When explaining what climate change means we spoke about the greenhouse effect, the warming of the atmosphere caused by releasing of greenhouse gases from activities such as burning fossil fuels. Well, central heating, boilers and ovens which burn fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) are the types of things we’re talking about. 21.2% of the island’s greenhouse gas emissions came from our homes in 2018.

Our electricity in Jersey comes from nuclear and hydro sources in France and so it is very low carbon.   Although there are other good reasons to reduce the amount of electricity you use, the biggest difference you can make to your carbon footprint is reducing your oil and gas use at home.

There are simple ways of having a positive impact on climate change in our homes. An easy one is to reduce the amount of heating we need. Many of us will have been told by a parent or relative that ‘putting a jumper on’ is preferable to cranking up your thermostat which, of course, it is but if you make sure that your house is well insulated, you’ll be a lot more comfortable when you don’t have the heating on!

You could also consider switching to a more efficient heat source or a lower carbon fuel.   This could be through new technology such as heat pumps, through generating renewable energy yourself or using electricity to generate the heat (as our electricity comes from low carbon sources).

There are obviously positive benefits for the environment – less need to burn fossil fuels and therefore less greenhouse gas emissions produced. But there are other benefits too, money saving being the main one.  Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can see you reduce the cost of your heating bill by 10%.  Loft insulation can save you from £135 – 250 depending on house type¹  and draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you around £20 a year^2.

If you’re not sure where to start, then you can apply for a free Home Energy Audit and an assessor will come to your house and produce a report to show you the ways that you could save money and reduce your heating demand.

But you can also tell us what you think can be done.

What do you do to save energy? Tell us how you’d like to save energy?  Tell us what makes it hard for you to save energy? Tell us about the easiest thing you ever did to save energy? Tell us what you’d like the Government to do to help you save energy?

If you’ve got something to say then join the conversation.