a little more personal

I have been reading up on what you are supposed to put on a blog, how to encourage comments on your writing etc and have got to admit I am confused so I am just going to carry on regardless and hope that people like it. I would love to see comments and I would love to have "followers" but I am new at this and if some of the energy advice/news I put up on here and then comment about helps someone then thats enough for me. For this post I thought I would put up something alittle more personal than energy related issues.

Its very quiet work wise at the moment, too quiet for me with Christmas looming it is an expensive time of year and I'd love some more work in so that I can have a really nice Christmas with my family. There are several reasons why Christmas is very important to me this year - all 3 of the children now understand what presents are and it is going to be incredible watching them open them, my husband is due to be at home on leave so we will get to spend some real family time together and to hopefully make it a better Christmas than we had last year.

In November of 2009 my mother in law was diagnosed with cancer. A week later she had the full diagnosis - it was small cell lung cancer with secondarys to the brain and liver. She was living alone in a bungalow at this time and wanted to come home from the hospital so that visitors could come to see her with ease. The following weeks with trying to organise care for her in her home and ending up doing alot of the caring myself, and watching a very strong, independant woman waste away were horrific. She died on the 27th of December, 4 weeks after getting her full diagnosis and a day after her birthday. I can only hope that where ever she is now that she is happy and that is pleased that we followed her wishes to the letter.

So after the Christmas we had last year we want to make some happier memories this year.

Low cost ways to be more energy efficient and cut your energy bills

Curtains

• At night, pull the curtains to stop heat being lost through the windows Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
  Savings: around £15 per year
• Take care not to drape curtains over radiators as this will funnel heat straight out of the windows

Heating

• If you are too warm, turn the thermostat down by 1degree C: this can cut up you 10% off your fuel bills If you are away for a few days then leave the thermostat on a low setting to provide protection from freezing without costing too much.
  Saving: around £15-£30 per year.
• You can also save on running costs by heating your home for an hour less each day
• Never cover the air flow vents on electric heaters

Water

• Remember not to set the thermostat too high on your water heater; 60°C/140°F is usually adequate for bathing and washing
• Use a shower if you have one and you'll save time, money and water
• Remember to put the plug in your basin or sink - leaving hot water taps running is both wasteful and expensive
• If you have a dripping tap ensure it is repaired quickly. In just one week, you could waste enough hot water to fill a bath

Lights

• Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room for long periods. If you use a light for an average of four hours or more a day, fit an energy-saving light bulb. It will use around a quarter of the electricity, and will last eight times longer than an ordinary bulb. Cost: around £5-£12
  Saving: around £10 per year

Television and stereo

• Switch off your TV, video and stereo at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60% of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on.

Fridges and Freezers

• Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently
• Don't put hot or warm food straight into the fridge - let it cool down first
• Where possible, position your fridge or freezer away from cookers or heaters

Washing machines

• Where possible wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine
• Alternatively, use the half-load or economy programme if your machine has one

Dishwashers

• If you have a dishwasher use the low-temperature programme unless you have very dirty dishes

Cooking

Here are some ways to save energy when you cook:

• Use the right size pan for the food and cooker hob
• Keep saucepan lids on - this enables you to turn down the heat
• Don't use more water than you need
• Use a kettle to boil water for cooking
• Use a toaster rather than the grill to make toast
• Avoid over-filling the kettle for just one drink but be sure to cover the element

Low cost tips

Low energy light bulbs

• Use low energy light bulbs wherever you can as they use less than a quarter of the electricity used by ordinary light bulbs and can last up to 15 times longer!

Hot water cylinder jacket

• Putting a lagging jacket around your hot water tank and insulating hot water pipes can pay for itself in a few months and go on saving you money for years to come
• Always choose a British Standard jacket. An insulating jacket for your hot water tank costs only a few pounds, and will pay for itself within months. Fit one that is at least 3" thick and make sure a British Standard jacket is used. Costs: around £10
  Saving: around £20 per year

Draft Proofing

• Put draught strips around windows and outside doors and fit a flap across the letter-box.    Stop draughts and heat escaping by filling gaps under skirting boards, with newspaper, beading or mastic sealant.
  Cost: around £10.
  Saving: around £10 per year

Windows

Make sure your windows are insulated and draught proofed. A low-cost, short term alternative to double glazing is to tape polythene across window frames. You can use ordinary cling film or you can buy special products from D.I.Y. stores.
Costs: around £10
Saving: around £25 per year

There are alot of little tips above that will really help keep your home warmer and save you money and energy.
This website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018661
has all the details under the Warm Front Scheme as to what grants are available to help with your heating and insulation. The Warm Front Scheme installs insulation and heating measures to make your home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. You can only apply for a grant from the Warm Front Scheme if you live in England. Should you qualify, you will be eligible for heating and insulation measures up to the value of £3,500, or £6,000 where oil central heating and other alternative technologies are recommended.

New common sense code to build greener homes

Grant Shapps outlines local approach to delivering zero carbon homes from 2016

Published	27 July 2010

Councils and developers could be given much more flexibility to meet ambitious eco-standards to ensure all new homes are zero carbon from 2016, Housing Minister Grant Shapps said today.
It comes as part of the Coalition Government's ambition for an eco-friendly economy and to become the greenest government ever.
The Minister has said he will look at ways builders could make payments to fund community energy projects, such as wind farms and district heating schemes, to meet their obligations to reduce carbon emissions from new homes - this could give developers and councils more freedom and flexibility to decide how to meet their zero-carbon obligations.
Minimum standards for energy efficiency measures such as cavity wall insulation will also be set through future revisions to building regulations. These will be based on those revisions outlined in a recent consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes, which set key benchmarks for the sustainability of new homes.
Mr Shapps also confirmed the allocation of £600,000 to the Zero Carbon Hub to continue its work this year. The Hub has also been tasked with testing new benchmarks for carbon emission reductions.
Grant Shapps said:

"This is about meeting tough environmental standards, but not dictating how every home should be built. Councils and developers together are in the best position to decide how best to meet these standards, so we are looking at giving them the flexibility and a range of options to do this.
"We are committed to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016, and have the right mix of measures in place.
"First and foremost a zero carbon home must use as little energy as possible, which is why I will shortly announce a minimum standard for key energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation.
"And to ensure the benchmark for carbon emission reductions is both ambitious and achievable, I look forward to seeing the results of tests the Zero Carbon Hub will conduct over the next few months."

The full Written Ministerial Statement 'Zero Carbon-Homes' is available here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100727/wmstext/100727m0001.htm#10072727000016 (external link

Thought I would put this up here so that everyone can see what the UK are up to with zero carbon homes, I do like how Grant states he is going to "annouce a minimum standard for KEY energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation"

In light of just how cold it is getting it may be worthwhile for everyone to be thinking of updating their loft and cavity wall insulation - there are countless grants available at the moment and you will really feel the benefit. The energy saving trust has a helpline if you need advice on what grants may be available to you -0800 512 012.

Grant Shapps: New common sense code to build greener homes

Published	11 November 2010

Housing Minister Grant Shapps today published an improved green rating for new homes that will help deliver the next generation of green properties, which are built to the highest standards of sustainable design, and could reduce future utility bills by up to £2,250 a year in the most energy efficient homes.
The Code for Sustainable Homes was introduced in April 2007 as a standard to improve the overall sustainability of new homes. The Code scores against a star rating system, using one to six stars depending on how the property performs against categories such as energy use, waste, materials and water.
Mr Shapps said the Code has been updated to take into account the tougher new rules for energy efficiency in buildings, and help developers make new homes greener without getting bogged down in unnecessary 'gold plated' design features.
The Code, which has been updated after an extensive consultation with housebuilders and industry experts, will also make it easier for consumers and homeowners who want to grade the standard of their properties.
Grant Shapps said:

"Over a quarter of the country's carbon emissions come from our homes, and if we're serious about tackling climate change we need to reduce this. So I welcome these changes to the Code that bring it in line with the tough new rules for energy efficiency in the Building Regulations.
"We need greener homes, but I also want to make it easier to build the homes this country needs. Good building standards can only be effective if they are easy to understand, and only applied where they are appropriate. That's why the Code has been updated to iron out problems that have arisen over time, and streamlined so building standards can be used in a sensible way that suits the local situation.
"It's important house builders meet the standards local communities demand, but I'm determined to simplify the complicated processes they have to go through to achieve this. That's why I've pledged to tackle the 'alphabet soup' of standards and red tape that blight efforts to start new developments, and I will be working with industry to get this done."

The Code is rated from one to six, one being the entry level - above the level of the standard, mandatory Building Regulations - and six as highest, reflecting outstanding sustainable development.

In the first three years, nearly 8,000 homes have been completed to Code level standards. Ministers believe this figure is too low, partly because the current Code is too complicated and bureaucratic. The updated version will be a first step towards making it is easier for developers to deliver more green homes. The new Code's green rating system has been improved by:

• Aligning the Code with the latest developments in building regulations - it will now take into account, and in some cases go beyond, the tougher new Building Regulations to reduce carbon emissions from buildings. For example, a Code level 4 home will now be 25 per cent above this minimum standard. The new Code will also strongly incentivise the introduction of 'fabric energy efficiency standards', so developers can use building materials and techniques that improve the energy efficiency of new homes.
• Streamlining the Code and associated processes - to ensure that the Code is focused on the issues of greatest significance, instead of including unnecessary standards that duplicate existing regulations or create difficulties for developers. For example, there is now an exemption from the 'lifetime homes' standards for sites where it is too steep to apply, and the mandatory requirement for site waste management plans has been removed since it is required by other regulations.
• Resolving problems that have arisen in use of the Code - for example, clarifying parts of the Code that set standards for reducing the risk of flooding. Clear surface water management standards have now been set, enabling developers to understand exactly what is required.

The new Code will have key role in helping people cut their carbon emissions and lead more sustainable lifestyles. The standards reflect the future goals for zero carbon homes and include measures for reducing energy consumption, minimising and recycling waste, reducing potable water demand, reducing the risk and impact of flooding, reducing carbon intensive travel by providing cycle storage as well as promoting facilities for working at home. It encourages a reduction in energy through the choice of building materials as well as the energy used during the construction.

This is fantastic news, its amazing to see that over 25% of our emmissions are coming from homes and that these new greener homes could save up to £2250 on energy bills which is brilliant and definately an incentive for people to go green and become more energy efficient.

Other countries continued....

New Zealand.
By 2015 the Government expects to have supported the insulation and clean heating of more than 200,000 homes through the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme.
The programme provides an incentive for homeowners to leverage further private investment by banks, finance companies, local authorities and energy companies.
The Government acknowledges the role of clean and efficient space and water heating systems in reducing consumer energy costs and improving air quality.
The Building Code sets standards for the installation of insulation and renewable energy features such as solar hot water heating in homes. Recent changes are expected to deliver ongoing energy savings. As new technologies and building practices emerge, further incremental improvements will be required to ensure the Code and relevant standards keep pace.
In addition, the Government will work with industry to identify and develop a range of market measures targeting the energy productivity of New Zealand's homes.
Energy rating tools for homes, which provide purchasers and prospective tenants with credible information on energy performance, is one area where the Government is currently supporting industry in developing innovative voluntary solutions.

Following this link - http://www.eeca.govt.nz/node/3107 takes you to the clear and easy to understand website. The positive way New Zealand are promoting this is brilliant - "It started on 1 July 2009, and aims to retrofit more than 188,500 New Zealand homes over the next four years. It's run by EECA and replaces existing EECA home insulation programmes.Better insulation means our homes are warmer, cosier, and easier to heat. Warmer, drier homes bring health benefits, especially for those with respiratory illness or other conditions derived from living in cold and damp houses"

Canada:
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/english/ yet another brilliant website. I am getting a little jealous, whenever I look at the UKs direct gov website I get a little bored but this website, New Zealands and Swedens are easy to read and understand and promote energy efficency in a very good way.

Conserve energy and you can save money and help to make our environment healthier. Take advantage of the new ecoENERGY Efficiency Initiative to reduce energy use in buildings and houses, industry, personal vehicles and fleets. Homeowners and owners of small and medium-sized organizations can also apply for financial assistance from ecoENERGY Retrofit, as well as other grants and financial incentives.

I have gone on to read through the website, the faq site is very helpful and very encouraging towards saving energy, lots of information about available grants (UK government take note please!)

Normal jitters

I have woken up this morning and am having my monthly worry about work loads - its quiet, too quiet - can I afford to continue with the job that I adore????

Since becoming self employed in January of 2008 I regularly panic about my workload, after all I have 3 children, 4 dogs and bills to pay, I need to make sure that my money is coming in. But this is a job I truly believe in, I love doing and it gives me time to spend with my children so what do you do? I make sure that my turnaround is within 24hours whenever possible and do my best to give good customer service and make sure that I am professional at all times so that I retain my existing clients which I consider essential.

The only part of my job I am not so keen on is chasing invoices - I hate it to be honest. I have only not been paid once and given the fact that I have been in business for nearly 3 years and only have one unpaid invoice thats not bad going! But when is too early to chase invoices and what is the polite way to do it? But as I said I am very lucky with my clients, they all pay on time (if not early) and are brilliant in that regard.

But what does get me at the moment is these facts:
1. Training providers are still advertising training courses for DEAs, "earn between 25,000 -30,000 a year" - thats simply not possible in the current climate. There are alot of DEAs that sunk retirement/redundancy/loans etc into training with training providers that promised them the moon, stars and sun and they have had to return back to previous methods of employment because the work simply isn't there and yet the training providers are still out there taking money off people.
2. Where is the unity with DEAs? There are several groups/organisations that are trying very hard to band DEAs together (I was involved with one of them) so that the self employed DEA can work together for better prices and better promotion but there isn't enough DEAs joining the groups.
3. Middlemen - there are too many firms out there offering cut price/ reverse auction EPCs to the general public but who pay the DEA a pittance. It isn't good for the industry, isn't professional and doesn't do any good for the pockets of the DEA.

There we go rant over for the morning, better go and do the school run x

Admiration

Who do you admire? Margaret Thatcher, Cheryl Cole, Wayne Rooney, Barack Obama?

Although I do think alot of famous people are good the people I tend to admire are alot closer to home - my friends and family. It would take me less than 5 seconds to think of 10 people who I admire because of the amount of work they have put in to achieve a dream against all the odds, less than 5 seconds to think of 5 people who have overcome illness and personal tragedy to triumph and the list goes on. I am exceptionally lucky to have people in my life that I can look up to and who give me the push to carry on regardless and to try harder if and when (I am only human) I fail.

So I suppose the question is do we admire the human race and earth with all its life forms enough to protect it? To do "our bit" and save some energy? Or are we going to rely on other people, constantly hoping that someone else will do enough to counteract the fact that we have done nothing?

I firmly believe in the old saying of practise what you preach - thats why my computer/tv etc get switched off - not left on standby, that my loft is insulated to over 300mm, I have a good combi condensing boiler and that I walk when ever possible rather than using the car. There are lots of little tiny things that we can ALL do to save some energy (and money) that won't take long, won't cost much but will really make a difference in the long run.

Its never too early

I have a fairly busy life, no busier than any other working mothers life but with 3 kids and work and then all the other little bits that come into it - housework, taking care of the dogs, washing, school/playschool run, organising childcare etc it can get pretty hectic. Thats why I am devoted to my diary - everything that needs to be done gets put down and ticked off once its done (allows me to feel smug when I've done everything).

Today I have managed to get all the christmas presents either ordered online or bought. I have my list of who is getting what and its a nice feeling especially as I hate the shops in December. But is it too soon?

I don't think it is, it pays to be organised nowadays and it will free up time that I would have spent battling my way through other panicing shoppers in December, queuing up for the till, getting rammed by pushchairs and stretching my arms dragging bags and annoyed kids round the shops.

There are other things that can never be done too early - teaching your children about how to save energy, just little simple things like turning off the tv completely instead of leaving it on standby, switching off the lights when you leave a room and insulating your house to a good standard - the people who got the grants and got cavity wall/loft insulation in spring and summer 2010 will now be starting to feel the benefit they won't get such large bills over the next quarter and will be able to save energy and money.

So in the spirit of starting early - I wish everyone a very merry christmas and a happy new year :),

One of the largest landlords?

Private landlords in the UK are expected to keep their properties to a certain standard and to provide an EPC to tenants.

But what about one of the largest "landlords" within the UK - the M.O.D? The MOD own thousands of houses (it was reported by the Daily Mail that they have 2,400 sitting empty) and thousands of armed forces families living in these houses, are the MOD providing EPCs for these properties?

Surely with the EU directive it would be essential to have these properties kept to a good standard and insulated correctly to save energy, carbon footprint of a base and to save on fuel bills for the families of serving personell?

Admittedly it would take a while to provide EPCs for the entire stock of houses that the MOD currently owns but I do think it is something that should happen. After all the MOD are technically landlords in this situation.

Winter is coming

I have been out today to carry out some EPCs and I am so cold!

Everyone is now starting to put their heating on and wrap up warmly as the tempretures start to plummet in preparation for Winter 2010, which according to the weather predictions is going to be a cold one.

If we are wrapping ourselves and our children up why aren't we wrapping our homes up? The credit crunch is still lingering and people are tight for money (even more so with less than 10 weeks till Christmas) so why not look at how to reduce those heating bills during the coming months?

A few simple and very effective things to do are:
1. How is the hot water cylinder insulated? if its just a jacket get an extra one round it.
2. How much insulation is in your loft? Insulating the loft to 300mm will reduce the heating loss.
3. See what grants/free installations are available in your area for cavity wall insulation.
4. Low energy lightbulbs.

Homeowners are the first to see and feel the benefit of correctly insulating their homes and being able to save that extra money and energy has got to be an early christmas present.