Cancun 29/11 - 10/12

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20101116/tsc-environment-us-climate-cancun-011ccfa.html

"Countries have realized since Copenhagen that there is no one big solution," Christiana Figueres, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, said of the U.N.-led talks in Mexico's Caribbean beach resort of Cancun from November 29 until December 10. "We need to take the process one step forward," she said.
"Everything tells me that there is a deal to be done," she said of negotiations to slow a creeping rise in global temperatures that the U.N. panel of climate scientists says will bring ever more floods, droughts, heat waves and rising sea levels." But even a limited deal at Cancun -- where only environment ministers will meet rather than world leaders who went to Copenhagen -- is a tall order after a year of bickering between China and the United States, the top greenhouse gas emitters.
Each says the other should do more, taking the focus off other nations' inaction at a time when budgets in developed nations are tight and opinion polls show many people are far more worried by high unemployment."China and the United States being stuck in a deadlock is a very comfortable mode of failure for everyone involved," said Shane Tomlinson, director of development at the E3G climate think-tank in London."

Looks like its going to be a very interesting December with that meeting coming up. There has to be a global decision on how to best save energy and make a difference to climate change. There are alot of tools available now - wind farms, solar power etc and if everyone can work together and ignore their egos during the meeting then hopefully the entire world will benefit.

Game time

I have just found out that a new game is coming and for once its actually one that I want (I normally steer well clear of computer games).

The game is called "Fate of the World" and allows you  to protect the world's climate and resources while managing a growing population demanding more power, food and living space, you basically run the World for 200 years and its fate is in your hands - you can either save it or destroy it.

"Gamers see the impact of their decisions: orangutans are saved from extinction, global temperatures drop by a degree; however, bad moves could see Europe battered by floods, or Africa ravaged by war.
"Even if they choose to destroy the world, they still learn more about the subject," said Rowlands, the 35-year-old head of video games developer Red Redemption, which employs 15 people at its base in Oxford, southern England. The game was based on scientific, economic and demographic data from sources such as NASA, the United Nations and Oxford University. "Fate of the World" was developed in partnership with academics working under Oxford University climate change expert Doctor Myles Allen.
The game "allows people to experience the decisions we are likely to confront and makes clear there are no easy answers", Allen said."

I am going to have a little go on the already released taster version very soon and will let you know what I think. It is a good way of introducing climate change, the global community and showing how every small thing can affect the world in a fun, light way for people - anything that promotes the problem and how we all need to work together has got to be a good thing.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20101115/tsc-save-the-world-from-climate-change-b-c6db719.html

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.

Leaving it.........

As a normal person in a relationship I often see how long it will take my husband to do something when I just leave it - like the hoovering(during the week I hoover downstairs every day) or putting away the clothes. Its my own personal little experiment.
Nine times out of ten I end up getting annoyed and just doing it myself. My husbands answer to this is "if you don't tell me I don't know it needs doing".

So rough translation he needs an incentive to get him to do things.............you do half the housework etc and I am not so tired and won't fall asleep 30 minutes after the kids have gone to bed. That works fine, once he knew this he does now do the hoovering and help out more.

The same can be said of energy saving. There are so many people who want to save energy, who understand why we need to save energy and take the necessary steps - some of them small (walking to work twice a week, doing a car pool for taking the kids to school, low energy lightbulbs) and some of them larger (pv panels, solar panels, new boiler) BUT there are other people who need an incentive.

I feel the Americans are going about this the right way with the "granite counter" approach to home energy efficiency. They are making energy efficiency in homes a desirable and saleable item. Its an incentive that earns you money, will help sell your home and sssh save energy! Without an incentive alot of people will just leave saving energy to others but unless the majority of the world jump on board the saving energy bandwagon its going to be increasingly difficult to save energy.

Other countries (again).........

Israel:

On November 30th 2010, Bait Venoy, together with the Israeli Green Building Council, will host a convention dedicated to "Green Building - Technologies, Methods and Applications". The convention will discuss new disciplines in building, with a strong focus on environmental building standards and regulations in Israel and around the world. The convention will address the distinct values of those standards and their important contribution to improving the quality of the environment in and around building projects as well as the quality-of-life standards for the individuals in the communities.
The convention will include a professional exhibition and present cutting-edge projects and technologies from around the world.
Israel’s standard 5281 for buildings with minimal environmental impact addresses four main areas: energy, water savings, land, and various ecological issues. The Intel building meets the Israeli standard at the “Outstanding Green Building” level. The Israeli standard is slated to undergo major revisions, and Erdan said at the ceremony that he would be working closely with the Standards Institute of Israel to ensure that the standard conformed more closely to international levels.http://www.iisbeisrael.org/eng_about_us.htm - very good website.


Denmark:

Energy use by households usually accounts for not only a large share of a country’s total energy consumption, but often also a significant share of energy wasted. Reducing this wastage could make an important contribution to tackling climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. Against the background of needless energy waste and climate change linked to rising atmospheric CO2 levels, the need for improved energy efficiency has swung into focus on the global agenda.

Energy saving
In Denmark, prevention of energy waste in households has long been a focus area, and successive governments have introduced a range of energy saving policy initiatives together with building regulations designed to help householders reduce energy consumption (and thus energy bills) and minimise the environmental impact

A tightened building code, including stipulations on insulation and tighter-sealing doors and windows lowered Denmark’s heating bill by 20% between 1975 and 2001, even though 30% more heated floor space was built in that period.
Energy rating
The energy rating of buildings in Denmark developed out of these initiatives, and schemes now in force are seen as an important way to achieve energy savings in buildings – both existing and new.
In the mid-1990s the Danish government began focusing on the energy efficiency of domestic appliances, and introduced both retailer and consumer incentives to encourage their uptake. Today, many appliances sold must carry a label which rates energy efficiency according to a graded scale based on EU rules. Nordic knowledge Being situated in northern latitudes, Denmark is well accustomed to the challenges of relatively cold winters and has developed considerable know-how in building homes that can be heated in highly energy- efficient and cost-saving ways. Not surprisingly, Danish companies can be found among the world leaders in insulation materials for roofs, walls and floors, energy monitoring and thermostat control systems, as well as solar panels, small wind turbines and – looking ahead to a possible future Hydrogen Society – domestic combined heat and power generators driven by zero-CO2 emission fuel cells.
Sustainable solutions
With the increasing demand among the world’s nations for carbon-neutral architecture and building materials, Danish architects and companies are featuring prominently at international trade fairs focusing on sustainable building solutions.
In Denmark, it has since 2005 been possible to buy various types of housing accredited with the Swan-labelled, the environmental symbol introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers to show that the product is a good environmental choice. http://www.denmark.dk/en/menu/Climate-Energy/Fact-Sheets/Energy-Efficiency-Do-You-Realize-The-Potential/

Switzerland:

Was really impressed when I read this (UK eco towns eat your heart out!) -

So far 120 Swiss local authorities have been designated "energy towns" – a sign of consistent and efficient energy policies.All the Swiss local authorities, cities and regions that have been labelled "energy towns" have made it their goal to reduce energy consumption, promote renewable sources, organise environmentally friendly transport and more.Thirty-seven per cent of Swiss live in an energy town and the list of local authorities involved runs from Aadorf to Zurich.The "energy town" label, which is based on a standardised catalogue of possible measures, has existed since 1997, although the concept dates back to the end of the 1980s. In 1993 the concept was formalised in the Federal Energy Office's Energy2000 programme and "energy town" was registered as a brand. Most energy towns are in the urban German-speaking parts of Switzerland. The only energy town in Italian-speaking Ticino is Mendrisio.

As a small country in the middle of Europe, Switzerland's energy policy is aligned with that of its neighbours. Switzerland is part of the western European power grid. In the summer it is able to export electricity, but in winter it generally has to import it. In 2005 for the first time it imported more than it exported.
Energy policy
The two main planks of Swiss energy policy are to promote the use of renewable resources and to encourage efficiency. The government sees this as particularly important in the face of the upcoming liberalisation of the European energy market, which Switzerland cannot avoid. Greater competition is likely to bring down the prices of fossil fuels. This would boost their use yet further, which would have a detrimental effect on the environment, undermining Switzerland's determination to cut its CO2 emissions by 2010 to 90% of its 1990 level.
Consumption
Switzerland's per capita electricity consumption is slightly higher than that of its neighbours, though well below that in Scandinavia, the US and Canada.

Am really fascinated at the moment with what "everyone" else is doing in the realm of energy saving, I started off thinking that the majority of countries were not doing much and I have been really suprised to see what everyone is doing. There are some very good examples now from other countries that we can all learn from.

http://www.celsias.com/actions/ - while I was researching other countries I found this website, lots of little ideas to help save energy and money, if everyone in the world signed up to just one of the ideas available on this website the energy saving would be unbelievable.

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!)

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.