Become energy efficient

Having carried out an energy audit, the next step is to become more energy efficient. Energy efficiency - cutting the energy we use and using the remainder better - is the easiest and cheapest way to save energy and to reduce carbon emissions.

The Church uses energy in its cathedrals and church buildings, church halls, schools and offices, and in clergy and parishioner homes - how much we will begin to tell from the Measuring our Footprint audit. Some of these have particular patterns of use and in some cases special challenges, for example, most cathedrals and churches are historic (generally listed) buildings and cannot easily be insulated or heated. Future Shrinking the Footprint initiatives will consider how these might be addressed.

In the meantime, there are many ways to increase energy efficiency, some simple and no or low cost, such as turning down the thermostat and using energy saving light bulbs; others more substantial, such as installing loft and wall insulation. Some examples, aimed largely at domestic properties but useful for any, are in the Energy Saving Trust's 10 point checklist.

Even these steps can make a substantial difference. In the UK, heating, lighting and powering our homes produces 27% of the country's carbon dioxide emissions. The average household in the UK creates around six tonnes of carbon dioxide a year; more than the average car. By being more energy efficient in our homes and our everyday lifestyles, we can reduce our contribution to climate change and save money on energy bills at the same time. The average household could save around 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year by becoming more energy efficient, with associated cost savings of up to £300 a year.

Low energy light bulbs

One important early step on the road to energy efficiency for any property is to get rid of old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. Lighting consumes 10-15% of domestic energy. Low energy light bulbs cost more money than old-fashioned bulbs (around £3-7.50), but they consume less electricity because less is wasted as heat. They also have a much longer life time (up to 15,000 hours) which can be a considerable benefit where inaccessible light fixtures in churches are concerned. Over their lifetime, they could save around £100 in energy and replacement costs of old-fashioned bulbs. Where once the range of bulbs was small, there are now bulbs to suit the standard fittings (bayonet and screw), in various sizes and shapes.

To choose a bulb, take the wattage of the current old-fashioned bulb and divide by 5 (if you find the result a little dim move one step up). Low energy bulbs are now generally available in supermarkets, shops and DIY centres, especially helpful if you wish to experiment with one or two bulbs. However, there is an increasing number of specialist retailers with websites offering the widest ranges at competitive prices. More information about low energy lighting may be found on the Energy Saving Trust site.

The Energy Saving Trust also offers advice and information on how to make more substantial improvements to save energy (and money) by improving insulation, choosing Energy Saving Recommended products and appliances and eliminating draughts. Although primarily aimed at domestic properties, much of this will be helpful to churches, for example if thinking about buying a new fridge for the church kitchen or making improvements to the church hall.

There is also a network of local Energy Efficiency Advice Centres. These have helped over 1.5 million householders save in their home and can provide one-to-one expert impartial advice about saving energy. To speak to your local advisor call 0800 512 012 or visit them online.