Energy efficiency is the general term used to describe the measures and actions we can all take to help reduce the effects of climate change and global warming through efficient use of fossil fuel in the home. This will also save money on your fuel bills and alleviate fuel poverty.
Energy efficient homes are well insulated, have modern heating systems with adequate controls to reduce unnecessary fuel use and are comfortable to live in.
The Council is keen to promote energy efficiency by giving advice, including information on how to access grants and loans for appropriate works.
Specific measures include the provision of: Loft insulation, Cavity wall insulation, Water cylinder jackets, Double glazing, Condensing or high efficiency boilers, Boiler and heating controls, Low energy light bulbs, Draught exclusion, Radiator reflectors and good housekeeping etc.
Services the local authority provide include:
The Low Carbon Buildings Grants Programme provides grant assistance to householders and business for renewable energy projects, including wind, mini hydro, biomass (wood fuel) and ground source heat pumps.
Solar water heating systems
Solar water heating systems are a great way to make use of solar energy. Whilst they do not provide for central heating,they will reduce annual fuel bills as conventional fuel will no longer be needed to heat tap water. A typical system will provide the average household with over half of its hot water needs. It can also be used to heat swimming pools.
There are a number of installers in the market place who use pressure selling and have charged up to £7,000 for an installation. Tandridge District Council can recommend government approved contractors and the costs should be around £3,000-£4,000.
Solar Photovoltaics
The photovoltaic (PV) process converts free solar energy - sunlight, directly into electricity. Such systems never need refuelling, emit no pollution and can be expected to run for over thirty years while requiring minimal maintenance.
This technology is relatively expensive. However, new Government funding is available under the 'Low Carbon Buildings Grants Programme' referred to above.
Biomass and The Surrey Hills Wood Fuel Group. Biomass fuel is the common term for wood fuel and usually takes the form of wood chip, wood pellets or logs for combustion. Biomass is effectively carbon neutral as it releases the same amount of CO2 as it absorbs whilst growing. This is in contrast to embedded carbon in fossil fuel.
Surrey has an abundant supply of wood fuel and the Surrey Hills Wood Fuel Group can now provide locally sourced wood to produce quality fuels for use in domestic and commercial wood fired boilers. We are keen to promote this environmentally friendly fuel, and government grant initiatives are in place through the Low Carbon Building Programme. For further information contact the Energy Savings Trust or The Surrey Hills Wood Fuel Group on 0845 478 6370 email: enquiries@shwfg.org.uk
You can also obtain further Energy efficiency information from the Energy Savings Trust
The government's energy advice services
Listed below are some useful websites which give further advice and technical information:
| The Energy Saving Trust | www.energysavingstrust.co.uk |
| Warm Front, the government funded scheme to provide heating and insulation to those on income or disability related benefits | www.defra.gov.uk/environment/energy/hees |
| Enact Energy our partner in providing insulation grants in Surrey | www.heatproject.co |
Information on renewable energy
| The Solar Trade Association | www.solartradeassociation.org.uk |
| The Renewable Energy Association | Renewable Energy Association |
| The National Energy Foundation | www.greenenergy.org.uk/renewable energy/wood2.htm |
| The British Photovoltaic Association | www.pv-uk.org.uk/index.html |
| The British Wind Energy Association | www.bwea.com/index/html |
