Energy efficiency advice
There are many actions that everyone can take in their day to day lives to save money on their fuel bills and help reduce climate change.
For more information see the what you can do section below.
What we are doing
Climate Local
The London Borough of Waltham Forest signed the Local Government Association's (LGA) Climate Local commitment in October 2012. This commitment supersedes the Nottingham Declaration. By signing the Climate Local commitment we have agreed to address the risks and pursue the opportunities presented by a changing climate, in line with local priorities.
Climate Local is a new initiative - led by local government for local government - to drive, inspire and support council action on climate change. It succeeds the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change by offering a framework that enables councils to reflect local priorities and opportunities for action.
In signing the Commitment we pledged to set locally-owned and determined targets and actions on both mitigation and adaptation and publish these within six months. A 3 year Waltham Forest “Climate Local” Action Plan for 2013 to 2016 has been drafted. This will work towards delivery of the Waltham Forest Climate Change Strategy (adopted in 2009) target of an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.
The Consultation on the draft Waltham Forest “Climate Local” Action Plan 2013-16 closed on Monday 25th March at 12pm. The draft Waltham Forest “Climate Local” Action Plan 2013-16 is currently being reviewed following comments received.
HECA
The Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA) recognises local authorities’ ability to use their position to improve the energy efficiency of all the residential accommodation (such as owner-occupied, privately rented and social housing) in their areas.
In July 2012 the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a requirement under HECA for all local authorities in England to report on the measures they propose to take to achieve this aim.
The first of the reports known as the “further report” can be found here. Subsequent reports known as progress reports must be published at two-year intervals.
Waltham Forest’s Climate Change Strategy
The Council and its partners in the police, health service, business and voluntary sector, put together the borough’s climate change strategy in 2009 as part of the Councils ambition to be the greenest borough in London.
The strategy sets out how we can all take action on climate change in Waltham Forest, and reflects the views that were gathered from residents and other stakeholders earlier this year. We need to adapt to the changes to the climate that we are already seeing, and make big reductions in our energy use to limit future changes. The strategy aims to reduce the borough’s carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
Download the Climate Change Strategy: Executive Summary (1.65MB PDF file)
Carbon Management Plan
It is Waltham Forest's ambition to be the greenest borough in London. The Council aims to lead from the front, along with other public sector organisations, in reducing consumption of energy and water. Sustainable development is a priority, as is the reduction of waste and the promotion of environmentally friendly transport. Our Carbon Management Plan reflects all these priorities.
While our carbon reduction target of 20% by 2012 is undoubtedly ambitious, we are committed to doing all we can to achieve this with clear environmental benefits. Our work on climate change complements the aims of our Smarter Spending Programme. This plan will cost £3.1m to implement but will realise potential cost savings of £8.2m up to 2029.
Waltham Forest is aiming to demonstrate community leadership in reducing CO2 emissions within its own operations. This will be achieved through increased energy efficiency in its own operations, enhanced standards in building refurbishments and work with schools to increase their energy efficiency. All these actions including implementation of the Carbon Management Plan will contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions – and our targets of 20% by 2012 and 80% by 2050 – echoing the new national target and the LSP Waltham Forest Climate Change Strategy.
Download the Carbon Management Plan (881KB PDF file)
Local Climate Impact Profile (LCLIP)
The LCLIP for Waltham Forest provides a straightforward list of the main consequences of weather events to which a Local Authority area is currently exposed. It provides an indication of local preparedness amongst the service areas for the delivery of their services.
Focussing on adaptation to climate change the LCLIP emphasises the need to consider the effects of weather now and in the recent past; and not the consequences of future climate change. It provides a good understanding of the consequences of recent weather events and provides Local Authorities with an understanding in order to better prepare for the future.
Download the Local Climate Impact Profile (329KB PDF file)
What you can do
We know that many households are affected by the rising cost of gas and electricity. If you are feeling the pressure, here’s some helpful information:
- For independent advice, you can call the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday), particularly if you are being threatened with disconnection
- To make your home more energy efficient, call HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Training) – they provide free efficiency and security works to Waltham Forest households who receive certain benefits or who are aged over 60. To check if you’re eligible, call 020 8520 1900 or visit http://www.theheetproject.org.uk/
- Free advice is available from the Home Heat Helpline - if you are struggling to pay your energy bills or want to find out if you are eligible for any free energy efficiency measures, you can call 0800 33 66 99 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday). If you have difficulty hearing you can use the minicom service on 0800 027 2122. People receiving benefits or aged over 60 are particularly encouraged to call
- If you are having difficulty paying your energy bills, you should contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. They have an obligation to help you pay for your energy and any debt at a rate you can afford
- Further information can be found on the Energy saving Trust webpage
There are many actions that everyone can take in their day to day lives to save money on their fuel bills and help reduce climate change. For more information see the frequently asked questions below or visit the Energy Saving Trust's website.
Green businesses
Waltham Forest's SME Carbon Reduction Programme
In 2009/10 free environmental reviews and energy audits were offered to SME's within Waltham Forest to help them reduce their carbon emissions and save money. 80 businesses were surveyed and action plans drawn up. A downloadable self help pack (272KB PDF file) was produced.
Further information on energy efficiency for small businesses and organisations can be found on the Carbon Trust's website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How can I save energy?
- How can I save water?
- What can I do about my waste?
- What can I do to save transport costs?
- How can I save food?
- Biodiversity and natural habitats
- Buy Green
- Can I get help with installing renewable energy e.g. solar panels?
- Waltham Forest's Climate Change Strategy
- Waltham Forest's Energy Strategy
- Annual Green House Gas reports for London Borough of Waltham Forest
- Nottingham Declaration
- Waltham Forest Carbon Footprint
- Green community groups in Waltham Forest
- Green Ambassadors for youth
