Energy conservation

Are your fuels bills costing the earth?
What can you do?
Grants and assistance
Kent Energy Centre
Kent Health and Affordable Warmth Strategy
Commit to 20%
Calculate your carbon footprint
Contacting the Climate Change Officer

Sustainable Energy

Are your Fuel Bills Costing the Earth?

Every time we switch on a light, use a computer, turn on a television or drive a car we are using energy. Most of this energy comes from the combustion of fossil fuels; coal, oil or gas, which release carbon dioxide during this process.

Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means that once it is released into the atmosphere it thickens the blanket of greenhouse gases which surrounds the earth, trapping heat and causing our climate to change.

This means that anything we can do to move towards a ‘low carbon’ lifestyle will reduce future climate change creating a better future for our children, and grand children.

Did you know that each year every home in Sevenoaks District releases an average of 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

This is a result of using fossil fuels for providing central heating and hot water. The Council aims to reduce the average figure to 6.5 tonnes by 2010 by promoting energy efficiency improvements.

What can you Do?

Getting started 10 ways to save energy, money, and help prevent climate change. Here are some simple measures you can do right now.

Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £50 per year.
Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F.
Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!
Use energy saving lightbulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb. This saving could be up to £60 over its lifetime if you’re replacing a very high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day.
Do a home energy check. Just answer some simple questions about your home and we'll give you a free, impartial report telling you how you can save up to £270 a year on your house hold energy bills.

Click here to see these tips on the Energy Saving Trusts website

Click here for more energy saving advice from the Direct gov website.

Grants and assistance

Warm Front Grant
Designed to assist households on low incomes with the greatest health risks for example older people, families with children under 16 and people who are disabled or have a long term illness. Grants of up to £2,700 are available for energy efficiency improvements. Contact Coldbusters on 0800 358 6668 who will arrange for a surveyor to assess your home for the appropriate measures allowed through this government funded scheme.

Coldbusters

This scheme draws together several funding sources into a ‘one stop shop’ for households on low incomes who need help to improve the insulation of their homes. Heating systems can also be provided or upgraded in some circumstances, especially where health is being affected. Contact Coldbusters on 0800 358 6668 who will arrange for a surveyor to assess your home for the appropriate measures from the most appropriate funding source.

Loft and cavity wall insulation

Interested in discount boilers or loft and cavity wall insulation? Contact the local Energy Savings Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to check prices on both our KASH discount scheme and other CERT schemes which provide discounted rates.

Kent Energy Centre

The Energy Saving Trust advice centre is the new name for the service that the Kent Energy Centre has been providing for residents in Kent for the last eight years. Although the name has changed the Energy Saving Trust is still a non-profit organisation that provides free, impartial and expert advice designed to help you cut the amount of energy you use. The advice we offer can help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home.

Call the new local Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre now on 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.co.uk/check for a free home energy report and to discover the full range of services on offer.

Click here to view the Kent Energy Centre website.

Click here for further information on energy efficiency grants from the Direct gov website.

Renewable energy
The Sun Rise solar power scheme is a non-profit scheme and provides discounts on solar hot water or solar electric systems. For information on all types of renewable energy or for a free no obligation quote, please contact the local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012.

Kent Health and Affordable Warmth Strategy
A number of organisations including the Council have worked together to produce a strategy with the aim of making heating affordable for all. The full version of the Kent Health and Affordable Warmth Strategy is available to download. Click here to download a copy of the Kent Health and Affordable Warmth Strategy ( PDF File 2138KB file details).

Energy Efficiency for landlords
This scheme offers a variety of services to landlords to help them make their homes cheaper to run and more attractive to rent, for example discounted loft and cavity wall insulation. CEN can provide more information and assistance.

Commiting to 20%
In launching the commitment to save 20% of our energy the Energy Saving Trust says "If we all commit to save 20% of the energy we use everyday, together we can help prevent climate change". To make your commitment please visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

Calculate your carbon footprint
The Directgov website has a carbon footprint calculator which allows you to work out how much carbon dioxide you create and how much you contribute to climate change. The site also has a greener living section with tips on living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Contacting the Climate Change Officer

Climate Change Officer
Housing Policy
Sevenoaks District Council
Council Offices
Argyle Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1GN

Tel: 01732 227000
E-mail: private.sector.housing@sevenoaks.gov.uk

Sevenoaks District Council,
Council Offices,
Argyle Road,
Sevenoaks,
Kent
TN13 1HG

01732 227000