ClimateActionEnergy

The UK Energy Mix

Live CO2 emissions from electricity consumption for the world https://app.electricitymap.org/map

Energy Dashboard: https://www.energydashboard.co.uk/live

The fossil fuel lobby's myth about running out of energy when the sun doesn't shine and the wind isn't blowing - it's called a battery (and other technology)

Can fossil fuel gas be replaced with green methane with no CO₂ emissions? How long will it take? Not all the answer from Ecotricity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGytkrY4CY&t=81s

Smart grid - a taster from Octopus Energy

"Green Crap" - that's what the UK government called it as they slashed all renewable energy policies in 2014 and guaranteed citizens 15% - 25% higher bills in 2022

Energy Providers

Change your energy provider to a renewable energy company.

Ethical Consumers' viewpoint (£££): https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/energy/shopping-guide/energy-suppliers (GEUK is the greenest and fossil fuel-free, but most expensive)
Which? Overview of green energy Which?Switch comparison site
Green Square's Best Energy Suppliers

Beware particularly the big name providers: claims of “100% renewables” are often exaggerated. If you use gas, you can still find decent deals. Try to avoid companies relying extensively on carbon offsetting to 'balance' their CO2 emissions e.g. Bulb? (now defunct): https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/blog/2021/06/09/when-bulb-claims-to-supply-renewable-electricity-wherever-possible-it-means-just-4-of-the-time/

Community Collaboration

The obvious way forward if you find a way of getting people together to invest in things

Early days work by My Society https://www.mysociety.org/2023/06/06/neighbourhood-warmth-monthnotes-month-1/

Saving Energy

Be smart and prudent with your domestic energy bill

Ask for a smartmeter if you don't have one (free)
Set the hot water timer for only when needed e.g. three hours morning and evening, and turn the temperature down to 60°C.
Review the central heating timer and turn down the temperature. Some people are comfortable as low as 16.5°C though 18 or 19°C is more normal.
Invest in some jumpers, base layers, apres ski boots, warm clothing and turn down the thermostat even more.
Beware excess humidity from bathrooms, kitchen and laundry - it can cause damp & mould, which is traditionally fixed by draught vents allowing cold air in. It can be cheaper to run a dehumidifier in winter as it keeps the warm air in and even warms it up more, allowing heating to be turned down in the rooms concerned.
When the heating is on, close the windows.
Upgrading unnecessarily wastes resources but when it’s time to replace kitchen appliances and boilers choose the most energy efficient possible - A +++ though ratings will change shortly to push for greater efficiencies. But low water use machines may not be as effective as standard.
Check your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) online and see recommended ways to improve energy efficiency Government website - although watch out because a lot of the advice there is now out-of-date. The EPC legislation really needs updating!
Use electricity when it's less carbon-intense - usually 1am to 5am. Check the National Grid at http://carbonintensity.org.uk
The hippies were right! Communal living is more efficient - Penny's Canva presentation

Installing Energy Efficiency Measures

Green Doctors offers free and impartial energy advice to help residents stay warm, save money and live greener - sign up for a phone consultation. https://london.greendoctors.org.uk/

Islington Council's sustainable energy partnership: https://isep.org.uk/ (speak to Gearoid)

Replace lighting with LED low energy lights (try to get them for free from council or energy charities)
Fit sensor lighting or timer switches externally and in communal areas so no lights stay on unnecessarily.
Draught proof windows and external doors.
Block unused chimneys - or the nicely heated air in your room will disappear up it. Chimney balloons will need re-inflating annually.
Ensure your plumber has put anti-corrosion compound in the heating system. If not, gas and sludge build up and reduce heating efficiency (will cost £££ to sort out with a powerflush, and radiator bleeding will be needed).
Fit thermostat controls on radiators and turn them off in rooms not being used.
Insulate the hot water cylinder if you have one.
Think about how to replace the gas boiler - a ground source heat pump, air source heat pump, immersion heater, solar hot water - or is a complete retrofit on the cards
Add breathable insulation in the loft. Think about walls, floors and double glazing.

Installing Renewables

The Retrofit Works approach - individuals, experts and engineers come together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4nJlJXpo9A at https://retrofitworks.co.uk/

If you want to join an energy co-operative (although still no model to help it reduce bills) http://communityenergy.london/

File:Kate Calvert House.pdf How Kate Calvert turned her Victorian terraced house in Archway into a superhome - plus podcast here