Energy
Why is it important to save energy?
Most of the energy we use in our homes today is generated by the burning of fossil fuels. When fuels such as coal, gas and oil are burned, harmful greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. These gases are considered to be a major contributor to climate change.
25% of all UK carbon emissions are attributed to home energy consumption along with a similar figure for transport. This is one of the reasons why we need to be more efficient with our energy use, which in turn will reduce our impact on the environment.
By making simple changes in our behaviour such as the way we travel, heat our homes and use electrical appliances we can all help to reduce the impact of climate change on the environment for future generations.
Eventually fossil fuels will run out, they are after all a finite resource. For the first time in 2006, Great Britain began importing much of the gas needed for heating and electricity generation. As a result of this, many people have seen their fuel bills rise significantly. Adpopting an energy efficient life style will not only save you money and reduce your contribution to climate change, it will ease the pressure on our UK energy reserves.
Energy Efficiency at Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council has also been working hard to reduce our own energy use and carbon emissions from Council-owned buildings. Energy efficiency works carried out over the last few years, in line with the Council’s Carbon Management Plan, have helped the council save energy, fuel and carbon. The work undertaken to achieve these savings has been supported by a ring-fenced fund from Central Government (Salix Funding) and has also resulted in financial savings to the council in energy and fuel costs. The council's Green House Gas (GHG) emissions report for 2010/2011 can be found within linked documents on the right.