Conservation Volunteers and climate change
23 January 2008
Climate change is an issue that has the potential to affect us all. Almost everything we do requires energy in some form and, if it comes from the burning of fossil fuels, it will contribute to the warming of our atmosphere.
We recognise that, if we are to make a real contribution to securing a more sustainable future, we must take action which:
- reduces the organisation’s carbon footprint, by working, travelling and procuring services in a more sustainable way.
- channels our environmental project work to help mitigate the impact of climate change on threatened habitats and landscapes.
- leads by example and encourages our staff, volunteers and supporters to adopt pro-environmental behaviours in their work, social and home lives.
We have recently published a position paper on climate change that sets out how we as an organisation can reduce our impact on the climate. Download the position paper here (PDF – 55KB).
If you wish to reduce the amount of energy you use, the Energy Saving Trust offers free comprehensive advice and support on energy efficiency, renewable energy technology and low carbon transport, helping you to save money, energy and the environment.
The following top tips can help you save energy – and all of them are simple, inexpensive and easy and more importantly you can do your bit to help fight climate change.
- Be switched on – take a free home energy check…
For a report on how much energy can be saved in your own home, fill out the Energy Saving Trust’s free home energy check questionnaire online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northernireland. Alternatively you can obtain a paper version by calling on free phone 0800 512 012. You will receive a tailored report on your home highlighting the energy saving measures you could employ to save up to £250 a year on your household energy bills. - Switch off your appliances and lights when not in use both at home and in work.
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
- Don’t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances on charge unnecessarily.
- Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. You could save around £40 per year.
- Ring the Energy Saving Trust advice centre on free phone 0800 512 012 to find out how you can claim £500 cash back for insulating your home and installing new heating controls. The cash back is available to homeowners across Northern Ireland regardless of your circumstances.
| External links |
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| Energy Saving Trust advice centre |