Domestic Energy
Every household in the UK creates around six tonnes of carbon dioxide (or 1.5 tonnes of carbon (tC)) every year. The average home emits more harmful carbon dioxide gas than the average car.
The average household could save around £200 a year by taking energy efficiency measures. This is equivalent to a saving of around 2 tonnes of CO2 (= 0.5 tC). Nearly £5 billion is wasted on energy in the UK every year. This is enough to give every man, woman and child £84 a year.
Space and water heating account for more than 80% of energy consumption in the domestic sector.
How much could an average household save per year, roughly?
For example:
|
Measure
|
Energy saved
|
Carbon saved
|
Money saved
|
Capital cost
|
Payback time
|
|
Cavity wall insulation
|
5,000 kWh
|
250 kgC
|
Up to £100
|
£300 –400
|
3 - 4 years
|
|
Energy efficient light
|
40 kWh
|
3 kgC
|
£2
|
£2 - 6
|
1 - 3 years
|
There are many grants available for energy efficiency for example cavity wall insulation or loft insulation can be installed for around £209 at present, it may cost nothing if you or members of your family are in receipt of qualifying benefits, or over 60.