On the way to Clean Energy in the Home

19/04/2022

As the UK focuses its ambitions to reach net-zero by 2050, government agencies and private companies are strategising their way towards a more sustainable future.

Although business are a big part of the solution, so are individuals. But what can be changed at home to help push us towards this green goal? How can our homes become more sustainable? Were you aware that UK homes produce around 19 per cent of the nation’s total emissions.

In this article, we take a look at how the domestic energy use can be reduced and improved, using alternative fuels and conservation techniques as the route to clean energy in the home.

Analysing the energy we use

According to the Committee on Climate Change, in 1990 households produced an equivalent of 12.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide, where home heating accounted for 27 per cent of emissions. To achieve the nationwide target of an 80 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide by 2030, households must only produce 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is a reduction of 65 per cent compared to 1990. This is quite a big jump – however, home heating emissions are not falling as rapidly as other household consumptions.

What are the solutions? What can be done to further decrease home heating emissions? For 1.1 million homes in the UK, domestic heating oil is used to keep homes warm – this is a sizeable figure and you’re likely to find these homes in rural and off-grid areas. However, may people aren’t aware that oil heating can have a significant environmental impact.

For example, oil emits 20% more CO₂ than the most common alternative option, LPG, which is actually recognised as a more efficient and affordable solution than oil to reduce the environmental impact of home energy. For many rural homes, the answer is fairly straightforward – an oil to liquid gas conversion can help reduce emissions. Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) actually has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any conventional off-grid fossil fuel.

The energy we save

Finding suitable fuel alternatives to heat our homes is a key aspect to reducing our environmental impact. But, in addition, we also need to consider how we can save energy to boost our sustainable standing. For example, you can do more than just stick on another sweatshirt instead of popping the heating on. In fact, some simple home improvements can help you save energy and money.

A waste water heat recovery system (WWHRS) can help you to preserve some energy in your house that would otherwise go to waste. Do you enjoy a nice hot shower? Well, why should we let all the energy stored in the water go down the drain? A WWHRS extracts about 60 per cent of the heat from waste water, reducing the work of your boiler to heat your home.

Even something as simple as insulation in your home can massively reduce heat and energy waste. Consider where heat can escape – floors, doors, windows, and walls are all culprits. Using insulation around your house, under floorboards, and in the loft can help reduce wasted heat. Around one-third of home heating is lost through uninsulated walls. Insulation is a great way to save you money and lower your environmental impact.

As our homes become smarter, so can our energy consumption. With the introduction of smart thermostats, a homeowner can control their energy usage from their smartphone, no matter how far away they are from their home. This means that users can delay their heating coming on if they are going to be late back, for example, reducing how much energy is wasted in the long run. Plus, some smart thermostats can detect potential energy-wasting issues, such as draughts, meaning these can be addressed to further boost energy efficiency. Likewise, high bay lighting can help save energy either in your home or commercial spaces.

We all need to do our bit to help the world become a more environmentally friendly place. This journey starts at home. As energy consumption dominates UK emissions, we must do more to help reduce our environmental impact. Reducing our energy consumption and emissions through using cleaner fuels or efficient energy-saving installations will help massively.