SUSTAINABLE OVERTON
working as a community to combat climate change
Save Energy
27% of carbon emissions in the UK come from energy supplies. Using less energy will help the environment and save you money.
If you're looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time, switching to a ‘dark green supplier’ could be a great way to start. Some companies use their customers’ bills to finance building new sources of renewable energy, others set up contracts with small generators (such as farmers with a field of solar panels) who may otherwise struggle to get a good price for their power.
Amongst the Sustainable Overton team, we have switched our energy suppliers to companies like Octopus, Bulb or Ecotricity, but there are plenty of others to choose from.
Why not take a look and see if you can help us go green in our village?
There's some helpful advice here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cheap-green-energy/
Try This:
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Unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when you’re not using them
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Change to energy-efficient light bulbs
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Switch to a green energy supplier: ideally one that provides 100% renewable electricity and gas. www.bigcleanswitch.org is a good starting point
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Wash clothes in cold or warm water (not on a hot cycle)
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Hang-dry your clothes when you can
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Lower your thermostat by 1 degree
USE ENERGY WISELY
The Local Energy Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) is a free service that could help you reduce your bills and save energy if you are in a vulnerable or at-risk category.
Have a look at their website here.
Good Energy is another great service which offers 100% renewable electricity and carbon natural gas.
You can find them here.
A great website which offers simple advice on energy.
Lots of really useful resources can be found here.
Government Green Homes Grant:
Make energy improvements to your home
If you’re a homeowner or residential landlord you can apply for a Green Homes Grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements to your home.
Improvements could include insulating your home to reduce your energy use or installing low-carbon heating to lower the amount of carbon dioxide your home produces.
You must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2021.
How much can I get?
Vouchers will cover two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000.
If you, or someone in your household, receive certain benefits you may be eligible for a voucher covering 100% of the cost of the improvements. The maximum value of the voucher is £10,000.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you live in England and:
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you own your own home (including long-leaseholders and shared ownership)
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you own your own park home on a residential site (including Gypsy and Traveller sites)
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you’re a residential landlord in the private or social rented sector (including local authorities and housing associations)
You cannot get the Green Homes Grant for newly built homes which have not been previously occupied.
Installation
Beware of “Cowboy” builders. All installers need to be Trustmark registered. Also, as there are only 6 months from now to apply for the voucher and get the work done, there may be a shortage of qualified and approved tradespeople in your area.
See here for more details and to find a registered installer
More information can be found on the websites below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme
https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/pages/green-homes-grant