Energy Efficiency

Traditionally fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas have been used to generate energy. This energy is used to provide power, transport, to heat workspaces and to heat our homes. However, we now know that using fossil fuels to generate energy releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. This contributes to climate change.

One way of helping to address Climate Change is to cut down on the amount of energy you use. Being more energy efficient will help address Fuel Poverty by reducing your energy bills!

Government research shows that more than 30% of heat from homes is lost through external walls and 20% through loft spaces, so properly insulating these areas you can turn you’re heating down, still keep warm and save money on your heating bills. Being energy efficient can cut as much as £270 off your annual energy bill and reduce your household's carbon dioxide emissions by around two tonnes.

There are lots of simple, low cost measures that can be taken within the home to cut down on energy use. Switching off lights, not leaving devices on standby and using energy efficient light bulbs can all make a difference. Bigger steps like using a green energy tariff for your electricity supply or using a hybrid car will help too. The Energy Saving Trust lists ten energy saving measures which could see a great return on your investment, both financially and environmentally.

As part of the council’s initiative to improve the energy efficiency of domestic properties in the city, we have partnered North Staffordshire Warm Zone. The North Staffordshire Warm Zone is a £10 million programme set up in January 2007 to tackle fuel poverty and climate change by providing grants for energy efficiency measures in all private owner occupied and privately rented homes in Stoke-on-Trent.

To see what else we are doing to raise the energy efficiency of our housing stock, including what schemes we have for council tenants, please follow the grants and programmes link on the left hand side of this page.

For more information on energy efficiency grants please contact the freephone local Energy Efficiency Advice line on 0800 389 2258.