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Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Energy efficiency encompasses the actions we can all take to help reduce the effects of climate change through the promotion of sustainable lifestyles and the reduction in the use of fossil fuels.

Energy efficient homes are well insulated, have modern heating systems, utilize renewable energy sources and are comfortable to live in. Such homes are cheaper to run and can help take families out of fuel poverty.

The Council is keen to promote energy efficiency by giving advice, including information on how to access funding sources for improvement works.

Specific measures include the provision of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, water cylinder jackets, double glazing, high efficiency boilers, CHP, heating controls, low energy lighting, draught exclusion and good housekeeping. Small scale renewable energy includes the use of solar for electricity generation and water heating, ground and air source heat pumps, mini hydro, wind and the use of biomass for heating.

The local authority can put you in touch with agencies that can carry out an energy survey of your home, give you direct advice on current financial deals funded through government agencies and the utility companies and arrange direct works in the home.

Current funding for installation of loft and cavity insulation and provision of heating in low income household families is drawing to a close but assistance will be available into 2012 and information on such schemes can be obtained from Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503 or via their website (This link will open in a new window).  Warm Front grants will be available until the end of the year and can be accessed on 0800 316 6011 or online (This link will open in a new window). 

Solar water heating systems
Solar water heating systems are a great way to make use of solar energy. Whilst they do not provide for central heating, they will reduce annual fuel bills as conventional fuel use will be dramatically reduced in the production of hot water. A typical system will provide the average household with over half of its hot water needs. It can also be used to heat swimming pools.

Solar Photovoltaics
The photovoltaic (PV) process converts solar energy - sunlight, directly into electricity. Such systems emit no pollution and can be expected to run for over thirty years while requiring minimal maintenance. Feed in Tariffs will reduce installation costs over time although the scheme is subject to change.

Wood Fuel. Surrey has an abundant supply of wood fuel and Surrey Hills Wood Fuel can now direct you to locally sourced wood to produce quality fuels for use in domestic and commercial wood fired boilers. We are keen to promote this environmentally friendly fuel. Surrey Hills Wood Fuel can also provide lots of additional information on installing wood fired boilers. The Surrey Hills Wood Fuel Group can be contacted on 0845 478 6370 or through their website (This link will open in a new window).

The Green Deal is the new government initiative to encourage people to access funding repayable over time to secure energy efficiency and renewable measures in the home and in business. This is expected to be in place toward the end of 2012. Further Information can be found via this link (This link will open in a new window)

  

Sources of Further Advice and Information

• Energy Savings Trust (This link will open in a new window)
• The Solar Trade Association (This link will open in a new window)
• The Renewable Energy Association (This link will open in a new window)
• The National Energy Foundation (This link will open in a new window)
• Renewable UK (formerly British Wind Energy Association)

 

 

 

 

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