MPs have finalised the government’s flagship environmental policy, the Green Deal, which became law early last week. Under the scheme, property owners will be able to receive loans worth as much as £10,000 to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by installing loft and cavity wall insulation. Green Deal loans will be subject to […]
Year: 2012
Social housing tenants save £1.2m on energy bills
A social landlord has helped its tenants to save £1.2 million on their energy bills after implementing a series of energy saving measures designed to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. It’s been revealed in a just published annual corporate social responsibility report that Liverpool-based Riverside – one of the UK’s leading providers of […]
Could Graphene improve solar PV efficiency?
A professor at Michigan Technological University (MTU) claims that Graphene could improve the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels by more than 50 per cent. Meanwhile, BSolar, a manufacturing firm based in Israel, insists that a further 50 per cent improvement can be made by using double-sided cells. Graphene is one of the most promising technological […]
63% of Brits Favour Nuclear Energy, says Survey
Public support for nuclear energy seems to be gaining momentum with some 63% of the British public saying they are in favour of nuclear energy being part of our future energy mix. The Fukushima disaster in Japan last year had a knock on effect on nuclear energy around the world, and resulted in a dip […]
Watchdog warns smart meters threaten privacy
A supervisory body has warned that the introduction of smart meters across Europe threatens the privacy of millions of people. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) insisted that smart meters are able to provide households with an opportunity to save money on energy bills, but it added that the technology being rolled out across Europe […]
B&Q focusing on energy efficiency with launch of new scheme
Last week saw the launch of a new energy saving service from B&Q which is designed to help customers learn more about energy efficiency and specifically what can be done to cut household energy costs. A household name in DIY, B&Q is to target the growing renewable energy and energy efficiency market by offering a […]
DECC favours cash back scheme to encourage Green Deal uptake
The Government’s thinking cap remains firmly on as it tries to determine the best way forward in delivering its potentially revolutionary Green Deal energy efficiency scheme. Proposals under consideration have ranged from offering early adopters of the scheme stamp duty or council tax breaks to introducing scrappage schemes as a way of encouraging uptake of […]
65% of homeowners recognise benefits of energy efficient homes
A report into our attitudes towards low and zero carbon homes has revealed that more than 65% of homeowners in the UK recognise how important it is to live in an energy efficient home. According to the NHBC Trust’s latest report, the construction industry isn’t as forward thinking as many homeowners when it comes to […]
Survey highlights UK’s shocking energy waste
The results of a ground-breaking study into the nations energy use has just been published and it reveals quite a few shocks and surprises. The most alarming revelation of all pertained to the amount of money being wasted unnecessarily by homeowners leaving gadgets on standby. And we’re not just talking small change here either – […]
British Gas to launch simplified bills
British Gas, one of the leading energy suppliers in the UK, has implemented a plan to help customers by launching a billing system “for dummies”. Although some energy users are likely to be offended by the somewhat disparaging description of the new system, many will welcome more simplified bills. In recent years, energy suppliers in […]
It’s a misconception that loft insulation is messy
Research conducted by energy provider E.ON has revealed that many people are put off having loft insulation because they think it’s a hassle they can do without. Yes, it seems a quarter of British householders have avoided having their lofts insulated – even when they can get loft insulation for free – because they perceive […]
E.ON catering for growing smart meter demand
A giant amongst energy providers, E.ON has confirmed its commitment to helping its customers become more energy efficient by encouraging its staff to get smart over smart meters with on-going training. With the opening of the company’s new smart meter customer service centre in Bolton, employees are being retrained to be able to offer energy […]
Harrogate Council in hot water over their stance on solar
Planning officers at Harrogate Borough Council have caused a stir by announcing their intention to prevent solar photovoltaic panels from being installed on domestic properties overlooking local parkland. In the majority of cases, the installation of solar panels is not subject to planning permission. This is because solar panels are usually considered to be a […]
North West households gripped by fuel poverty
A charitable organisation set up to lower electricity and gas double glazing bills for households across Britain has claimed that 24 per cent of residents in Pendle, Lancashire, are suffering from fuel poverty. The North West of England has been identified as one of the poorest regions in the UK, so it ought to come […]
Boost for UK solar as Sharp moves its HQ to Wales
Britain’s solar industry is set for a boost after manufacturer Sharp Solar announced plans to relocate its headquarters in Germany to Wales. The timing of the announcement could not have come at a more favourable time for the UK solar industry, which has suffered several knocks in recent months. In April, Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) were […]
Save money on your energy bills with LED light bulbs
Most people still don’t give much thought to what goes in their light fitting. But if you stood to save a fair old amount of money, you might just start to think twice. Opinion remains divided over the benefits of LED light bulbs, particularly given their initial expensive and longevity. However the Energy Saving Trust […]
