Member Article

Energy Saving Week

This week is the tenth annual Energy Saving Week, run by the Energy Saving Trust. As part of the national campaign, people in South Tyneside are being challenged to reduce their daily energy consumption by 20%.

Simple actions, from not turning out the lights to over-filling the kettle or even washing at high temperatures all use more energy than necessary. If every household in South Tyneside changed three light bulbs in their home to energy saving light bulbs it would save 16,462 tonnes of carbon and £237,140 per year.

Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member Environment, Housing and Transport, said: “By saving 20% of the energy you use every day, you can help reduce the effects of climate change. “During Energy Saving Week we’re calling on everyone in South Tyneside to help do their bit by focusing on a few simple measures that we can all introduce into our daily lives - from boiling less water in the kettle to getting cavity wall insulation, you can help to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and save money at the same time. Ordinary actions can make extraordinary things happen - so please, Do Your Bit!”

South Tyneside Council is doing its bit to help people make their homes more energy efficient through its Warmer Homes project. As part of the project, Council energy efficiency staff are making their way round each of the Borough’s 18 wards to give advice on whether people are eligible for a Warmer Homes Grant. Grants can be spent on a range of energy efficient measures from loft and cavity wall insulation, to draught proofing and central heating system upgrades.

To make your commitment to saving 20 per cent of the energy you use, go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/commit or call your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 for a tailored report on how to change your energy habits and become more energy efficient.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .