Without attic insulation your home looses up to 25% heat loss through the roof and without wall insulation it looses up to 35% heat loss through the un-insulated walls.
By insulating your attic you can save up to 20% on your home heating bill. If your attic insulation is currently less than 200 mm, then you should add further layers. There are a variety of suitable materials available on the market today including mineral wool, rock wool, sheeps wool, polystyrene, cellulose fibre and multi-layered foil.
The pay-back period for wall insulation is dependent on a number of factors including type, thickness and quality of existing insulation. Wall insulation can be increased in a number of ways and the most popular ways to insulate include (a) insulated dry lining, (b) blown mineral or cellulose fibre or polystyrene beads into the cavity, or (c) rigid external insulation with render or brick finish.
Insulating the 50 sq.m. (540 sq.ft) attic space of a typical house costs around €254 and could save approximately €76 a year (up to 20% of your fuel bill) so it would pay for itself in about 3 years.
Insulating the 50 sq.m. (540 sq.ft) attic space of a typical house costs around €254 and could save approximately €76 a year (up to 20% of your fuel bill) so it would pay for itself in about 3 years. – See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/FAQ/Insulation/How_much_can_I_save_with_attic_insulation.html#sthash.CVMMF28t.dpuf
Before deciding what insulation to choose it is advisable to seek specialist advice.
Renewable energy resources are clean sources of energy. They can be harnessed without damaging the environment, unlike using fossil fuels which release carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. They will never become exhausted. Unlike finite fossil fuels, renewable energy resources are continuously replenished through the cycles of nature and will not run out.
Approximately 400,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard packaging is placed on the Irish market every year. Each family uses about six trees worth of paper every year and makes almost 20% of the weight of the average household bin. Remember, recycling one tonne of paper saves enough energy to power a computer for almost a year and also saves over eight cubic metres of landfill space.
Fossil fuels are derivatives of plant and animal fossils that are million of years old. These are primarily formed from the remains of the decayed plants and animals. The three fuel sources coal, natural gas and oil help to meet the energy and electricity demands of today’s world. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources. Their supply is limited so they will eventually run out. Fossil fuels do not renew themselves, while fuels such as wood can be renewed endlessly.
Pollution is a major disadvantage that is formed due to fossil fuels as they release carbon dioxide when they burn, which adds to the greenhouse effect and increases global warming. Coal and oil release sulphor dioxide gas when they burn, which causes breathing problems for living creatures and contributes to acid rain.
You Choose!
Fossil fuels or solar?
Solar Thermal: Combining solar collectors with a wood burning stove provides an ideal year-round renewable energy heating solution. A solar collector system in Ireland can produce 60% – 70% of the annual DHW requirement and up to 100% of the hot water requirement during the summertime. Solar panels are effective throughout the year as they utilize diffuse light and not just direct sunlight – this is especially true for evacuated tube collectors.
Solar energy can also be used for space heating in conjunction with low temperature applications such as under floor heating systems and high efficiency radiators. If the solar panels are correctly sized, the solar energy system can produce up to 40% of the annual heating load as well as producing 60% – 70% of the hot water load.
Using renewable sources of energy like wood and solar energy to heat our homes reduces our reliance on polluting, imported fossil fuels like oil and coal.
What is your preferred choice for heating and why?
A simple low cost way to save energy on domestic hot water is to make sure your hot water cylinder is properly lagged. A lagging jacket fitted on your hot water cylinder will keep water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months. If replacing the hot water cylinder, a cylinder with factory applied insulation should be considered. Such insulation is more effective at retaining heat than a lagging jacket, is less easily damaged and cannot be pulled out of place.
You Choose!
A simple low cost way to save energy
Don’t forget the pipes. By slipping pipe insulation around your exposed hot water pipes you’ll keep your hot water hotter for longer. Fitting insulation to pipes is easy if the pipes are accessible. Pipe insulation are foam tubes that cover the exposed pipes between your hot water cylinder and boiler, reducing the amount of heat lost and therefore keeping your water hotter for longer. It’s usually as simple as choosing the right size from your local DIY store and then slipping it around the pipes.
Many homes in Ireland still use an open fire-place. An open fire-place is hugely inefficient as the heated air within the room is sucked up the chimney and the burn rate of the fuel is difficult to control. Therefore much of the fuel and cost is wasted. Installing a solid fuel or preferably a log burning stove is a simple, quick and cheap way to reduce your heating bills and energy consumption.
You Choose!
Open Fire or Stove?
Typically, more than 70% of the heat from an open fire goes up the chimney, while a stove retains as much as 76% of heat in the room, saving both fuel and money. Replacing an open fire with an efficient stove can reduce the household energy consumption by 8 to 10%. Given that we spend around €2,000 on heat, light and hot water, that could see a person’s fuel bill fall by €200 a year.
With the long, dark chilly evenings slowly creeping in it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat and lounge around in the heat without a care in the world. Stop, think before you do. With a few simple tricks and minor adjustments you can drive your energy costs down and the good news is, lowering them doesn’t require spending money. There are simple ways in which you can enjoy the warmth and save energy in the long run.
Keep warm and save energy!
Many of us keep our thermostats set too high. Check your thermostat and if it’s set above 20ºC turn it down. If that feels too cold, try turning it down in stages, starting at a comfortable temperature and going down by one degree each week to give yourself time to adjust. Lowering your thermostat by just 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill. You can also keep temperatures lower in hallways and corridors, as you’ll never normally be in there for more than a couple of minutes at a time.
Turn down your thermostat!
Make better use of the timers on your immersion or boiler so you can control when the heating comes on and goes off. This means you have heating and hot water when and where you want it. By understanding the controls you can always wake up and come home to a warm house without leaving the heating on 24/7. So, remember when setting the controls it will take a while for the house to heat up when you turn it on and to cool down when you turn it off.
Ideally set the heating to come on 20 minutes before getting up and to go off 15 minutes before you leave the house. If you’re out and about all day remember to set it to come on 20 minutes before you return home. This will be enough to take the chill out of the air and ensure a comfortable warm home. If on the other hand you’re going to be busy preparing meals, catching up on housework etc. when you arrive home well then there is no need to have the heating coming on before returning because you will be warm enough while rushing about. Turn off 20 minutes after you go to bed. There is no need to have the heating on while you sleep.
Keep your doors closed!
Close room doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and minimise the area you are heating. If your home is anything like mine you’ll spend your evening closing doors behind everyone! There is no need to spend money heating rooms that are not being used.
Close your curtains at night – open during the day to let the sunshine in!
Much of the heat loss from a house occurs through the windows, particularly if they are single glazed. So keep your curtains closed at night, even in empty rooms and also ensure that the curtains don’t hang over the radiators as that will just funnel all your heat out the window. If the radiator is mounted below a window, a projecting window-board or shelf above the radiator will direct warm air into the room, reducing heat loss through the window. Remember to open them during the day to let the warm sunshine in.
Check for draughts!
Check the house for draughts. Light a candle or incense and hold it up to doors and window frames. If the candle flame flickers or the smoke of the incense flows towards the window, there is a draft there. Seal up the leaks.
Look for places where you have pipes, vents or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling or floor. Check the bathroom, underneath the kitchen sink, pipes inside a closet, etc. If you find a gap at the point where the pipe or vents goes through the wall, seal it up. For a no cost way to seal you can try using scrunched up old newspapers, old towels etc.
Use a draught excluder to stop cold air from seeping under the doors and into the house. Be creative and make your own by using old sheets, towels and all those odd socks that you keep holding on to in the hope that eventually you find a pair (it’s never going to happen!)
Wear a jumper!
And now for some old fashioned advice…… turn down the heat and put on a sweater 🙂 Mums are always right!
Free Energy Efficient improvements available
Free Energy Efficient improvements available.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, funds energy efficiency improvements in the homes of the elderly and vulnerable, making the homes more comfortable, healthier and more cost effective to run.
The scheme is available to non-Local Authority owner occupied homes constructed before 2006. The owner of the property has also to be in receipt of one of the following:
Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme
Job Seekers allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age
Family income support
The service involves the installation of standard energy efficiency measures appropriate to the eligible household subject to SEAI survey, budget allocation and available capacity. The service is provided at no cost to the household and the measures currently available under this scheme are:
Attic insulation.
Draught proofing.
Lagging jackets.
Low energy light bulbs.
Cavity wall insulation.
Energy advice.
Landlords can avail of grants from Better Energy Homes if they have tenants in, or at risk of, energy poverty.
What advice would you give to keep warm and save energy?
Photo Credits: Photopin and Wexford Local Development.
Much of the heat loss from a house occurs through the windows, particularly if they are single glazed. So keep your curtains closed at night, even in empty rooms and also ensure that the curtains don’t hang over the radiators as that will just funnel all your heat out the window. – See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/Energy_Saving/Top_Tips/#sthash.0tOFTMHK.dpuf
Close room doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and minimise the area you are heating. There is no need to spend money heating rooms nobody is in. – See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/Energy_Saving/Top_Tips/#sthash.0tOFTMHK.dpuf
Many people keep their thermostat too high. Check it and if its above 20ºC turn it down. Lowering your thermostat by just 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill. – See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/Energy_Saving/Top_Tips/#sthash.0tOFTMHK.dpufMany people keep their thermostat too high. Check it and if its above 20ºC turn it down. Lowering your thermostat by just 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill. – See more at: http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/Energy_Saving/Top_Tips/#sthash.0tOFTMHK.dpuf
Kingsriver Community was founded in 1986 and has been providing residential and daycare programmes for adults and young people with a variety of special needs in a community setting since that date. The focus is on people’s abilities rather than their disabilities. Initially providing workplace training and employment possibilities through high end furniture manufacture, Kingsriver now concentrates on providing quality, person centred, opportunities in a range of areas including woodwork, arts and craft, health related exercise and living skills. Kingsriver Community also provides a residential service for a small group of people. Kingsriver Community is a FETAC registered centre providing accredited courses and an accredited hosting organisation in the Europen Voluntary Service (EVS) programme.
Kings River Community Timber clad building
Blue skies and sunshine, what a way to start the Mills and Millers Spring Event. Arriving at the Kings River Community the first thing to catch our eye was the wonderful sculptures lining the entrance to the main building – a wonderful timber clad energy efficient building.
Handmade timber sculptures and Mills and Millers plaque
The members of the Mills and Millers of Ireland gathered to hear Pat Phelan of the Kingsriver Community speak about the plans for the Kingsriver site, their hydro application and plans for the mill buildings. Colm Byrne of GLAS Learning Centre gave a quick overview of the mill sites we would visit and then showed us around the training rooms and display areas.
The installation of a 200kW wood chip boiler fuelled by locally sourced wood chip was installed at the centre in 2010. The boiler is at the centre of a local heating network, displacing gas and electricity as heat sources for the workshops, showrooms and accommodation units.
200kW Biomass Boiler fueled by locally sourced wood chip
The Kingsriver Community built their own 4.2m off grid wind turbine on site and is now fully operational. Glas Learning organised the ‘Build Your Own Wind Turbine’ workshop which was conducted by Hugh Piggott.
The Kingsriver 4.2m off grid wind turbine
During the earlier presentation we heard about the plans for the old mill which has a preservation order on it. With its impressive seven stories it is the highest mill in the area. The Community group are planning to install an Archimedean Screw Hydro Turbine and convert the mill building into an educational and visitor centre. The Archimedean Screw hydro scheme that is planned is currently at the design stage. .
Rockview Mill also known as O’Brien’s Mill situated on the Kingsriver
Rockview Mill this was a fine seven-storied limestone structure. It was well preserved until 1989 when part of the front roof was damaged in a storm. The Griffith Valuation Records show Rockview Mill leased by Robert Pilsworth from Margaret Mc Creery in 1845 – the value of the buildings being £113.
Rockview Mill prior to its collapse
The Pilsworth family of Thomastown commenced their milling enterprise in 1845 when Robert leased the above mill and the nearby Merino factory. In 1847, Robert married Ellen, daughter of William Bull, owner of Grennan Mill, Thomastown. William died in 1848 and Robert became owner. He installed his brother Thomas as manager of Grennan Mill and his brother William as manager of Merino Mill. In 1864 Robert took over the management of Grennan Mill which by then had become the more important business, as it was adjacent to the railway in Thomastown. Management of Rockview was given to a relative – Thomas Booth, he was to work the mill for one third of the profits. Robert died in 1870, leaving two sons under 21 years. They were placed under the guardianship of Rev. James Graves, Rector of Ennisnag. By 1876 the two young Pilsworths were suing Booth for mismanagement as Rockview began losing money. Booth was fired and Rockview was closed the two Pilsworths taking over management of Grennan Mill (Silverman and Gulliver 1986). Later, Rockview Mill and house were owned by Dr. T. O’Brien – the mill being used for storage purposes. In 1986 the King’s River Community purchased the house and mill.
The oldest or one of the oldest bridges in Ireland
The students and residents are busy preparing the Community Garden for the season ahead where they grow a vast range of organically grown fruit and vegetables. A glasshouse and a room in front of it for changing into garden clothes and washing hands is under construction at present. The Kingsriver Community have to be admired for their vision and continuous efforts in working towards a sustainable future. Other plans for the area include the building of independant houses, development of the islands, bridges and the 6 acre wood.
At the entrance to Kingsriver Community one cannot help but notice and admire the wonderful old stone bridge covered in campanula. The bridge is the oldest, or one of the oldest bridges in Ireland. It was once a toll bridge on what was then the main Waterford/Dublin Road over which horses and carts crossed heading to the mill.
Over the past few months the children of Scoil Naomh Maodhóg in Ferns, Co. Wexford have been busy collecting two litre plastic bottles to construct their latest eco-friendly project. The bottles have now found a new lease of life as the school’s eco-friendly greenhouse.
Plastic bottle greenhousePreparing greenhouse for vegetable planting
The lids and labels were removed and the bottoms were trimmed to allow them to slot into each other to create a long tube. The tubes were then stacked side by side and secured into the timber frame with wires spaced at intervals up the frame and roof. The wires hold the bottle in place and it is the cross tie wire that binds it into a solid wall, closing most of the gaps.
This is the perfect project for schools as it is a great re-use educational structure that really works.
The school has a ‘green’ ethos that is to be admired and is working towards becoming a more environmentally friendly and sustainable school. School projects to date include the creating of raised flower and vegetable beds, wildlife garden and pond, a newly planted woodland area, the erection of bird boxes, butterfly boxes and an insect hotel that are all tended by the children. They make their own compost and water the plants with the rainwater they collect.
Cold frame protecting the young plantColdframe made from old windows
The children are introduced to growing their own vegetables. They plant the seeds and wait patiently for them to germinate. They are then planted out when weather permits and each class take turns to water and keep them weed free. There is great excitement when its time to harvest the produce as they get to divide it and bring it home.
Last year the potatoes were harvested and the children cut them into chips. They were then brought to the local diner to be cooked. A very tasty meal was had by all!
Planting potatoes in one of the many raised vegetable bedsPond and wild flower garden
A long side the pond the children have planted a variety of nectar producing plants and shrubs to encourage butterflies and other nectar loving insects into the garden. Rough grass margins have also been successfully established and this provides an excellent habitat for many insects and is ideal for the newly-emerged frogs that are a great attraction for the children every year.
Native tree nursery
Last year the school began the task of extending the existing Woodland area. It was decided to plant only native species to the area so the children brought in tree sapplings from their own gardens and created a nursery. When they were strong enough they were planted out in the well prepared area. Their aim is to create natural habitats so as to introduce various insects, butterflies and birds into the school grounds. The children have great fun walking through the Woodland, turning up stones and wood to see what insects are lurking beneath.
Newly planted woodland area
Mature woodland area rich in biodiversity
Birdboxes are placed in safe areas to attract birds to the school grounds
Butterfly boxes
Last year a Tidy Towns Junior Committee was formed. They are a great asset to the community as they are involved in keeping the school litter free, promote energy efficiency and recycling and reusing in the school. They were also involved with the development of the Community Park. They were presented with an Endeavour Award in recognition of their great work and achievements. They are busy planning some very exciting projects at the moment which are so top secret thet they won’t even divulge the details to the Ferns Tidy Towns Committee. May just watch this space!
Sensory garden and hopscotch areaPicnic Area in the Community parkMembers of Junior Tidy Towns enjoying the end of year party organised by Ferns Tidy Towns Committee.Junior Tidy Towns receiving their well deserved Endeavour Award
It is one of the most energy efficient schools in the area. Over the years the school has taken on projects such as upgrading their insulation, installing new windows and replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs. The children have a great awareness of energy saving. Simple measures like turning off lights and closing doors when leaving a room help to conserve energy.
BirdLife Europe is calling for “ambitious” and “binding” EU renewable energy targets for 2030. In its new report, ‘Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature’, the conservation body says that renewable energy targets can be met without harming nature.
Renewable energy technologies do not harm bird populations, provided the most sensitive locations are avoided and established best practices in design and operation are maintained.
Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature
Ariel Brunner, Head of EU Policy in BirdLife Europe says: “Climate change is a grave threat to both wildlife and people…….wind, wave and ocean power are essential and effective ways to cut carbon emissions, and do not need to put birds, bats or other wildlife in danger. Our report is essential reading for policy-makers across Europe as renewable energy moves to centre stage in the fight against dangerous climate change.”
Climate change poses an enormous threat to biodiversity all over the world and we need to develop renewable energy solutions quickly in order to cut carbon emissions and keep warming within safe limits. The report notes that “renewable energy must become the backbone of Europe’s energy supply”, but it also says that it must be developed sensitively. “The challenge we face is to protect nature whilst deploying renewables at the scale and pace required.” However, we need to develop the right solutions in the right locations to avoid negatively impacting on biodiversity.
With the effects of climate change already being felt and carbon emissions actually increasing last year, the need for new sustainable energy has never been greater. But we need to be careful that this renewables revolution doesn’t damage the very ecosystems it seeks to protect. With the launch of its new report, ‘Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature’, in Brussels on 22 November, BirdLife Europe shows how we can meet our 2020 renewable energy targets without impacting on wildlife.
Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature
BirdLife Europe supports achieving and going beyond Europe’s 2020 renewables target, in line with four key principles.
Renewable energy supply must make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Positive planning frameworks are needed so that the most appropriate energy sources are exploited in the most appropriate places.
Harm to birds and biodiversity must be avoided when locating and designing renewable energy facilities. Established survey, design and operation practices reduce or eliminate such risks.
Europe’s most important sites for wildlife must be protected. Where significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site (those protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives) are likely, development may only proceed under strict conditions, which must be robustly applied.
Harnessing the clean, renewable energy provided by the sun, wind, waves and tides is the only sustainable energy future for Europe. The renewables revolution can and must work in harmony with, and not against, nature.
BirdLife Europe/International is a global Partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources. Seventeen organisations participated in the making of the report, including BirdWatch Ireland and the UK’s RSPB.
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