Information on Loughborough

Energy Challenge for Loughborough families

Posted on 19/09/2008
P. Klein

energy

Ten families keen to reduce their carbon footprint are being sought for a new trial.

People taking part will receive help on cutting energy consumption plus a free, wireless monitor to keep track of their usage over 12 months.

Families will be encouraged to try and reduce their energy use by 20% and will receive support and tips throughout the initiative.

Conserving energy and using it more efficiently are the easiest ways to reduce the impact on climate change and save money at the same time.

Estimates from the Energy Saving Trust suggest that over £1billion worth of energy is wasted in the UK by leaving appliances on stand-by - people could save up to £85 a year by turning them off.

From Monday, anyone keen to get involved can register their interest at www.leics.gov.uk/family_challenge - the deadline is 6th October. Ten families from across the County will be chosen and supplied with monitors which easily connect to the electricity supply and families from Loughborough and the rest of Charnwood are urged to apply.

The Family Challenge is being run by ENABLE and is part of a larger County Council initiative to tackle climate change within Leicestershire communities.

Ruth Camamile, Chair of ENABLE, said: "Changing habits and behaviour could amount to savings of hundreds of pounds a year - whether it’s simply turning off a light, or switching off at the plug rather than just using stand-by.

"Following these simple behavioural changes could help mitigate climate change by reducing carbon footprints and save some money too.”