Simon Burgess  for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

Simon cuts his gas use by a third!

30 December 2009 - Just before 2010 starts, when many including Simon Burgess have pledged to cut their carbon emissions by 10%, Simon has analysed what difference the installation of solar hot water (pictured) and a highly efficient condensing gas boiler 15 months ago has made to his families consumption of carbon emission producing gas.

"In September 2008 the installations were completed within a fortnight. It was obvious it was cutting our gas use by the fact that the boiler wasn't on at all from March to September but that was at a time of year when we only had need of hot water. It is the central heating that uses much more gas so I wanted to know whether the highly efficient condensing boiler was really helping save the planet and our fuel bills. I am very pleased to say that over comparable twelve month periods we have cut our gas consumption by 32% and even with fluctuating gas prices that has represented a 26% saving to our bills. It is good news that the government is introducing a "boiler scrappage" scheme so there is even more reason for others to do as we have.

"I am now setting about achieving a 10% cut in emissions for 2010 and I am determined that a cut in our electricity consumption will play a significant part. I have invested in a portable meter (pictured) that will tell us how much electricity we are using at any point. This combined with increased insulation and less car use will I am sure mean we will play our part in 10:10. I am urging everyone to sign up the 10:10 pledge at: http://www.1010uk.org/ doing your bit for the planet and saving you money in the medium to long term is easier than you think."