Change your energy use

Energy used in buildings accounted for around 20% of total UK emissions in 2022. Reducing your household energy use by switching to a renewable energy supplier or purchasing a heat pump will help cut down.

There is an urgent need for the UK Government to get the UK off fossil fuels and help UK households and businesses to switch to renewable energy sources.

The Wildlife Trusts advocate and campaign for this change, but in the meantime, there are small (and big) things you can do to reduce your energy use emissions:

Improve your home's energy efficiency

Our homes leak a lot of heat so it's worth seeing what you can do to be more energy efficient. You can buy draught-proofing strips for windows, add brushes to the bottom of doors and ensure your loft and wall insulation is up to scratch.

You can also reduce drafts from chimneys and floorboards. The Energy Saving Trust guide is a great place to start. However, make sure you also have enough ventilation to ensure good air quality and cooling in summer. Switching to double glazing will also improve your home's energy efficiency.

Turn the heating down

Helping save energy - and money too! A Uswitch survey found that a household can save up to £80 a year by turning the heating down just one degree. And that means saving the planet around 300kg of carbon dioxide. So make sure your heating is turned down or off when you're not in, and invest in some toasty knitwear over winter.

Switch to a renewable energy supplier

Not only is green energy better for the planet, it can also save you money. Green energy is usually generated by wind power and solar. When you move to a green supplier the energy coming into your house will not change. Instead you are enabling your supplier to purchase enough renewable energy to cover what your home uses. Compare different tariffs and look for terms such as 'renewable electricity' and 'renewable gas'.

When it's time to replace your boiler... get a heat pump instead

Most boilers heat our homes with natural gas, which produces carbon dioxide when it is burned. One alternative is using a heat pump. Heat pumps absorb heat from the outside to heat up your home. They work in cold weather and some even provide cooling in the summer! They need electricity to run but their heat output is greater than their electricity input - making them very energy efficient.

Invest in solar panels

Installing solar panels on your home is a big investment but you’ll see the return. Not only do they generate clean energy, but you can save hundreds on your bills each year and in some cases get paid for any excess energy your panels generate. Solar panels need to be predominantly on south-facing, unshaded roofs with a fair bit of space. Diagonal roofs catch the most rays and, ideally, you want to check your roof is in good condition before you start.