Energy Efficiency
Harlow Council recognises the
importance of reducing energy usage in both its own operations and
across the district. We are continually working towards reducing
our own carbon footprint and encourage residents and local
businesses to do the same. The Council's current Carbon Management
Plan covers the period to 2015/16 and includes an carbon
emission reduction target of 25%. Follow this link for more information on the
Council's Carbon Management Plan.
Being energy efficient can save you
money, keep you warm through improved insulation and help you to
reduce your own carbon dioxide emissions which contribute to
climate change.
The Council's Carbon Footprint
(GHG emissions)
The Council has calculated the Greenhouse gases it emits by
recording the energy and fuel used to carry out Council services
(including Kier Harlow and Veolia fleet) and using conversion
factors provided by the Department for Environment, Farming and
Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Follow this link to see the Council's emission
data for 2009 onwards.
Harlow Council’s work on
Energy Efficiency is tied into our Sustainability Strategy,
implemented in 2009. For more details on the Sustainability
Strategy follow this link.
Carbon Footprint for the
town
The district emissions for Harlow
is measured by Department for Energy and Climate Change annually.
Harlow’s carbon emissions per capita are shown in the table below,
these figures include emissions from industry & the commercial
sector, domestic emissions and those from road transport.
|
Region
|
Year
|
Grand
Total
|
Population
('000s, mid-year estimate)
|
Per Capita
Emissions (t)
|
|
Harlow
|
2005
|
583
|
78.0
|
7.5
|
|
|
2006
|
575
|
78.1
|
7.4
|
|
|
2007
|
550
|
78.3
|
7.0
|
| |
2008 |
549 |
79.9 |
6.9 |
Our emissions have been going down
but will only continue to do so if we all act together. Our current
emissions per person are 6.9 tonnes; this amount of carbon
weighs the same as 7 adult giraffes or 70 baby elephants.
Work out your own Carbon
Footprint
Find out what impact you are
having; you can work out your own Carbon Footprint by following
this link to the Government's Personal Carbon
Footprint Calculator.
Saving Energy and Money -
What can I do?
When it comes to minimising impact
on the world, which overlaps with reducing energy bills, there
is a simple order of importance that helps when trying to
decide what to do first:
- reduce the need for energy
- make your use as efficient as possible
- use renewable energy as much as possible
- If fossil fuels have to be used, make it as efficient as
possible
To get you thinking, we have some information and useful
facts on these issues:
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust
Provides lots of information on how to reduce your emissions
through energy efficient measures for your home, travel and
lifestyle. The Council works closely with the Energy Saving Trust
and other local energy carbon reduction bodies. The Energy Saving
Trust are also able to provide advice on reducing waste and water
and put you in touch with relevant funding schemes and local
services. Fore more details go to the Energy Saving
Trust website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.