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Nyree Ambarchian: New Peterborough environmental projects
Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has recently received funding from Anglian Water, and the Scottish Power Energy People Trust, to start two new projects in the Dogsthorpe and Central wards of the city.
Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has recently received funding from Anglian Water, and the Scottish Power Energy People Trust, to start two new projects in the Dogsthorpe and Central wards of the city.The projects aim to help people living in these areas make small changes which will save them money and help the environment.
Both projects involve visiting people in their homes and conducting a short survey to establish current environmental behaviours. The survey looks at things like the way a household uses water – showers or baths? Full load in the washing machine or lots of half loads? Wash dishes in a bowl or leave the tap running? And the way a household uses energy – energy saving lightbulbs installed? Only boil the water you need for a cup of tea? Radiators programmed so they only come on in rooms you use?
The survey allows the project officer to talk through the key areas where most of us waste energy and money. For example, did you know that up to 10 per cent of heat from your home can be lost through your windows if you don't have double glazing, and don't close your curtains at dusk? Or that up to 15 per cent of heat from your home can be lost through doors without proper draught proofing?
The project officer can then highlight areas that the household could improve on, reducing their fuel bills and making their homes greener. Homes in the UK are one of the leading culprits of CO2 emissions which cause climate change. If we all make small changes, together we'll have a huge impact.
The project also aims to tackle fuel poverty by helping people reduce the amount of energy they use (and pay for) but still enjoy the same quality of life and keep homes warm. In the UK fuel poverty particularly affects older people with tight budgets who ration the amount of time they keep the heating on for. In winter this can lead to illness or even death with people unable to afford to keep their homes warm. PECT's projects alleviate fuel poverty by teaching people how to get the most out of the energy they use. The idea is to pay less, but still maintain temperatures essential for health and comfort by using energy in the most efficient way.
Many people leave radiators in all rooms on, even though they only use one room on a typical evening. Project officers are able to help people re-set their heating systems so they only use the energy they need and reduce their bills. Quite often things that make perfect economic sense, make good environmental sense too.
Project officers are already visiting homes and community groups in Dogsthorpe and Central Wards. If you would like them to visit you please contact Karen Lawrence: karen.lawrence@pect.net or call 01733 866441 or visit the Peterborough Environment City Trust website - www.pect.net.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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