FAQ's

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, we keep this section updated constantly to ensure you have access to the information you require.

If however, your questions are not answered in this section, please go back to the Contact Us page and send us an email.

Energy Use

How do you define a 'zero carbon' home?
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come directly from the way we use energy in our homes. The UK Government was the first to set legally binding emissions targets for all newly built homes in England and Wales. Their target is for all homes to be ‘carbon neutral’, or ‘zero carbon’ by 2016. A home can be considered ‘zero carbon’ when the emissions it produces throughout the course of a year are offset by the energy saving measures installed.

Making your home ‘zero carbon’ standard is possible through employing a mix of design improvements such as improved air tightness and thermal bridging, energy saving techniques such as the installation of new insulation in the loft and wall cavities and the use of A-rated white goods, and the installation of renewable technologies such as solar panels. It is estimated that implementing just some of the above measures could save you an estimated £300 per year on your energy bills, and will also increase the value of your home should you come to sell it on.

How much of the energy used by this country is currently generated through renewable sources?
The current amount of energy generation in the UK through renewables is relatively low, at around 4.2%. However, the Government are constantly reviewing their position and have set a target of 20% generation by 2020. However, due to an acknowledgement from the Prime Minister that admits that a 60% reduction in emissions by 2050 may not be enough, you could expect the demand to be put on renewables to increase.

I run my own business, are there any carbon calculators SIG Sustainable Solutions recommend I use to estimate the carbon footprint of my business activities?
There are hundreds of carbon calculators available online from various soures. We would recommend that UK businesses adhere to UK government legislation on emissions reduction and would therefore advise that any business seeking information on measuring carbon emissions should read the guide produced by Defra, available at
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/index.htm.

Is there a calculator available that will estimate my emissions from other sources as well as energy use?
For small businesses, SIG Sustainable Solutions would again recommend reading Defra's guide on Environmental Reporting, available here, www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/index.htm. For homeowners, the Act on CO2 Carbon Calculator offers an excellent opportunity to measure emissions as a result of your home, your car journeys and air travel. This can be accessed here: actonco2.direct.gov.uk/index.html.

Should I be worried about global warming?
Global warming has the potential to radically change the way each and every one of us live our lives if it continues unchecked. The only way it will continue unchecked is if we continue to do nothing about it. The process of global warming is the warming of the earth’s atmosphere caused by trapped greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. These trapped, warming atmospheric gases in turn warn the surface of the earth and cause climate change. Every action, however small, such as some of those suggested on this website will help reduce the release of greenhouse gases and therefore help to reduce the threat of climate change.

What are the most effective methods of saving energy in my home?
The ten most effective methods for making your home more energy efficient are listed below. Remember; even if you just do a few of these you can still potentially make savings of up to £300 a year off your electricity bills.

1. Insulate your cavity walls. Installing cavity wall insulation is far cheaper than the installation of renewables such as solar panels, and has a shorter payback period. This means that installing cavity wall and loft insulation could bring you instant savings of up to £160 per year.
2. Check your boiler. Boilers over 15 years old will be highly unreliable and costing you money on energy that goes to waste. The best solution is to replace your existing boiler with a new energy efficient one, meaning not only will your homes be reducing its energy consumption, but you could be saving around a third on your heating bills.
3. Use your freezer efficiently. Ensure you don't leave the door open longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot food into the fridge, defrost the freezer regularly and check the door seals are working properly.
4. Buy energy efficient appliances. When buying a new electrical good for your home, nowadays there is no excuse not to go for an energy efficient appliance. All kitchen goods, TV’s, DVD players right down to light bulbs now have energy efficient ranges which will reduce your electricity bills as well as reducing your energy usage.
5. Insulate your hot water tank. Insulating jackets for hot water tanks cost a few pounds but the benefits will be seen in just a few months when your heating bills are reduced. Best estimates are that a properly insulated hot water tank could reduce your bills by up to £20 a year.
6. Use your curtains. Once winter begins to set in, close your curtains at dusk to reduce heat loss through your windows and keep your home warm.
7. Install energy efficient light bulbs. Costing as little as £3.50, energy efficient light bulbs last up to 12 times longer and for each bulb you fit, you can save up to £9 on your annual electricity bill.
8. Exclude draughts. Seal up gaps under skirting boards with beading or mastic sealant to further prevent heat loss, potentially saving up to £20 off your bills every year.
9. Cut heat loss through double glazing. Installing double glazed windows has the potential to save you up to £100 per year on your heating bills.
10. Carry out a home energy check. A new Government requirement means all homes on the market must have an energy performance certificate as part of their home information packs. Having your home surveyed by an energy-saving professional before completing a HIP will allow you to make changes which will make your home more energy efficient, decrease your bills and increase the value of your property.

What difference does energy saving in one home make to climate change?
Scientists are united in agreement that climate change is happening, and that everyone has a part to play in the reduction of harmful emissions. Figures suggest that collectively, UK homes emit around 27% of our carbon emissions yearly, more than both industry and transport. If every individual home took just one step to bringing down their emissions, whether it be through recycling food packaging or installing a solar panel system, we could dramatically reduce the percentage total housing accounts for in emissions and help reduce the threat of climate change.