One-hit Wonder
Change to a green electricity supplier. The sites GreenElectricity.org or USwitch.com will guide you, but amongst the best suppliers are Good Energy and EcoTricity.
The Big Ask
Install solar panels. Most suppliers are locally based, although B&Q have just started supplying Solar Voltaic panels at competitive prices. At least one A Rocha Friend who contacted us at New Wine 2006, runs a Solar hot-water company, Solar Systems. Please mention A Rocha’s ‘Living Lightly 24-1’ if you contact them!
The Big Ask
Fit a Ground Source Heat Pump – using natural heat from the earth to give low-level heating to your home. Excellent background information available from the Energy Saving Trust. Suppliers include OGI Groundwater, run by an A Rocha Friend. (Click on ‘Geothermal’ on the website).
The Big Ask
Install a wind turbine. The Energy Saving Trust is a useful place to go for information.
The Big Ask
Install a wood-burning stove – especially if you are near to somewhere where you can harvest coppiced wood for burning.
One-hit Wonder
When you change your boiler change it to a highly efficient gas condensing combination boiler.
One-hit Wonder
Have a home energy audit to find out exactly how much energy you use, on what. Contact your local Eenrgy Efficiency Advice Centre: 0800 512 012.
Think on This
Look into government grants that are available. Warm Front is available for anyone who is receiving some sort of benefit and wants to fit insulation or a new boiler, and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme is for renewable energy installations.
One-hit Wonder
If you decide to change your electricity supplier, do so through Switch and Give and a donation will be made to a charity of your choice.
The Big Ask
If you have an area of your house that requires a light to be on even on a summer’s day, have a sunpipe built in.