IceAdvice

Burning fossil fuels releases huge quantities of greenhouse gas, and almost all the energy we use in the UK is produced from fossil fuels, including 75% of our electricity. Most homes run on fossil fuels as do all planes, cars, buses and trains, directly or indirectly. By acting to save energy we can reduce our consumption of fossil fuels, help limit greenhouse gas production and save money.

The demand for energy is currently increasing, but the UK’s power stations are ageing. Significant investment will be required to ensure that our future demands can be met. Increased investment in new power generation capacity is likely to be reflected in higher energy bills

So by saving energy and consuming less electricity in your home, you will not only help cut greenhouse gas emissions but you could also save a significant amount of money.

There are lots of simple steps that you can take to save energy, and they don’t have to be expensive. They range from switching items off when they are not in use to purchasing more energy-efficient products. You could consider walking and cycling short distances instead of driving. The Energy Saving Trust provides lots of simple tips and helpful advice on reducing your energy use.

There are a number of different labels that can help you determine how energy-efficient a product is.

All large household appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators, are now required by EU Law to carry energy ratings. The ratings tell you how much energy the product uses on a sliding scale from green to red. Products in the green bracket are the most energy efficient.

For products not covered by the EU legislation – for example TVs and other home electronics – look for the Energy Saving Trust’s ‘Recommended’ label. Some products available via Ice are too new to have been put through the standardised rating tests for energy-efficiency. In these cases, Ice researches the product and reviews its characteristics to ensure it is suitable.

Don’t forget that by buying an energy-efficient product, you will also save money on your electricity bill. Although it may be more expensive to buy initially, it should save money over its lifetime. For example a modern, energy-efficient dishwasher will use approximately 20% less energy than an older less efficient model. Over the course of a year, this energy saving will result in a £12 saving on your electricity bill and a 40kg reduction in carbon emissions.

For more details on UK energy policy, please look at the linked report UK Low Carbon Transition Plan.