Climate change is real, it’s important and it affects us all.
The average temperature of the earth is increasing and we are all aware of the concerns of climate change on the environment.
The main human influence on global climate is emissions of the key greenhouse gases, including CO2. 8.6 billion tonnes of CO2 is emitted annually, and the concentration of the gases has reached unprecedented levels.
- The government is committed to a challenging but achievable target of reducing emissions by 20%.
- UK homes account for 30% of the UK's energy consumption.
- Saving energy reduces your emissions and in turn saves you money.
- Simple things can help us achieve our target: it could be as simple as switching off a light – one fifth of your household energy comes from lights and appliances.
Save money
The facts
- Our electricity consumption has increased by almost 50% over the last decade.
- Household gas consumption is falling which is great news.
- 4 out of 5 of us continue to use too much energy by having an uninsulated loft.
(Source: Energy Savings Trust)
Saving the environment is also good for your pocket. For example did you know that nearly 50% of the heat lost from an average house is through loft space and walls?
Here are some things that might surprise you.
- Turn the plugs off for your kitchen appliances, like microwaves and you could save money.
- A rated appliances are no longer the best, there’s now A++ - a new fridge freezer could save you up to £45/year.
- Still the best thing you could do is fully insulate your loft – it could save you around £110/year.
Save the environment
The facts
- The UK has 1% of the world’s population yet produces 2.3% of its CO2.
- Four of the five warmest years ever recorded were in the 1990s.
(Source: BBC Weather Centre)
If all UK households saved 20% of their energy around home it would be the equivalent of taking around 8 million cars off the road or removing around 750,000 one way short haul flights/year.
If everyone in the UK installed one energy saving light bulb, it would be the equivalent of planting 10 million new trees.
Why is British Gas helping you save energy?
What are we doing to help you save energy and the environment?
- We have the lowest carbon emissions of any major energy supplier in Great Britain
- We are investing over £750m to bring you greener electricity
- We are helping with advice – last year 1.5m Energy Savers Reports were completed
- Last year we subsidised over 3 million customers to make their homes more energy efficient.
Top energy saving areas
Most efficient area: Kingston upon Hull
Check out the Energy Map
Top energy saving ideas
Many of the most practical ideas for saving energy come from householders like you. Here are our members’ five most popular tips: