How can you help?

Powering households accounts for around 15% of the U.K’s terrestrial, in-country, emissions, and the majority of our domestic emissions come from space and water heating. Improving the thermal efficiency of our homes is a therefore a great starting point for households that would like to reduce their carbon footprint. The benefit of this approach is that, by reducing our energy consumption, we can also save money on bills.

Other measures, such as eliminating a sole or second car, switching to an electric vehicle if a car is required, and walking and cycling more of our journeys can also have a big impact on surface transport emissions, our largest source of greenhouse gases.

Even something as simple as removing hardstanding materials in gardens, eliminating heat and greenhouse gas producing astro-turf, not overpaving drives, and making space for native greenery can have a big local impact on adapting to a changing climate.

Key Contacts

1. Reducing emissions from powering our homes

The Warm and Well scheme is managed by the Severn Wye Energy Agency on behalf of the 8 Local Authorities in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.

If householders are in receipt of certain benefits or living in certain areas, they may be eligible to get insulation (solid wall as well as loft and cavity wall insulation) and heating measures installed with a full or at least heavily subsidised grant under the ECO obligation, an obligation set upon the energy companies to provide funding to those who are most vulnerable and in need of help.

For more information view details online at Warm and Well or call their advice line on 0800 500 3076.

The Council has also produced a leaflet that identifies 20 simple steps we can all take in our own to reduce the effects of climate change.

Energy Efficient Living - 20 Easy Steps

The Carbon Trust has also produced a simple guide to reducing the emissions produced by our homes. 

2. Reducing Transport Emissions

The United Nations has produced a simple guide to identifying and reducing our personal transport emissions to reduce the impact on the climate.

3. Using your garden to tackle local climate change

The Royal Horticultural Society’s What can I do about climate change in my garden? guide provide useful tips on tackling the causes and effects of climate breakdown.