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Why should I save energy?

The Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation, set up by Government in 1993 to help UK homes address climate change. Almost 50% of harmful emissions come from household energy use, so you can join the fight by making sure that your home is not needlessly wasting energy. Here you can calculate your savings and find out what sort of steps you could take.

How do we contribute to climate change?

To generate the energy used in our homes we burn fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) that produce ‘greenhouse’ gases – in particular CO2. Cars are a huge problem but the truth is that more CO2 comes from the energy we use at home. The average household creates around 6 tonnes of CO2 a year, and it’s that same CO2 that’s changing our climate and damaging the environment.

In 2004, total UK CO2 emissions were almost 560 million tonnes. 27% (153 million tonnes) of those emissions came from the energy we use to heat, light and power our homes. Our transport emissions caused by passenger cars, buses and mopeds and motorcycles account for a further 15% (85 million tonnes) of CO2 emissions.

Commit to save your 20%

The UK has set a target to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010. UK industry has already committed to save energy, now it’s our turn. Almost 50% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions which cause climate change, actually come from things we all do everyday. Things like leaving the TV on standby or using the car for short journeys all waste energy and result in needless carbon dioxide emissions.

If we all commit to save 20% of the energy we use everyday, together we can help prevent climate change.

There are lots of different ways you can reduce your energy use and save as much as £300 a year on your energy bills. Why not start with our Ten Commitments?

Get started now:

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Ten commitments
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Call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012 for tailored advice.