06 Nov how to minimise your carbon footprint in your home.
We often hear the words carbon footprint being used within today’s world, but what actually does this mean?
Carbon footprint involves the direct releases of carbon dioxide emissions producing greenhouse gases from a person’s activity, transport, or their organisation.
351.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted into the atmosphere in 2019. Despite there being an outpour of greenhouse gases, there has been a steady decline in emissions since 2018, especially seen in transport with a drop of 2.8%.
Your carbon footprint will always be with you however, ways to decrease it have never been easier with the wide range of renewable alternatives available.
1 in 2 people are not aware of gas boilers’ climate impact. But with substitutes like Biomass boilers and Air Source Heat Pumps on the market, the switch to a new boiler system has never been easier!
Did you know 26% of annual carbon emissions come from our home? Simple ways to decrease your carbon footprint around the home are so simple but will make a monumental change to your emissions and energy bills.
In this blog, we will delve into some of the best and most effective ways to do just this so keep reading…
What temperature do you wash your clothes at?
A significant amount of people wash their clothes at 600c, but it’s just not necessary!
Washing at 300c uses around 40% less energy than higher temperatures and leaves you with the same results.
Lower temperatures also leave you with your clothes lasting longer and looking newer for an extended amount of time since it doesn’t encourage the fibres to break down as easily and quickly.
There are over 700 million people currently living in Europe and if everyone within this cohort reduced their temperature of washes by just 3o, it would eliminate the same emissions produced by 700,000 cars.
By doing this simple step with your washes, the planet and energy bills will be sure to thank you!
What kind of transport do you use?
As we covered earlier, in 2019 there was a further decrease in emissions from 2018 in transports with a 2.8% drop. This is down to the public becoming aware of their impact on the world and making conscious decisions to either walk or use public transport. In spite of this, transport is still the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions within the UK.
Public transport is far better for the environment by decreasing an individual’s carbon footprint. This transport also allows people to drive less, reducing petrol and diesel emissions. Another perfect way to reduce your carbon emissions when travelling is by investing in an electric car.
Electric cars have little to no emissions and with the UK Government offering grants, they would help with upfront costs. These forms of cars can potentially reduce greenhouse gases.
Do you buy locally?
Buying locally results in food having to travel less distance, subsequently reducing the carbon dioxide produced. Farmers markets are a great way to achieve this but if that isn’t an option, monthly subscriptions are available in the majority of places where local veg boxes are put together.
Would you consider a renewable alternative to a conventional boiler?
A biomass boiler or air source heat pump are both great boiler replacement alternatives capable of meeting your heating needs and requirements.
Biomass boilers could cut carbon emissions by up 15.4 tonnes every year when compared to a coal-fired or elective heating system and could potentially save you up to £880 annually. Air source heat pumps have the ability to convert air into hot water which can provide heat to radiators or underfloor heating!
All you need a little bit of space and you are good to go!
Here at Haven we strive for sustainability and efficiency in all our jobs so that we can revolutionise home heating! We would love to help you, so get in contact today on ways we can make your life greener!