Got a great question for you this week...one that tested and challenged me so I really enjoyed answering it. Keep 'em coming folks.
Angela O writes:
Can you enlighten us on what grants etc the Government have on offer in our area (Hertfordshire) which in effect can help us to become greener individuals? I have heard that there are grants for re-tiling your roof with solar energy tiles. I have also heard that if your house is not insulated too well you can apply for help from your local council if the existing insulation or build of your house is below current regulations.
Right, well here is what I discovered. Now I happen to live in Hertfordshire myself so a quick look at the local council shows me that they offer a small grant if you are willing to try real nappies and I recommend giving it a go. We tried it and whilst it did not work for us (and no doubt many 'dark greens' will be quick to condemn without knowing our story) it will work for many so is well worth a go.
But going green goes way beyond nappies of course.
I happened across this Energy Saving Trust link on the fab MoneySavingExpert website which threw up a whole range of grants available to me personally due to my postcode. The search on the EST site is dead easy and full of practical solutions.
The grants available to me cover a variety of home improvement grants including grants for improvements to our cavity walls, loft insulation, boiler, heating/renewables (see LCBP below) & appliances.
But the one that really stood out was the LCBP or Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme 'provides grants towards the cost of renewable energy technologies including solar PV, wind, hydro, solar thermal, ground/air/water heat pumps, bio energy, renewable CHP, Micro-CHP and Fuel cells.' The LCBP has its own website @ www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
The programme started 1 April (and they ain't foolin') 2006 and will run over three years. The LCBP replaces the DTI's previous (Clear Skies and Solar PV grant) programmes. Phase One is open to householders and other groups in the UK (but not the Channel Islands and Isle of Man).
The goal of the programme is to 'demonstrate how energy efficiency and microgeneration can work hand in hand to create low carbon buildings.' Sounds good to me. Applications are subject to the following criteria:
- Rolling first-come-first-served basis
- Energy efficiency measures before you are eligible to apply
- Levels of grants staggered depending on technology
The grants cover a maximum £3,000 per kWp installed, depending on the method used, and go up to a maximum of £15,000 subject to an overall 50% limit of the installed cost (exclusive of VAT).
The technologies covered include:
- Solar PV
- Wind turbines
- Small hydro
- Solar thermal hot water
- Ground/water/air source heat pumps
- Bio-energy
- Renewable CHP
- MicroCHP (Combined heat and power)
- Fuel cells
Well worth diving into folks if you have any home improvement plans and even just to see what your options are. Three other sites worth checking out include EthEco, Green Insulation and SolarSavers.
Hope that helps and inspires you to go green...any other ideas or links folks?
Until next time...
Keep it green...
Al
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