Stay warm, spend less, cut your carbon footprint

It’s Energy Savings Week and we’re encouraging local people to look at ways of saving energy over the colder months, which can lead to significant savings on bills and a smaller carbon footprint. 

Not only does this mean a warmer home and more cash staying in your pocket, reducing the carbon emissions coming from homes is vital for us as we tackle the climate crisis in our borough. 

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality said: "This is a great opportunity for our residents to have a look at what they can do to stay warm, spend less and tackle the climate crisis. 

“Saving energy in your home is not only great for your wallet, but also a brilliant way to take positive action in the fight against the climate crisis, as a large proportion of our borough’s carbon emissions come from the energy we spend in our homes. 

“January can also be a difficult time for many people to manage their finances, particularly in a cold snap, so please take the time to have a look at our useful tips and advice, designed to offer you useful guidance at this time of year. 

“Tackling the climate crisis and securing a net zero-future for our borough is a key commitment in our ambitious Mission Waltham Forest commitments to residents. I’m proud that our work so far has secured combined savings of £5 million to residents’ bills. You could also fly to New York 10,000 times with the carbon savings we have secured in local homes thanks to the action we’ve taken in this time. That’s something I’m really proud of.

“We will continue to build on this great record and secure real progress when it comes to climate action in Waltham Forest.”

Useful tips for your home

The Council partners with The HEET Project, a local not-for-profit organisation that works to help households stay warm and save money.  There are plenty of small, simple steps you can take today - here are some of HEET’s top tips:   

• Use your microwave more - it’s cheaper than an electric oven 
• Keep lids on pans when cooking 
• Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle  
• Wash clothes in full loads at 30 degrees where possible 
• Take short showers – this uses less energy and water  
• Switch off appliances on the wall when not in use  
• Try turning the thermostat down and make yourself comfortable with warm clothes 
• Keep furniture away from the front of radiators 
• Use thick curtains, preferably lined - close them at sunset to keep the heat in  
• Turn radiators off and close the door in rooms you do not use often 
• Turning down the flow temperature on your combi boiler to 60°c or below can save money on your heating bill each year and reduce energy waste from your home.

HEET can help anyone in receipt of benefits or who is aged 60 or over.

Call 020 8520 1900 or visit The HEET project 

Find out more about Energy Savings Week via the Energy Savings Trust website.