1. 1. Energy
  2. 2. Water
  3. 3. Waste
  4. 4. Green spaces
  5. 5. Construction
  6. 6. Adaptation and mitigation in the home
  7. 7. Sustainable Warmth Grant
  8. 8. Solar Together

1. Energy

Did you know the average domestic CO2 per person in Reigate & Banstead for 2019 was 1.59 tonnes but the English average the same year was 1.38 tonnes? (Source UK local authority carbon dioxide emissions 2005-2019)

Improving the energy efficiency of your home will reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your bills. Here is some information to help you find the grants available to help you make home improvements and the organisations that can advise you.

Funding schemes for energy efficiency improvements

Sustainable Warmth grant

This closed in March 2023 but look out here or at Action Surrey for future cost-saving upgrades to your home.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government is providing £5,000 for homeowners to replace gas boilers with low carbon heating systems, such as air source heat pumps (ASHPs). This grant would cover most of the cost and installation of a heat pump. Getting off gas helps you to reduce your greenhouse emissions because electricity (which heat pumps use) can be produced by renewable energy. 

There's more about things to consider if you’re thinking about a heat pump, below.

If you do decide to go ahead, email sustainability@reigate-banstead.gov.uk to let us know how you get on.

Other Government schemes

  • Energy Company Obligation – an obligation for energy companies to install energy-efficiency measures in homes
  • Warm Home Discount – some people may be able to get a reduction in their electricity bill between September and March 

OFGEM, the Government department for gas and electricity, has a list of available schemes. 

Reducing energy consumption at home

Energy saving tips to save money (Gov.uk) are part of the Government's Help for Households campaign:

  • Turning your combi boiler flow temperature down to 60°C could save you up to £100 a year

  • Turning down radiators in rooms you aren’t using or use less could save you up to £70 a year

  • Turning appliances off at the socket could save you up to £70 a year

  • Washing clothes at a lower temperature could save you up to £40 a year 

  • Using your tumble dryer less could save you £70 a year

  • Closing all your curtains and blinds at night

  • Track your energy usage using an app

  • New free phone service from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: 0800 098 7950 for tailored and impartial information on how to improve the energy performance of your home

Energy saving advice from other organisations

On-site renewable energy generation

The Solar Together scheme 2023 is now open for registrations until August. This Surrey wide solar PV and battery collective purchase scheme has benefited 100s of properties in our borough in previous years.

If you’re a homeowner, you may be able to invest in generating renewable energy or renewable heat for your home. This could include solar panels, air or ground source heat pumps, solar heating and a whole range of other technologies. Some of the schemes mentioned above could help finance this.

Renewable energy suppliers - a green tariff

If you can't generate your own renewable energy, you could still opt for an energy supplier that provides a green tariff. A green tariff allows you to choose an energy company that buys its energy from renewable sources.

While you can’t choose what mix of energy arrives at your home, you can choose an energy company that encourages the UK to make a shift to cleaner energy for all.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are more efficient if you have a well-insulated home or produce your own electricity with solar PV. Your Energy Performance Certificate should be checked for outstanding insulation recommendations.

If saving money is your goal, bear in mind that gas is currently cheaper than electricity, so discuss this with your certified installer (see below).

Accredited suppliers

We cannot recommend particular suppliers but you can search for local certified suppliers for:

  • MCS certified installers - low carbon energy installers for solar PV, heat pumps, biomass, wind and battery storage. MCS stands for Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
  • Get a new energy certificate (Gov.uk website) - search for local accredited energy assessors. This may be for getting a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home or for general energy assessment. Do start with Action Surrey though.

 

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