It's green energy but don't expect a cut in your energy bills

Whilst browsing the pages of The Guardian, I came across an article regarding a new project that could see an overhaul of existing housing in the UK including energy usage, water, transport and waste.

Apparently some of the UK's leading firms are joining forces with top academic institutions to help develop projects that will cut our carbon emissions.

All very interesting and well worth a few minutes of your time reading (click here).

One part that did catch my eye was that whilst the plan is to reduce energy usage and waste, households probably won't see a reduction in their bills as the savings made by the companies will go towards funding the estimated £1bn to convert 200,000 homes.

The report goes on to say that the team will also draw on "lessons learned" from the 2012 London Olympics where facilities are using the latest environmental technology.

photo credit: marilyn jane

Conservatives' 'Green Deal' will tackle carbon emissions from our homes

Spotted on Hargould - Building and Construction Exhibitions newsletter:

"WWF-UK and the UK Green Building Council welcome new plans to be unveiled by the Conservatives today that will tackle carbon emissions from our homes, and help homeowners reduce their energy bills. The Conservatives’ ‘Green Deal’ acknowledges the urgent need to reduce emissions from the housing sector, and will make low-carbon refurbishment more accessible for the majority of households."

The report goes on to reveal some pretty big statistics...

"As part of the move to a low-carbon economy, it is vital that the UK slashes emissions from the domestic housing sector by at least 80 per cent by 2050. The UK’s housing stock is currently responsible for 26 per cent of our total carbon emissions, and the average household in Britain emits over six tonnes of CO2 every year."

Good news comes in how the Conservative Party proposes to curtail these emissions...

"To date, Government steps to curtail these emissions have concentrated on the basics – filling cavity walls, and insulating lofts – but more advanced measures are urgently needed on over 8 million homes which are more expensive to treat, but offer the greatest potential for CO2 reduction. The Conservatives’ proposal of £6500 per household is a great start, and we will need to build on this and expand this level of funding, if the UK is to meet its carbon reduction targets."

To read the full article at Hargould.co.uk including contributions from Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council and Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK, please click here.

photo credit: creativity103

Will your next car be a Hybrid design?

It was recently my very great pleasure to accept a lift in a friends Toyota Prius - probably the most recognised Hybrid (Petrol/Battery duel fuel driven car) on the roads in Britain.

It certainly set my mind thinking when it comes to replacing my ageing Mazda - large, comfy, and great fuel economy. He's not exactly a slow driver either and the car seemed as quick as mine. So I thought I'd look into Hybrid cars a little more - what are the running costs, what savings can I expect to make, how much are they to service and how long are the batteries meant to last?

I found the answers here in the column below, at What Green Car website.

Have you been thinking about a Hybrid car for your next family transport? Perhaps the following will?

"Most running costs are less for hybrids than conventional vehicles. In particular, the higher capital costs are offset by lower fuel costs due to the high fuel economy of the vehicles themselves. As is the case with carbon emissions, hybrids typically use 15%-30% less fuel per mile, depending on driving conditions and whether a mild or strong hybrid design is used.

For drivers in and around London (and other cities that may follow London's example), the other major running cost to consider is the Congestion Charge. As most hybrids are in PowerShift Band 4, they receive a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge (although owners of hybrids need to register with Transport for London and pay an annual £10 fee). With a £8 payable daily charge, this could provide a potential annual saving of up to £2000. The PowerShift Register lists vehicles that qualify for London Congestion Charge discounts.

Due to their novelty and use of state-of-the-art batteries, servicing, maintenance and repair costs remain somewhat unknown. Although there is good reason to think that these costs will remain similar to those for conventional cars, servicing may require going to a specialist centre. In order to reduce consumer uncertainty, many hybrid car manufacturers provide high-mileage warranties that cover the additional hybrid components (typically for 8-10 years or 100,000 miles)."

*prices and figures quoted are directly from the article as it appears on What Green Car. Please click here to read their full guide to Hybrid-Cars.

photo credit: kinghuang

Government subsidies could save 14m tonnes of carbon emissions a year

"A micro-scale solar energy revolution would depend on the government stimulating the market with rebate schemes with an attractive financial incentive. And I don't mean for a year or two. For widespread uptake of solar panels to occur in the UK, sustained policy support will be required.

Alternative incentives include grants to cover half of the initial costs of solar panels and their installation. If the UK government subsidised half the cost of some of the technologies, it would save 14m tonnes of carbon emissions a year, or 3% of all emissions."

Interesting reading... to read more, visit: totalsolarenergy.co.uk