Energy Saving Week 2009

Kettering Borough Council is a proud supporter of the Energy Saving Trust's 13th Energy Saving Week which is running from 19th October through to 25th October 2009. We are encouraging all residents of the Borough to join in and do their bit to help reduce the UK's carbon emissions.

Why bother?

There is strong evidence that human activity is changing the climate. The increase in carbon emissions in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels and cutting down trees is causing global warming. This will lead to more extreme weather events, with an increase in the number of storms, rising sea levels and frequent heat waves. These changes will have a marked impact on our lifestyles. Tackling climate change can seem daunting but we can all take action to reduce carbon emissions. 

1. This Years Theme of 'waste' examines how people are simply wasting money, energy and time through bad home habits.
   
   
2. Top ten tips to help make a difference:
   
   
3. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and you could save around £40 a year
   
   
4. Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60°C/140°F
   
   
5. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows
   
   
6. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
   
   
7. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily
   
   
8. If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme
   
   
9. Only boil as much water as you need (always cover the elements of an electric kettle)
   
   
10. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off
    
    
11. Use energy saving light bulbs. Just one can save you £100 over its lifetime and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs
    
    
12. Complete a home energy check to find out how you can save up to £300 on your household bills.  You can do this online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or by calling 0800 512 012