Finding sustainable sources of energy has become a major focus in our lives. This subject is also a major political topic and scientists are constantly reminding us of the seriousness of the situation facing our world.
Green energy has been an option with most of the energy suppliers for some years, however there is still too much reliance on fossil fuels. So, moving to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, air source and wave) is something both governments and individuals should be doing.
Very often the most advantageous installation is a combination of renewables. For example solar and battery for electricity coupled with a heat pump for hot water.
Off-grid living is also growing in popularity. It will not suit everyone, but may be worth considering especially if building a new property.
Take action
There are 60 ideas of things you can do, 30 on nature and 30 on carbon reduction.
Here are the 30 ideas on nature, which have been called 30 for 30 – to encourage taking actions between now and 2030.
Many organisations are supporting the transition to 30% of land area being positively managed for nature by 2030. There are many actions (policies at all levels, technologies, business actions) that can only be changed by large organisations, but here are things that we can do.
Some of these actions focus on making connections with nature, thus establishing a foundation for action and care. Each action is scored for its impact on nature, species and habitats. Four key side-effects are also featured: how nature affects your health, well-being and longevity; how it reduces carbon emissions; how it cuts your household costs; and how it increases togetherness.
Above are suggestions for helping nature recovery as we move towards 2030. Here are 30 personal behaviours that can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar
Solar energy has become the most common source of energy for individual properties. There is the choice of solar thermal, which heats hot water; and photovoltaic (PV), which generates electricity.
Solar thermal is no longer as common as PV, but it can heat the domestic hot water that can then be stored and used throughout the day.
Photovoltaic panels generate electricity which then has to pass through an inverter, so that it can be used within the property. However, without battery storage, it does limit the usefulness because the electricity is only generated when the sun is out. Coupled with battery storage can significantly reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the national grid. Surplus electricity generated from solar can be sold to the grid.
You can find local installers on the Renewable Energy Hub website, using the button below.
Wind
The most common wind power installations in the country are the large on-shore and off-shore turbines. However, individual dwellings can install wind turbines. There are various types of small turbine for domestic use. Depending on the location of the house, they can be useful in generating more electricity. A domestic wind turbine can benefit from the Feed in Tariff, provided the installer can provide a Microgeneration Certificate. A domestic turbine on its own will probably not supply all the electricity that you need and it will require maintenance. It is probably better considered alongside other green technologies, such as solar, because it can fill the gap when the sun is not out.
You can find local installers on the Renewable Energy Hub website, using the button below.
Heat pumps
Geothermal energy can be harvested using ground source heat pumps. These can either be in the form of a vertical shaft or a network of pipes laid just below the ground. They heat water in a storage tank, which can then heat the home. They work best with underfloor heating, but can be used with radiators. If underfloor heating is not possible, then it is likely that the existing radiators would need to be increased in size.
Air source heat pumps work in a similar way. However, they take the heat out of the air rather than out of the ground. As with ground source, they work most effectively with underfloor heating.
Both types of heat pump need a hot water storage tank and also may require bigger, or more radiators.
You can find local installers on the Renewable Energy Hub website, using the button below.
Hydroelectricity
Much of the electricity around the world is produced from the power of water. In some countries that is from wave power, in others it is from hydro schemes. Whilst these are not normally appropriate for an individual property, water is a valid renewable source. Although wave power has potential benefits it is not as widely used as it could be.
However, there are micro-hydro turbines that are sometimes installed to serve just one property, or a group of properties. These are not common, but may be an option for some people. As with other forms of energy generation, the electricity generated can be sold to the National Grid.
You can find local installers on the Renewable Energy Hub website, using the button below.
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