News
Warmer Homes, Greener Homes – New Government Strategy
03/03/2010
A green transformation of Britain's homes will take place over the next decade – making them more comfortable, warmer and cheaper to run – under new plans set out by the Government this month.
With around one quarter of UK emissions coming from energy used in homes the Warmer Homes, Greener Homes Strategy is aimed at cutting emissions from the UK's homes by 29% by 2020.
The new strategy will help people make smarter use of energy in homes, making it easier to take action and reduce bills. Installing some technologies, such as solid wall insulation, could see energy bills cut by £380 a year.
The new strategy will also be good for jobs, with up to 65,000 jobs required in the green homes industry as a result, for example installing and manufacturing energy saving measures or providing home energy advice.
The strategy will be implemented in a three stage plan:
• To insulate 6 million homes by the end of 2011
• To have insulated all practical lofts and cavity walls by 2015
• To have offered up to 7 million eco upgrades by 2020; all homes to have smart meters
Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Secretary, said: "This shows we can meet the national interest of tackling climate change and reducing our dependence on foreign energy at the same time as we help people save money.
"Making homes more energy efficient will help protect people from upward pressure on bills, tackle climate change, and make us less reliant on imported energy.”
You could start making savings on your energy bills now by insulating your home with a grant to help with the cost. To arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey call the Snug as a Bug helpline
on 0845 602 4696.
InstaCoustic achieves ConstructionLine approval
03/03/2010
InstaCoustic Ltd is delighted to announce that it is now registered with ConstructionLine, the UK’s largest register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants.
Conctructionline has proven that it can deliver efficiency, time and cost saving and best practice for private and public sector alike. It works closely with government to ensure common minimum standards in pre-qualification and its service is recommended by the OGC Common Minimum Standards and the Local Government Task Force.
It also works with many industry bodies and industry accreditation schemes to ensure that registered companies adhere to the latest industry standards for specific work categories.
Having work closely with Local Authority Building Control to develop a series of registered acoustic solutions, InstaCoustic is well placed to provide reliable, high-performance acoustic solutions for public and private sector organisations.
To find out more visit www.constructionline.co.uk or speak to one of our advisors on 0118 973 9560.
Ofgem 'must ensure energy prices do not cause increase in fuel poverty'
01/03/2010
Gas and electricity market regulator Ofgem must take steps to ensure high energy prices do not force vulnerable households into fuel poverty, according to National Energy Action (NEA), a charity which campaigns to raise awareness of fuel poverty.
Lesley Tudor-Snodin, spokeswoman for NEA), said many people have been worrying about their energy bills this winter and have been concerned about whether or not they can afford to turn on their heating.
Her comments follow the release of a report by Ofgem, which stated the average energy bill rose last month in comparison to November 2009, while wholesale energy prices continue to fall.
One way in which people worried about their energy bills can cut the cost of heating their homes is by installing insulation. According to government figures, cavity wall insulation could save the average household around £115 a year.
To find out how easy it is to have cavity wall insulation and loft insulation installed call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696. They can arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey and quote.
Government scheme to save organisations £1billion and more than 4 million tonnes CO2 each year by 20
01/03/2010
Next month (April) sees the start of the Government’s new scheme to save organisations money on fuel bills and to reduce carbon emissions.
The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme will require large public and private sector organisations such as supermarkets, hotels, hospitals, local authorities and central government departments, to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. They will be required to take part in the scheme from 1st April 2010.
The aim of the scheme is to help change behaviour and make organisations more energy efficient – to reduce carbon emissions and save money. The financial savings should be significantly greater than any costs arising from participation, and importantly will make carbon reduction a boardroom issue for many large organisations.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock said:
“. . .the CRC which will see large public and private sector organisations cutting emissions as well as saving money on fuel bills. This is a real opportunity for business and industry to take a leadership role in tackling climate change and gain reputational advantage as a result.”
The Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Environment Agency, which will be running the scheme, have hosted more than 115 events to raise awareness about the scheme as well as running regional workshops and speaking events.
The CRC will help to ensure that organisations play their full role in contributing to the UK’s emissions reductions of at least 34% on 1990 levels by 2020 through improved energy efficiency.
The scheme is mandatory and will save participants around £1billion per year by 2020 through cost effective energy efficiency measures that are not yet being taken up.
By 2020 the scheme is expected to have saved at least 4.4 Million tonnes CO2 per year.
The scheme will target organisations whose annual half hourly metered (HHM) electricity use is at least 6,000 Megawatt hours (MWh) – typically those that spend £500,000 a year on electricity although all organisations which have a half hourly meter will be required to participate in some way.
New energy proposals generate interest
01/03/2010
Energy Minister Lord Hunt has welcomed the level of public engagement around the consultation on National Policy Statements on Energy.
The consultation, which closed at the end of February, gives the public the opportunity to influence and comment on the draft NPSs at a national and local level.
During the consultation period:
- More than 3,300 people attended 23 events in England and Wales to learn more about the draft energy NPSs and how they could respond to the consultation;
- Almost 20,000 people have visited the consultation website to find out more about what is being proposed; and
- More than 1,000 organisations and individuals have so far responded to the consultation online,
via email or in writing.
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, Minister of State for Energy said:
“We are undertaking fundamental reform of the planning system which will result in a more efficient, transparent and accessible process. National Policy Statements are a vital part of these reforms, setting out the national need for new energy infrastructure.
“Listening to people’s views and helping them find out more is vital to getting this process right. I’m pleased that so many people and organisations have taken part and given their views on how future decisions on where we locate power plants will be made.”
The National Policy Statements on Energy will inform decisions made by the new Infrastructure Planning Commission, an independent body which makes decisions on applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as large wind farms and power stations.
Following the end of the consultation on the NPS’s, proposals will continue to undergo parliamentary scrutiny. The Government intends to respond to issues raised both in the consultation, and through parliamentary scrutiny, later this year.
Householders with fixed energy price plans 'could see bills rise'
24/02/2010
Householders who are currently on a fixed or capped energy price deal could see their bills rise sharply at the end of next month, a price comparison site has warned.
According to uSwitch.com, there are currently 4.6 million people on this type of plan in the UK who could see their bills rise by around £250 a year if their fixed rate plans come to an end in late March.
The potential rise in costs is due to the increase in energy prices since 2006 when many of the plans were capped, the site warns.
It advises customers to check their energy plan and ensure they look at all the available competitive plans before they sign up for their next one.
Another way in which householders can significantly reduce their energy bills is by installing insulation.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, fitting cavity wall insulation can save the average household around £115 a year on heating bills. Loft insulation could save up to £150 per year.
To arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey by an specialist insulation surveyor, call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696.
Householders 'should use insulation to improve energy efficiency'
24/02/2010
Householders are being urged to make their homes more energy efficient with insulation, following news that the cold weather could continue into March.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, fitting cavity wall insulation can save the average household around £115 a year on heating bills. Loft insulation could save up to £150 per year.
Other energy efficient measures it recommends include turning down the thermostat by one degree and boiling only the amount of water that is necessary when using a kettle.
The government’s Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme makes grants available to all home owners and private tenants to help with the cost of insulation.
To arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey by an specialist insulation surveyor, call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696.
'People must keep warm during winter to keep their heart healthy'
24/02/2010
People should wrap up warm and make sure their homes are sufficiently heated to help minimise the risk of dying from heart conditions during the cold months, according to advice from the British Heart Foundation.
The charity's cardiac nurse Cathy Ross stated that there is a greater risk of dying in winter than in any other season.
She explained that this is because cold temperatures can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn can trigger an angina attack.
"Research also suggests that blood becomes thicker in cold weather, which can lead to clots forming and causing a heart attack, stroke or sudden cardiac death," she added.
The nurse recommended avoiding spending long periods of time in cold temperatures.
Installing insulation is a very effective way to keep your home warm during Winter and can help to reduce your energy bills.
To arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey by an specialist insulation surveyor, call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696.
Eco-friendly tariff scheme 'will help consumers compare energy plans'
24/02/2010
A new environmentally friendly tariff scheme will help consumers to compare their energy plans on offer, according to an organisation that represents major electricity and gas suppliers in the domestic market in Great Britain.
Claire Gibson, senior press officer for the Energy Retail Association, added that consumers will be given more clarity about green energy tariffs following the introduction of the scheme.
She was commenting in response to news that Ofgem has launched a green energy certification scheme..
Under the initiative, a so called ‘green’ electricity tariff must demonstrate that it provides a reduction on a minimum threshold of carbon emissions before it can be awarded a Green Energy Certified label.
British Gas, E.On, EDF Energy, Good Energy, RWE Npower, Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power have already had tariffs assessed under the scheme.
Householders who want to make sure their energy use is as environmentally friendly as possible may want to check their levels of insulation to ensure they meet government recommended standards.
Top arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey by a specialist insulation surveyor, call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696.
'Householders install insulation to save on heating bills and CO2'
24/02/2010
According to the editor of ‘Build It’ magazine, householders looking to make their homes more eco-friendly choose to install insulation because it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to reduce costs and emissions.
Duncan Hayes was speaking out in support of the grants and financial incentives available to help people make their homes greener.
He praised the boiler scrappage scheme, but stated it did not go far enough and that other green grants and incentives also tend to be under-funded.
"We get several people that [want] heat pumps or solar panels or PV [photovoltaics] and after a couple of quotes they just walk away and look to insulation for their savings in terms of energy and CO2," he stated.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, fitting cavity wall insulation can save the average household around £115 a year on heating bills. Loft insulation could save up to £150 per year.
All home owners and private tenants are entitled to grant towards the cost of insulation.
To find out more and arrange a FREE, no-obligation insulation survey, call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696.
Celebrities offer eco-friendly advice
24/02/2010
A group of celebrities have offered their ideas on improving energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions.
Celebrities such as Jane Horrocks, Emma Thompson, Vivienne Westwood and Keeley Hawes are to be featured in an exhibition of portrait photographs at City Hall, each with a caption giving their thoughts on climate change.
The public will also be able to submit their views on climate change through a new website.
The best of these ideas will be incorporated into the London climate action plan.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged that London will cut its carbon footprint by 60 per cent by 2025.
He commented: "To improve our quality of life, care for our planet and save money from our pockets, we need to adapt our homes and workplaces, moving London to an energy efficient future."
One way in which people across the UK can make their homes more energy efficient and save money is by installing insulation.
To arrange a FREE, no-obligation survey by an specialist insulation surveyor, call the Snug as a Bug help line on 0845 602 4696.
UN climate chief Yvo de Boer quits
24/02/2010
The man who presided over the Copenhagen climate change talks has announced he will step down from the role.
Yvo de Boer, who has led the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change since 2006, said he will resign as executive secretary in July.
Mr de Boer oversaw the COP15 talk in December last year, a process which resulted in the Copenhagen Accord.
Announcing his decision in Bonn, Germany, Mr de Boer said:
"Copenhagen did not provide us with a clear agreement in legal terms.
"But the political commitment and sense of direction toward a low-emissions world are overwhelming.
"It was a difficult decision to make, but I believe the time is ripe for me to take on a new challenge, working on climate and sustainability with the private sector and academia."
UK energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, called for a successor to be found quickly.
He said: "Yvo de Boer's patient work helped produce the Copenhagen Accord which contains commitments covering 80 percent of global emissions, something never previously achieved.
"We must quickly find a suitable successor, who can oversee the negotiations and reform the UNFCCC to ensure it is up to the massive task of dealing with what are some of the most complex negotiations ever."
Mr de Boer will not be out of work long as he also announced he will be joining the consultancy group KPMG as global adviser on climate and sustainability, as well as working with a number of universities.
Consumers could do more to save energy, says comparison website
22/02/2010
Consumers may be feeling the strain of high winter energy bills, but many are still in the habit of wasting energy on heating their homes.
This is according to a new report from price comparison website Confused.com.
The site found that 76 per cent of Britons are more aware of their energy usage following the prolonged cold snap that affected the nation.
However, a huge number are still using energy unnecessarily.
Surprisingly, 37 per cent of homeowners will turn the heating up before they think to put on another layer of clothing.
Gareth Kloet, Confused.com's head of energy, commented: "It's important to realise that Winter doesn't stop when you go through your front door. Jumpers and extra layers that keep you warm outdoors do work just as well inside and do not load your energy bills."
A further 22 per cent of people would leave their central heating on during the day just to keep their pets warm, while one in ten would leave the heating running in a totally empty house in order to return home to a warm house in the evening.
One of the most effective ways to reduce your heating bill without having to feel the cold is to install adequate home insulation. Grants are available towards the cost of Loft Insulation and Cavity Wall Insulation. To find out more call the ‘Snug as a Bug’ helpline in 0845 602 4696 and quote webnews.
They can arrange for a FREE, no-obligation survey of your home by a specialist insulation surveyor.
Carbon Disclosure Project aims to 'improve corporate sustainability management'
22/02/2010
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is commencing its worldwide sourcing initiative to collect as much information as possible regarding the greenhouse gas emissions and climate change targets of international companies.
Focusing on investment portfolios, the CDP records allow investors and companies to make informed decisions on how their company chooses to tackle climate change.
This latest review, the eighth annual survey of its kind, will be the first to use new online technology in order to better assess how to improve carbon management within companies.
Henk de Bruin, head of corporate sustainability at Philips, commented: "Measurement, reporting and verification of emissions is a vital step for organisations looking to increase awareness of the impact of climate change and improve the management of greenhouse gas emissions.
"The new reporting tools enable greater analysis of the CDP data to benchmark against peers and other sectors and geographies."
New label launched for certified green electricity
16/02/2010
A new certification scheme has been launched by Ofgem to identify green electricity tariffs which have been certified as having genuine environmental benefits.
The “green energy certified” label will help customers recognise tariffs that have been certified under the scheme. It will reassure them that if they choose a certified green energy deal, they will be supporting suppliers who are going the extra mile to reduce carbon emissions.
The certification scheme will implement energy regulator Ofgem’s Green Supply Guidelines, published last year. The guidelines set out what green tariffs should comprise, how they should be marketed and the evidence required to back-up claims.
To be eligible for certification, suppliers will have to demonstrate to an independent panel of experts that their tariffs result in a reduction of a minimum threshold of carbon dioxide emissions.
Crucially suppliers must show that the activity associated with the green tariff is in addition to what they already have to do to meet existing Government targets for sourcing more renewable electricity and reducing household carbon emissions.
The independent panel, chaired by Solitaire Townsend, a leading sustainable development expert, has now assessed tariffs from all participants in the scheme. Details of the newly certified tariffs are available at www.greenenergyscheme.org
Britain's stately homes to be given energy-saving makeovers
16/02/2010
Some of Britain's best-loved stately homes are to be given an eco-friendly makeover as the National Trust works to reduce carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels.
Forming part of the heritage group's newly-announced ten year environmental plan, around 50 historic properties have already been earmarked for energy-efficiency improvements, in addition to the renewable energy measures already introduced at 140 sites.
Energy saving measures such as insulation will help to reduce energy usage while solar panels and small wind turbines will help to provide the stately homes with green energy, and in some cases wood boilers will also be fitted to keep visitors warm while cutting back on carbon emissions.
The National Trust hopes that such energy-saving measures will help it achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions from energy used for heat by 45 per cent within the next ten years, compared to the government's target of a 34 per cent reduction over the same period.
According to the Trust's director general, Fiona Reynolds, such a move makes good business, as well as ethical, sense.
"By cutting our energy consumption and growing our own energy, locally, from renewable sources we will have more money to spend on the places we look after, and a more sustainable and resilient operation," she said.