People around the world are being encouraged to become more energy efficient and work to tackle climate change ahead of World Environment Day.

Run by the United Nations Environment Programme every year, the global event will take place on June 5th and will see communities take action on creating a greener future. This can include a neighbourhood clean-up, a pledge to reduce energy use, walking to work, or even running a tree planting initiative.

India has been named as the host of this year’s World Environment Day and the theme is Forests: Nature at Your Service.

Back in the UK, consumers can do their part to save energy by making green home improvements or taking advantage of government schemes like feed-in tariffs.

By improving insulation, replacing an old boiler with an energy efficient condensing boiler or installing double glazing, households can dramatically reduce the carbon emissions of their home.

Or, adopting this year’s theme, Britons can pledge only to purchase timber products from sustainable sources, helping to reduce deforestation. According to the UN, deforestation and forest degradation accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Posted by Mark Stephens

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: World Environment Day

View the original article here

The Energy Saving Trust has conducted a new report, highlighting the ‘trigger points’ of when people are most receptive to hearing energy saving advice and greening up their home.

This is largely when homeowners are planning home improvement works and 22 per cent of households are planning just this in the next three years.

Indeed, seven in ten householders said they are interested in implementing energy saving measures during a refurbishment project, while nearly 90 per cent said they would even increase their budget to do so.

However, the report also delved deeper, revealing that there are different triggers for different groups of people.

“The key issue now is to make sure people get the right advice at the right time, pitched at the right level,” noted David Weatherall, strategy manager for housing at the Energy Saving Trust.

However, there is still a problem in encouraging more homeowners to make green home improvements. The report found that over 60 per cent of consumers say hassle and a lack of knowledge is the main reasons they do not install energy saving measures.

Posted by Mark Stephens

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Home improvements

View the original article here

Less visible methods of energy saving are often much more cost effective than expensive improvements, according to Dr Michael Pollitt, assistant director of the Electricity Policy Research Group.

Speaking at the Cambridge Judge Business School podcast, he said that “less flashy” methods such as turning the thermostat down and lagging the hot water tank are hugely cost effective.

Indeed, according to the Energy Saving Trust, turning the thermostat down by 1 degree could cut heating bills by up to ten per cent and save around £50 a year.

However, Mr Pollitt said that in order to reach the government’s strict energy targets, homeowners will eventually have to face high initial costs that will be less cost-effective than cheaper “less visible methods”. But they will be able to receive some help to do so with government subsidies and other schemes.

“If we want to have a large effect we will be paying much more in terms of a percentage of our bill towards both these energy efficiency measures and also renewable energy production,” he said.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Electricity Policy Research Group

View the original article here

A new energy saving label rating is to be placed on white goods and even TVs from June 20th.

It is hoped that the labels will help consumers choose more energy efficient appliances and reduce their carbon emissions when using washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers.

Energy labels have been used on white goods for some time, rating products from A to G, but the new European Energy Label will introduce A+ and A++ ratings, giving credit to appliances that are extra efficient.

The labels will keep their coloured bar indicator, but will see the addition of the amount of energy the products use.

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman commented: “Consumers want to make the right decisions when buying new goods that use less energy and bring down household bills.

“These new energy saving ratings will help people make the right choice when out shopping for TVs and white goods by choosing those which are rated the darkest green on the labels.”

Future plans will see boilers and vacuum cleaners also carrying the labels, while ratings will be shown in adverts for products.

Posted by Mark Stephens

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Energy labels

View the original article here

A group of children in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, have been learning about saving energy in their homes after seeing one low carbon house first-hand.

Pupils from Stockingate Mill School who took part in a competition to name a new eco housing development (now called Howell Mews and Western Court), were taken around the 19 properties and taught how to be more energy efficient.

They got the chance to examine the low flow taps, energy saving lightbulbs and even learn about renewable energy as the properties have solar panels on the roofs.

“I really like the homes because they are eco-friendly,” said nine-year-old Arnold Tabor.

“They are different from normal houses because they have solar panels on the roof and there is a monitor to show how much energy you are using.”

Encouraging children to save energy is seen as a crucial part of securing the UK’s low carbon future and many school pupils took part in Climate Week in March to learn about the importance of energy efficiency.

More than 3,000 events were staged, raising awareness of climate change.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Climate Week

View the original article here

Alternative energy is a commonly used term nowdays, find out what alternative energy is and what it is all about.

Dishwasher use can account for a large chunk of a household energy bill. By purchasing a dishwasher that tops its class in energy efficiency, a homeowner can save on energy costs each month. The dishwashers in this article are separated by brand and energy efficiency ratings.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, combine energy saving technology with excellent interior lighting. Not only do CFLs outlast traditional incandescent light bulbs, but the require much less energy while producing the same amount of lumens.

The newest leader in wind energy is Texas according to a recent report. Texas renewable energy efforts led it past previous wind energy leader California by 47 megawatts of capacity.

Whether you are trying to save money on your energy bill or trying to conserve energy as an act of social responsibility, this checklist can help you maximize the energy efficiency of your home.

View the original article here

Energy saving lightbulbs are a greater upfront cost than regular lighting but in the long-run they will cut down on household energy bills, Consumer Focus has stressed.

Highlighting the benefits of saving energy, Zoe McLeod, energy expert at the consumer champion, said that initially, “consumers will be disappointed that the cost of buying a new lightbulb is set to rise as we switch to energy efficient lighting”.

However, she reminded Britons of the importance of cutting carbon emissions in the home, although added that while turning the thermostat down can also reduce energy bills, it is important that homes are not cold or damp, which could lead to health conditions.

“To help save much-needed extra pounds we would urge consumers to make sure they take advantage of energy efficiency grants and shop around for the best energy deals,” Ms McLeod said.

Homeowners can see if they are eligible for an energy grant with the Energy Saving Trust and take a home energy check to see how they can save money and reduce carbon in the home.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Consumer Focus

View the original article here

The University of Strathclyde is shining a spotlight on energy saving and recycling as it hosts Green Week on campus this week.

Until February 19th it will host a number of events and seminars on green travel, carbon reduction and the need for behavioural changes to energy use, as well as screenings of environmentally-themed films.

Highlights of the week include a question time on climate change issues with MSPs Robert Brown and Patrick Harvie, as well as the Met Office’s chief government adviser, Alex Hill.

“Green Week 2011 will highlight the key role education institutions can play in tackling climate change and challenging unsustainable behaviour patterns,” commented Linzi Shearer, student environment and ethics convenor of student committee Envirosoc.

“By showing commitment to reducing their own carbon footprints, students can encourage their institutions to cut carbon and encourage the transition to a low-carbon, future-proof education sector.”

The university is a partner in the Sustainable Glasgow initiative, which aims to make the city one of the most sustainable places in Europe.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Green Week

View the original article here

• 35 watts.
• Bi-pin base.
• Dimmable.
• Average life is 4000 hours.
• UV filter.

Product Description ECO HALOSTAR? Is? n? Saving energy? Bulb? OSRAM. It? Bi-pin basis? bulb? ? Is? ideal p? r “Starlight nadstre? Furniture Nice,” The lamps and chandeliers. Technologies t? her t? new, p? rfshir? from dressing site infra t? red. This ecological ki friends? ments? bulb? reduces consumption? Energy her p? r 30% n? compared with the lamp? usually term? with manufacturing t? one? JT?. average? nj? this jet? bulbs? is? or 4000?. It? is? it? bulb? infinite? wholly dimmable (from 100% n? 0%). 35 watts. Bi-pin basis?. dimmable. Average n? l … You would?>>>

Osram HALOSTAR ECO 35 Watt Energy Saving Light Bulb