‘Warm your home, not the climate’ call from researcher
Posted on 21 August 2007
The analysis of the regional carbon footprint, by the Stockholm Environment Institute, shows that energy use represents the largest proportion - 33 per cent - of the total carbon footprint of residents.
Home energy use makes a large part of our carbon footprint
Dr Gary Haq
Of the 3.7 tonnes of carbon each resident produces in the region from energy use, 46 per cent is for space heating (1.7 tonnes), 17 per cent for hot water (0.6 tonnes) and 9 per cent for lighting and appliances (0.3 tonnes).
Researcher Dr Gary Haq said: "Home energy use makes a large part of our carbon footprint, yet we can all take measures to reduce our energy use".
- Turn your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent and save around £40 per year.
- Use energy saving light bulbs - they last 12 times longer than conventional bulbs and each can save £100 in electricity bills.
- Ensure your hot water thermostat is no higher than 60°C/140°F.
- Always turn off the lights on leaving a room and avoid leaving appliances on standby or on charge unnecessarily.
- Only boil as much water as you need.
- Have an energy check to pinpoint other energy insulation measures.
Dr Haq added: "Simple measures taken in the home, such as switching off lights and using energy efficient light bulbs, will save energy, save money and help in the fight against further climate change."
As part of Climate Talk, an initiative to raise awareness and understanding about climate change in North Yorkshire led by Dr Haq, the third public seminar Climate Change: Any Questions? focusing on climate change and energy will be held at the White Hart Hotel in Harrogate on 20 September from 7 to 9 pm. The public will have an opportunity to ask an expert panel questions and learn how their energy use affects the climate and what can they do about it.
The public seminar is by ticket only and anyone wishing to attend should contact 01904 432917 or email gh7@york.ac.uk. For more information, visit www.climatetalk.org.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Climate Talk is funded by DEFRA’s Climate Change Challenge Fund. The project aims to raise awareness and understanding of climate change issues in the over 50s via public seminars, radio programmes and press articles and competitions.
- The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an international, independent environment and development research institute. It is a part of an international network or centres with the York centre based at the University of York
- The regional energy carbon footprint was calculated using SEI’s Resource and Energy Analysis Program (REAP) based available 2001 data.
- Information on energy savings are based on figures produced by the Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk)
- For further information see www.climatetalk.org.uk