Encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy in homes across North Devon

The Powerhouse Project was TAG for Sustainability's 2007 project. A project to increase householder's knowledge and motivation to renovate their home's to a high environmental standard through talking to and visiting others who have already done it.

The Powerhouse Project Report  [pdf 451kb]

The Environmental Impact Report   [pdf 270kb]

The DIY Guide for Commuities [pdf 141kb] 

A printed version of these reports is available to communities by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Other Documents:

Click here  (Excel doc 31kb) for the spreadsheet we used to calculate the carbon emissions from travel over the Energy Safari Weekend.  The figures were taken from the Co2balance calculator found on their website. 

The project had 3 main parts:

• A Network of householders who have already renovated their homes to a high environmental standard.  See what the Network has been doing ..
• Case Studies. Go see ..
• 8 half-day Energy Safari minibus tours round houses that have particular energy efficient features installed
• A 'Base Camp' event with 7 speakers, including the inspiring Brigit Strawbridge, Ground Source Heat Pump tours, locally sourced lunches and many stalls and information stands.

You can still sign up to our email newsletter which brings news and useful information straight to your inbox. 

Just use the sign up box in the left column.

Reducing Emissions

The long term target for reducing our carbon emissions in the UK is 60% by 2050, however some scientist say that 2050 is too late and that we should be doing it as quickly as possible.  That means using only 40% of the coal, oil and gas that is currently used to heat and power our homes.  Quite a challenge!  However, it is possible for many houses to achieve this and a growing number of householders across North Devon are already taking significant steps towards this target.

Have a look to see what others are already doing by looking at our Case Studies

'Green' Electricity 

One of the most effective and easy things you can do is to sign up to a Green Electricity Tariff. 

Not all tariffs are the same!

To find out more about the credentials of the various schemes, visit  http://www.greenelectricity.org/  - then go to 'domestic tariffs', put in your post code and you will find out about what the different green electricity tariffs on offer really give you.

Articles

   A Tale of Two Housing Developments - Caroline Walker - July 07 (pdf 9kB)

   The Transition Towns Movement - Caroline Walker - July 07 (pdf 8 kB)