A family in Berkeley Crescent, North London will be enjoying a 50% reduction in energy bills after their council house underwent a major green renovation. The property was announced as runner-up in the Big Green Home Improvement category at the National Home Improvement Council’s annual awards ceremony.

The improvements done on the terraced home include all new low energy appliances, sheep’s wool being fitted as insulation under floorboards and in the loft and new solar panels. The solar panels now supply all of the building’s hot water.

Other green living changes included the creation of a sun pipe to light a dark landing area, a composter in the garden which will reuse waste and the arrival of a water butts to collect and recycle rain water.

Richard Cornelius, Barnet councilor, cabinet member for community services, said: “I am so delighted that the eco-house has been recognized nationally. It shows lots of ideas as to what can be done with a typical house to minimize carbon pollution and save on expensive electricity and gas bills.”
The methods used to improve a home’s green credentials are assessed, with every appliance in the Berkeley Crescent property rated as grade A, the highest level of energy efficiency possible.

The new boiler converts 90% of energy into heat, comfortably outscoring rival models which could typically make use of just 60%.

The local council hopes that since such energy efficiency is achievable in a modest terraced house, then homeowners across the borough will realize what they can do to make a difference.

The Co-operative Bank released its Ethical Consumerism Report which stated that British homes are gradually going green, with spending on energy-efficient technology now averaging £251 a year.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.

While some of the most powerful environmental figures in the world gather for a summit in Copenhagen, the CMI reports that while 69% of business executives realize green energy is a key issue, only 26% are taking any steps to improve their situation and only 16% of managers at UK organizations have vowed to improve their business environmental impact in 2010.

It is very interesting to see that the same research suggests that junior members of staff have actually embraced green energy and the key role in can play in the running of any business. However, their efforts are thwarted by those in control.

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of CMI said: “On the eve of the Copenhagen summit, we are determined, as the voice of the UK’s managers and leaders, to encourage and support them in ensuring their businesses are doing all they can to minimise the environmental impact of their operations.” She insists that businesses implementing green procedures will reap benefits themselves, as well as doing their bit for the environment.

Now, the CMI has asked companies to develop a green business plan, run by a green energy team, which can be introduced from June 5th of next year. She stated that many companies do not realise the significant cost savings from utilising eco-friendly technology and practices.

Research by Abbey and Alliance and Leicester Business Banking shows that of the businesses in Britain which are attempting to “go green” 80% are using simple methods like turning off computers at night and 59% have begun using energy-saving lightbulbs.

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