We'll help you find the answers to questions about greener living in Bath and North East Somerset:
Energy
Travel
Recycling & Waste
Water
Food
Community
Local Business
Schools
Green Environment
Planning & Sustainability
Climate Change
What is the Council doing?
More questions?
Energy
Q. Who are the Energy Saving Trust?
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is a non-profit organisation that provides free and impartial advice on how to save energy. For energy saving advice visit their comprehensive website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Q. What grants are available to help make my home more energy efficient and save me money?
There are grants and discounts available for everyone to help keep their homes warm and make them more energy efficient to run. For the most up-to-date, local grant information and inforamtion about the schemes that are running locally call the Home Energy Service at the Centre for Sustainable Energy to speak to an advisor on 0800 082 2234 or visit the grant section of their website.
Q. Is there anyone I can speak to to get more help and advice on saving energy in my home?
Yes! The Council works in partnership with the Home Energy Service at the Centre for Sustainable Energy to provide residents with free and impartial advice on how to save energy. You can speak to an advisor by calling 0800 082 2234 or visit their comprehensive website. Alternatively click here to find out the different ways you can save money on home energy bills.
Q. How do I insulate my home?
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) have lots of information on the types of insulation available and a directory to help you find a local installer: visit the insulation section on the EST website. Or call to speak to an EST advisor on 0800 512 012.
Q. I live in a historic and/or listed building, what guidance is available to help me save energy?
The English Heritage website provides practical advice to make energy efficiency improvements to your home in ways sympathetic to its historic character. The Whole Home Energy Toolkit help you to chose the right energy saving options for your home.
Also refer to our Planning and Sustainability page for useful links.
Q. I'm a student/tenant living in rented accommodation, what can I do to save energy?
Even if you don't own the house you live in there are some easy, low cost energy saving measures you can take. Click here for energy saving advice for students and tenants.
Q. Does my local library loan electricity monitors?
Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries all have electricity monitors for residents to borrow. Find out more about the electricity monitors here. Library opening hours.
Q. I am interested in generating my own electricity, where should I start?
Go to our renewable energy page to find out about the different types of renewable energy technologies and how the Energy Saving Trust can help you to decide which one is for you. There is also information on the current government financial incentives plus information on planning permission.
Q. What is the Feed-in Tariff scheme?
Great news for anyone planning to generate their own electricity because you can be paid to do it. There are two government schemes, the Feed-in Tariff pays householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources such as solar electricity panels or wind turbines. And its sister scheme called the Renewable Heat Incentive for heat generation using heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar panels.
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Travel
Q. If I want to leave my car at home what alternative travel options are available in Bath and North East Somerset?
Buses, trains, community transport, cycling and walking are all better for the environment than driving a car. Click here for links to more information such as bus timetables and cycle routes.
Q. I have to drive - how do I minimise the environmental impact?
Click here for tips on how you can minimise the carbon emissions of your journey and reduce fuel costs.
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Recycling & Waste
Click here for answers to recycling and waste related questions including information on; why it is important, the Council's recycling services, what happens to the materials and how to reduce your waste.
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Water
Q. Why is saving water important when it rains so much in the UK?
Water is not as plentiful in this country as you might first think with some areas experiencing severe drought. Click here to find out why else conserving water is important and a link to tips on how to do so.
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Food
Q. Why is buying local, seasonal food so much better for the environment?
Buying locally reduces food miles and the associated carbon emissions. It also supports the local economy and can help you lead a healthier lifestyle. Find out more about local food here.
Q. Are there any farmers' markets in Bath and North East Somerset?
Yes, Bath is home to the first ever famers' market in Britain, and there are also regular farmers' markets in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. Find out when and where the farmers' markets are held.
Q. Where can I find more information about getting an allotment?
Growing your own is a rewarding and affordable way to get fresh, local, healthy and seasonal food. Click here for information on how to apply for an allotment.
Q. Why are Fairtrade products better for producers in the developing world?
Fairtrade is a method of trading which guarantees a better deal for producers in the developing world. They are paid a stable price which covers their production costs and a premium that they can invest in the business or in social and environmental schemes for the wider community. Since 2003 the Council has committed to using Fairtrade products at all meetings. Find out more about Fairtrade here.
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Q. I'm a member of a community which wants to become 'greener', what resources are available to help me?
There are lots of Council endorsed schemes, enterprises and organisations who can provide support, advice and funding for communities, click here for a list and more information.
Q. I'm planning a community event, how do I make sure it is as green as possible?
Click here for a link to a number of resources which will help you to do this including a green events checklist and guidance on waste management. Remember you can promote your event on the Environmental Sustainability Network.
Q. How can I see what is going on in our communities related to environmental sustainability?
The Environmental Sustainability Network is an online forum open to anyone in Bath and North East Somerset who is interested in environmental sustainability issues in the district. Join the Network and become a member to be able to add content or just to be kept informed of the latest news and updates. Share ideas, news, events, and photos, and discuss topics related to environmental sustainability in our community.
Q. How can our communities prepare for the impacts of climate change?
Being prepared for the impact of climate change will make sure our homes, businesses, public services and the natural environment are safeguarded. Find out more about Climate Change. Climate change is expected to increase the occurrence of unpredictable weather variations. These changes will increase the incidence of droughts, flooding and extreme hot or cold temperatures. The more prepared we are to deal with such events, the better we will be able to cope. In order to help communities to be more prepared the Council has produced a Community resilience manual (PDF 2.52mb) with advice on what you can do as a resident.
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Local Business
Q. I run a local business, what resources are there to help me reduce its environmental impact?
There are lots of advisory bodies available to help businesses save money, save energy and reduce their environmental impact, click here for a list of organisations and for more information.
Q. How can I prepare my business for the impacts of climate change?
There are several resources and advisory bodies to help businesses respond to climate change, see the Local Business page for details. In particular Climate South West aims to engage businesses throughout the South West in addressing their vulnerability to the effects of climate change and maximising the opportunities that arise.
More about Climate Change.
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Schools
Q. What support is available for schools who want to reduce their environmental impact?
Eco-Schools is an international awards scheme designed to assist schools in their journey towards becoming more sustainable. Bath & North East Somerset Council encourages all schools to become Eco-Schools and part-funds the Eco-Schools programme in Bath and North East Somerset. This programme is delivered through Resource Futures.
To assist schools with their Eco-Schools activities, the Council has compiled a local guide to resources available to Bath & North East Somerset schools. To access this document and for more information on the scheme and how to register go to the Schools page.
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Green Environment
Q. How does the green environment help address the causes and effects of climate change?
Bath and North East Somerset has a wealth of green spaces which provide many benefits for the local community, visitors and biodiversity. The natural environment plays a key role in limiting the causes of climate change and helping cities cope with its impacts. It absorbs some of our Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases and will help us to adapt to changes in the climate by providing shade, shelter, water and drainage as well regulating temperature and providing the space and resources for local food production. For more information on the green spaces in Bath and North East Somerset click here.
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Planning & Sustainability
Q. I am planning to make some energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy onto my home, what information do you have to help me regarding planning permission?
Information on planning and sustainability.
Information on renewable energy generation.
Q. I live in a historic and/or listed building, what guidance is available to help me save energy?
The English Heritage website provides practical advice to make energy efficiency improvements to your home in ways sympathetic to its historic character. The Whole Home Energy Toolkit help you to chose the right energy saving options for your home.
Also refer to our Planning and Sustainability page for useful links.
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Climate Change
Q. What is climate change?
The Council works in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust (EST). They provide the most up-to-date, impartial information on climate change. Click here to find out about climate change from the EST.
Q. What is the carbon footprint for Bath & North East Somerset?
In 2008 Bath & North East Somerset district emitted just over 1 Million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (from businesses, council operations, domestic housing and road transport). This equates to 5.8 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions per resident.
Q. How do I measure my impact on the environment?
You can do this by calculating your carbon footprint - this is the total amount of greenhouse gas, including CO2, that you are responsible for generating and emitting into the environment. The larger it is the larger your negative impact on the environment. Here you can find out more about carbon footprints and calculate your own.
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What is the Council doing?
Q. What is the Council doing to reduce its environmental impact?
The Council supports many initiatives, schemes and projects saving energy and the tax payer money. Find out what the Council is doing.
Q. What policies and strategies does the Council have to ensure it continues to work towards a greener future?
Find out more about the key environmental sustainability policies, strategies and partnerships which are directing the work of the Council.
Q. I'm doing some research about environmental issues, what information can you give me about what the council is doing on this subject?
You will find lots of information on the Council's web pages relating to environmental sustainability - Greener Living in Bath and North East Somerset.
The Council supports many initiatives, schemes and projects saving energy and the tax payer money. Find out more about what the Council is doing here.
Find out more about the key environmental sustainability policies, strategies and partnerships which are directing the work of the Council.
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If your question has not been answered here refer to the
Energy Saving Trust website for answers to many more greener living related questions