Acting on energy adds up in more ways than one
Sustainability isn’t just for goody goodies – it makes wise financial sense too. So says David Jullien, chief executive of Act on Energy.
T he charity, recently renamed following 10 years as the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, is funded by local authorities and several housing associations across Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Its primary aim is to reduce carbon emissions but David Jullien appreciates most people are motivated by saving – or not wasting money – than by protecting the environment.
And he says many of us waste as much as a staggering £600 a year by being lazy, not really thinking, or by fearing – erroneously – that some energy saving measures may be too costly.
“The current financial crisis is an example of ‘stealing from tomorrow’. We all need to look long term, not just at today and tomorrow, because if we don’t then the next generation is in for a particularly hard time,” he explained.
“Until lately, saving energy has been seen as the preserve of the do-gooding brigade. But with people having less money – or fearing they will – in the current climate it’s increasingly being seen for what it is – a sensible way to stop throwing money down the drain.
“If people could physically see all that money evaporating for reasons which can be very easily overcome then they’d perhaps take a few simple steps to make sure they hung onto it. Energy saving can be broken down into four categories - insulation, appliances, heating and habits.
“With building societies currently offering measly returns on investment wouldn’t it make sense to invest in your homes instead? Rather than looking around for the next risky place to put your money why not put it in your own home and get a proper return on your investment.
“For example just £10 invested today in four low energy lights will return your capital in three months and continue to give you 3000% interest over their 8 year plus life span. By using 20 traditional 100w bulbs in your house instead of the equivalent 20w low energy versions you’re wasting a horrifying £180 per year. The low energy bulbs themselves may seem expensive but they last eight to 12 times as long as a traditional one. This means taking the cost of the bulb and the cost of the electricity into account each bulb will save £130 in its 8,000 hour life.
“£200 invested in cavity wall insulation, for which non means tested subsidies are available, will return your capital in around 12 months and continue to give you 3,000 per cent interest over its 30 year plus life span. If your walls and lofts aren’t insulated you can waste around £300 a year on heating your home.
“£200 invested in replacing an old fridge with a new A-rated one could return your capital in three years and give you 400 per cent interest over a 12 year plus life span. If you cling onto your old fridge, fearing buying a new one will cost a lot, think again. You’re wasting £80 a year running an inefficient model.
“If you haven’t got any money then stop wasting £200 a year and switch the things off you’re not using and don’t leave anything on standby. A TV on standby can cost £22 a year, a computer monitor £18, the contents of a child’s room – TV, PC, DVD, hi-fi, games console and chargers can costs around £82 on standby costs alone. That will save you enough in the first year to invest in something which will achieve even more.
“Once it becomes the norm to only have the most efficient appliances, have homes that don’t leak heat and drive efficient cars efficiently, then those who don’t could become social outcasts and have to change. It’s a bit like not wearing seat belts, a huge outcry about civil liberties but now it’s taken for granted. I suspect low energy light bulbs will be the same.”
* For advice on saving energy and information on cavity wall and loft grants and subsidies visit www.actonenergy.org.uk or call Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881.
