Century and if successful has the potential to put a real dent in energy consumption and costs and potentially this was enough to win my vote at the next general election!

However, the details are still a little scarce, but I am further disappointed to learn that British Gas are to be involved. This will simply add to fears of where the responsibility of the loan will reside – the building or the homeowner, will you be tied to British Gas for energy supply etc. Why allow one of the utility companies to be involved at all – the vast majority want independence from these organisations and would opt for off grid power generation as soon as it’s a viable option.

The manufacturers and suppliers of these technologies need to re-align their thinking slightly, and perhaps reinvent themselves as energy providers as opposed to distributors. Wouldn’t it be better to pay them your monthly household budget for clean and renewable energy. Alternatively, create a lease/purchase scheme, lots of people cars, this would eradicate fears of purchasing inferior or inefficient equipment and so drive micro –generation to mainstream markets.

Here’s a thought, instead of bailing out the irresponsible banks, V.A.T. reductions and scrapage schemes, why not provide the manufacturers of micro-generation technologies interest free loans to create such a leasing schemes. Consider the positives of such a scheme, job creation would be huge, manufacturing jobs (could this re-invent British manufacturing?), builders, ground workers, plumbers, gas fitters, surveyors etc. Not to mention that every householder would benefit financially long term and cut co2 emissions..... WOW!

New in 2010 - Energy Efficient replacement for skirting and radiators -As seen on Dragons Den

2010-01-06T18:42:00.002Z

New in 2010 - Energy Efficient replacement for skirting and radiators -As seen on Dragons Den

ThermaSkirt® is the eco friendly heating solution. ThermaSkirt® is a new and innovative way of heating your room. ThermaSkirt® makes the most of a skirting board and radiator and turns it into effective, eco-friendly heating. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the system replaces your skirting boards and radiators in one. ThermaSkirt® will work with existing conventional boilers as well as renewables such as solar, ground source and air source heat pumps.
ThermaSkirt® has been tested by BSRIA fully complies with BS-EN 442 & carries the CE mark and in a like for like test against radiators was shown to be at least 13% more energy efficient. With the correct boiler & control system, fuels savings of up to 25% are possible. In test, ThermaSkirt® was proven to be the most efficient form of heating, giving the best uniform heat distribution, with only a ±1°C variation, compared to a radiator with a massive 13°C variation.

The effect of ThermaSkirt® is indistinguishable from under-floor heating in that it heats the room from all sides and at low level, and yet it is as simple to fit as a radiator. As it is as slim and discrete as a skirting board, it takes up no wall or floor space. Because it is above ground, it can be used with any floor construction or covering including timber and carpet and warms up the room quickly. more...http://heatandenergy.services.officelive.com/thermaskirt.aspx

We reduced our gas consumption by two thirds - would you like to do the same?

2009-12-17T15:04:00.002Z

We Reduced Our Gas Consumption By Two Thirds - Here's the Proof!

The last quarters gas bill landed on the doormat this morning............what a delight!

We have managed to reduce our average dialy gas consumtion by a whopping two thirds this quarter versus the same quarter last year!

Here's the proof ... our lowest ever bill just £68.00 Sept - Nov, 3 bed semi, a family of five (even more remarkable this is includes 4 females! Sorry ladies).
Would you like help to do the same visit www.heatandenergy.org

Pay As You Save is a trial for homeowners to install energy efficient installations and renewables, regardless of financial ability!

2009-12-11T17:43:00.000Z

UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband announced steps in the UK aimed at helping householders make their contribution to cutting emissions.

Pay As You Save is a trial for homeowners to install energy efficient installations and renewables, regardless of financial ability!
Homeowners in Birmingham, Sunderland, London Borough of Sutton and Stroud will be testing out new ways to finance whole house energy makeovers under the Government’s £4m Pay As You Save scheme. Following an open competition, Birmingham City Council, Gentoo Sunderland, British Gas, B&Q UK and Stroud District Council have been chosen to deliver individual projects in the first ever UK trials.
The Home Energy Pay As You Save pilots will give households the opportunity to invest in energy efficiency and microgeneration technologies in their homes with no upfront cost. Householders will make repayments spread over a long enough period so that repayments are lower than their predicted energy bill savings, meaning financial and carbon savings are made from day one.
A total of around 500 homes across England will take part in the trial which will provide evidence of how to foot the bill for the Great British Refurb – the Government’s plan to make the 22 million existing homes in the UK more energy efficient.
In my opinion this is one of the smartest ideas of the 21st Century and if successful has the potential to put a real deny in energy consumption and costs..in fact this alone is possibly enough to win my vote at the next election!

Free Material and recycling

2009-12-09T16:55:00.001Z

Could You Use?

Things are busy over on Why Waste - we thought we'd tell you about a couple of recent listings to wet your appetite and get you logging on to have a look.

Office Stationary
Leeds Council have approx. 70 second hand ring binders they no longer need. Could you give them a good home? Also available are some in/out trays, magazine and CD holders.
If you are interested, call Lynsey Taylor on 0113 2143930.

Wood Waste
Companies in Dewsbury (1 skip every 2 - 3 weeks) and Ossett (1 skip per. month) have wood offcuts and timber pieces they would like to see going to good homes. Interested?
More information, pictures and contact details can be found on 'material available: wood' section on the Why Waste Website.

Have You Got?
Waste Cooking Oil - Free Collection!

Greenworld Biodiesel need used cooking oil for recycling.
A licenced waste carrier, they can leave a clean, resealable barrel with you and pick it up when it is full. For more information click here.

Geomet Recycling
in Leeds are keen to find new sources of steel or aluminium scrap. Bulk quantities of cans, computer waste, WEEE, steel or catalytic convertors are also sought. Geoment are also very interested in hearing from recyclers or collectors who may want to set up alliances. See the listing here.

Factory Street Studios
in Bradford need dressing up clothes for children's Popstar and Rockstar Parties. Anything glam, shiny, sparkly is needed, but especially items for boys If you have anything you could donate or are interested in the rockstar school, contact Amy on 01274 682125

Clayton Hall Anaerobic Digestion
Are looking for food & organic waste. Huddersfield, Halifax and Wakefield are all near enough for collection routes. Processing will be cheaper than landfill and food will be used to make methanol for energy and fertiliser. If you are interested, get in touch with them via the Why Waste website here.

The Business Resource Efficiency Improvement Grants programme (BREIG)

2009-12-09T16:53:00.001Z

The Business Resource Efficiency Improvement Grants programme (BREIG)

helps businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region to improve their resource efficiency; providing grants and access to third party expertise to target reductions in waste, energy and/or water whilst at the same time boosting bottom-line profits. As part of the CO₂ Sense Yorkshire programme, BREIG helps support the cost of capital investment, consultancy or training that results in the greater use of recycled or environmentally friendly processes and materials, reduced energy, fuel or water consumption, reduced landfill waste and improved production efficiencies.
Businesses can apply for a capital grant of up to £8,000, a consultancy grant of up to £2,000 and a training grant of up to £500 to help put in place measures which will cut waste and usage of energy and water.
Grants are available until 31st March 2012 or until all funds are exhausted. Apply now for a BREIG grant and start building a better future for your business.
To apply for your grant, call 0113 368 5232 now
or Email: breig@co2sense.org.uk

Energy grants for SME & Sole Trader

2009-11-25T15:53:00.000Z

Business Link are offering SEEDA funded grants for their Energy Grant 500 scheme. Businesses with an annual spend of £1,500 - £30,000 can claim for these £500 grants.

What's Included:-
- Your energy meter and return envelope
- A sheet of 'switch off' stickers
- 2 Carbon Trust posters
- 'What to Do' info sheet
- Walkaround checklist
- Grant Application Form

What you need to do....
Step 1
Fit your energy meter and start to log your weekly readings to see just how much energy you are using.
Step 2
Carry out walkaround and complete checklist.
Step 3
Decide on your 'Switch off, Wrap up and Control' action plan.

After these three steps you can then opt to apply for the grant or simply send back the energy meter.

To find out more www.heatandenergy.org

Energy: Energy Saving Tips

2009-11-21T21:49:00.000Z

Energy: Energy Saving Tips

Time for change

2009-11-12T18:48:00.000Z

Time for change

We’ve all grown up taking water for granted. Turn on the tap and there’s water, flush the wc, take a bath, put on the dishwasher, turn on a hosepipe. We use water without really thinking about it. We’ve never had to change our ways – until now.

We’re at the tipping point of needing to take a more active role in reducing the amount of water we use, otherwise we will ultimately suffer higher water bills.

Only 1% or the earth water is available for drinking. Governments are setting water and energy conservation targets, with many businesses already paying excessively high water bills caused by lack of regulation from water companies, billing errors, water leaks.

Domestic customers not on meters metres fail to recognise the cost of their water usage and need to understand that when you heat water you are also using gas and/or electricity, hence reducing your water consumption will in turn reduce your fuel costs, and if this isn’t a wakeup call be aware of plans for every home to be fitted with water meters.

We are more aware of our environment than ever. It’s only a matter of time before water conservation goes the same way as recycling of household waste. Both are modern-day issues: recycling came around because we needed to reduce the pressure of ever-growing consumerism and wastage. In the same way, changes in weather patterns and the effects of global warming have had such a dramatic effect on the UK’s water supply that scarcity and cost are becoming increasingly important issues for all of us.

In the home: How can I save water?

It’s easy, water-saving doesn’t require drastic measures, huge expense or big shifts in the way you do things, start at the beginning with small steps, learn and understand how much water some water-saving products will save (and how much extra money you’ll have in your pocket), then adopt even more water-saving measures.

Reduce your water usage by 9 litres a day, you can do this simply by saving the cold water that runs as your shower warms up, with a Pop-Up Bucket - and then use the water on the plants. A new product to market is Hydrasave – a clever inexpensive device that automatically diverts the cold water we typically waste waiting for hot water to reach the taps to a water butt.

Reduce your water usage by around 12 litres a day by installing a cheap water dams in your toilet cistern.

Reduce your water usage by 30 litres a day can be achieved by installing aerating tap fixtures and low flow showerheads (these can also improve your shower’s performance effectively turning a low pressured system in to a power shower, Don’t believe me? Check out this video http://heatandenergy.com/WaterSavingProducts.) not to mention the reduces costs to heat the water

For Businesses:

It stands to reason that if they above measures will work in your home then they can make a dramatic savings in your business, but you have the opportunity to do so much more...

An Effective Water Management Plan Can

* Reduce Water Usage by as much as 80%
* Increase Available Hot Water
* Reduce Water Heating Costs by up to 80%
* Reduce Plant & Machinery Running Costs
* Reduce Maintenance Costs
* Meet Government Environmental Targets

Implement a water management plan which will guarantee continued saving and reduction in water costs

Obtain Full Staff/Tenant Support.
This is essential for any plan to be successful and ongoing. Without adequate time and financial commitment savings will be minimal. Active support from staff and tenants is key to success and with this in mind keep plans simple and your targets achievable. Staff responsibilities within the plan need to be clearly defined enabling them to take ownership of their elements, Team work is the key.
Draft a Water Policy Statement that is simple, understandable and to the point.
An example:
This Association is committed to developing and maintaining a comprehensive water saving programme. This will increase efficiency, cut costs and enable us to make a positive contribution towards meeting our water and energy conservation targets at the same time enhancing the environments
Identify the true cost of water
Do you know how much your business spends on water per annum or how much is water costing you?

Check your water bills for the last 3 years and note the annual consumption and cost. Has your water bill increased over the last 3 years, if so Why?
Understand your water usage, does your water usage follow trends or is it constant, are there seasonal variations?
Identify unexplained increases in usage has your bill unexpectedly increased? you may be throwing thousands down the drain without realizing.
Consider associated costs such as energy requirements and chemical treatment. How much does it cost to heat up 1m sq water to 70c Start to read your water meters on a regular basis.

Identify Water Use
Carry out a water use survey to determine how, where and why water is being used. Cistern Volumes can be measured, Basins can be gauged by disconnecting u bend and measuring timed flow into a bucket. Showers can be measured in a graduated bucket over 30 seconds Calculation of an accurate water balance requires realistic estimates of operating hours. Talk to staff about patterns of use as they will have a very accurate idea.
Once the survey is complete you should have a water balance which lists and quantifies individual items of water use. Compare this figure with the amount of metered water for the building 10% discrepancy for unaccounted water should be expected. Any more than 10% means something has been missed or more seriously you have a leak.
Re-Assess Your Water Use
This step will help focus your actions for improving water efficiency. Do I really need to use as much water in this area? Do your showers need to use 30 litres per minute or will 8 litres suffice. Problem Areas will become very obvious and will enable you to prioritise easily.
Encourage Staff/Tenant input and involvement. Switch off running taps and report leaks drips and water wastage.
Identify and Evaluate Water Efficiency Measures (WEMs)
Find products that can achieve your aim, do not sacrifice performance for saving, Low cost WEMs are often the most cost effective so locate and repair any leaks as a priority.
Fit smaller water meters (Where appropriate) lowering standing charge bills and renegotiate the tariff. High users can attract larger discounts. Research water saving products and their effectiveness.
Water saving showers can bring usage as low as 8 litres per minute and still give an effective pleasant shower. Tap controls can reduce flow from 25 litres per minute to only 6 litres per minute, consider tap aerators, push button time control taps, electronic time, control taps, and push button retro fits to existing taps.
Cistern Dams and other measure can reduce usage by as much as 5 litres per flush, PIR urinal controls can be set to only flush the cistern when the unit has been used rather than on a regular basis throughout the day and night.
Cheap and cheerful flow restrictors can be easily and cheaply fitted to pipe work to significantly reduce flow to high use areas.
By educating staff/tenants in water conservation you can manage and identify problems quickly and effectively making sure repairs are carried out promptly i.e. dripping taps
Implement Your Plan and Monitor Results
Commit your water management plan to paper. Written plans are not set in stone but used as a benchmark to be referred to on a regular basis. Set targets make them achievable, realistic and review them regularly. Nominate staff for specific responsibilities within the plan so that they can be encouraged and guided.
Lack of goal and an established time frame means that focus will be eroded and the plan will slip and eventually fail.
Identify and prioritise actions so that you can initiate the most cost effective WEMs as soon as possible then use the extra savings to finance more expensive WEMs.
Review the plan on a regular basis to keep up to date with estate changes, usage, occupancy numbers this helps retain focus keeping the plan fresh and viable, If not reviewed on a regular basis plans will stagnate and fail It is your responsibility to drive it forward and not become complacent. For more ideas or assistance visit www.heatandenergy.org

MINIMUM 50% REDUCTION IN ENERGY USE

2009-10-24T18:53:00.001+01:00

This isn't renewables, but it is super efficient heating

MINIMUM 50% REDUCTION IN ENERGY USE

The incredible efficiency of thermal infra red equates to substantial savings on heating bills across all three of the main heating mediums ie gas and oil fired radiators along with electric storage heaters.

The following examples are results of independant tests carried out to compare the energy usage of infra red panels against the other three heating options.

The tests are based on reaching and maintaining a comfortable level of thermostatically controlled heat in a domestic home.
INFRA RED v GAS CENTRAL HEATINGINFRA RED USED ONLY 38% OF THE ENERGY THAT GAS USED
INFRA RED v OIL FIRED INFRA RED USED ONLY 30% OF THE ENERGY THAT OIL USED
INFRA RED v NIGHT STORAGE HEATERS
INFRA RED USED ONLY 28% OF THE ENERGY THAT NIGHT STORAGE HEATERS USED
visit www.heatandenergy.org for more details

Help write the first chapter of 21st Century’s biggest story

2009-10-14T22:15:00.000+01:00

‘This year, let’s take the first step towards a better, happier, healthier future. If we decide not to, we know what a future with climate change will bring and none of us want that. Carbon is the problem, starting to cut our carbon is the first step of the solution. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to make a simple 10% cut in their carbon over the next year. We’re on board, are you?’

This year, thousands of individuals and organisations from across the country are putting aside their differences to help write the first chapter of 21st Century’s biggest story The idea is simple: we work together to achieve a 10% cut in the UK’s carbon emissions in 2010. From village post offices to City skyscrapers, everyone’s invited.
Cutting 10% in one year is a bold target, but for most of us it’s an achievable one, and is in line with what scientists say we need right now. And by signing up to a 10% target we’re not just supporting 10:10 - we’re making it happen. The success of 10:10 depends on getting everyone involved, and the 10:10 website has all the tools you need to pass the message on far and wide. We need to start spreading the word to every corner of the country, inviting our friends, family, colleagues, customers, competitors – everyone we know – to take part.
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a huge problem like climate change, but by uniting large numbers of people and institutions around immediate, effective and achievable action, 10:10 enables all of us to make a meaningful difference. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out what’s possible when we work together.
10:10 is about putting aside our differences to tackle the defining challenge of our age. 10:10 is about working together and raising our game. 10:10 is an idea whose time has come. Let’s get started.

By signing up to 10:10, you are taking the lead on the defining challenge of our age - flying the flag for positive changes, audacious goals, and fresh thinking on climate change. If anything’s worth shouting about, this is!

Halve your energy bills: win a 15k home refurb from 10:10

2009-10-12T16:15:00.001+01:00

Supermarket announces carbon reduction plans

2009-10-05T17:56:00.000+01:00

Supermarket announces carbon reduction plans

Tesco has announced a new partnership with an environmental technology firm as it tries to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets.

The supermarket stated two years ago that it intends to cut its carbon footprint in half across its worldwide operations.

CA ecoSoftware has joined with the UK's largest retailer to help achieve this target through energy efficiency measures and IT innovation.

Mike Yorwerth, IT director of Tesco plc, explained that streamlining environmental efforts requires large-scale organisation.

He said: "We're also overseeing hundreds of projects around the world designed to reduce our carbon footprint, all of which need to be prioritised and measured."

"From investigating ways to reduce energy costs and mitigating climate change risks facing the organisation, to seizing emerging opportunities, organisations are taking action," added ecoSoftware senior vice president and general manager Terrence Clark.

There are around 468,000 employees working for Tesco at more than 4,000 locations in 14 different countries.

www.heatandenergy.org

Winter Fuel Bills

2009-10-05T17:55:00.000+01:00

Over 60s should claim for winter fuel payments help

Every household with someone aged 60 or over is entitled to help towards their winter energy costs.

Under the Government's Winter Fuel Payments scheme, you can make a claim if you had reached the qualifying age by 29th September 2009.

The over 60s can claim a lump sum up to £250 tax-free, while the over 80s get up to £400 (increased from £200 and £350, respectively, last year).

Payments can take a few months to arrive so the earlier you apply the better.

How to claim

If you have received the Winter Fuel Payment in previous years, or receive the State Pension, you do not need to do anything, and payments will be made automatically in November or December.

Anyone else will need download a claim form and return it to the Pensions Service, or ring 08459 15 15 15 (full details on the Pension Service site). Claims must be made by 30 March 2010 for winter 09/10 payments.

Backdated payments

While you can't claim backdated payments from 2001-onwards, you can claim for winters between 1997 and 2000 inclusive.

Exclusions

You can't get a winter fuel payment if:

You've been in hospital getting free treatment for 52 weeks.
You are in prison.
You are subject to immigration control and are not eligible for Government help.
You are living in a care home.

Has Star Trek technology arrived?

2009-10-05T17:54:00.000+01:00

Many still carry the erroneous belief that a warm or cold feeling depends entirely on the temperature of the surrounding air. That is completely wrong!

An example from nature proves it: Skiers and mountain climbers do not freeze even if they are in extremely cold air. The reason - they are surrounded by warm infrared waves, which come directly from the sun or are reflected by the environment (snow, stones, earth etc.).

Bringing space age into our homes and business is the concept of Infrared heating, 100% safe, amazingley energy efficient, and contemporary design.

When infrared rays touch a surface, energy is released in the form of heat, irrespective of the surrounding air temperature. This explains why people on a winter sports holiday are able to enjoy a pleasant sunbath at low outside temperatures without feeling the cold.

Unlike conventional heating elements, infrared heating units heat the masonry, ceilings and furnishings, not the air. Walls can store warmth much longer than air and return the warmth to the room. Masonry stays dry and mould and mildew have no chance to spread.A further advantage is that the air is not circulated and thus, dust is not whirled about.

In comparison with an oil or central heating unit, purchasing and operational costs are halved, and there is no cost of maintenance, no need for a separate furnace room, storage space for heating

materials, no chimney necessary, lifelong maintenance-free operation, various installation possibilities and an array of appealing design.

Visit www.heatandenergy.org