Make A Difference

Several local households volunteered to find out how to save energy in their homes as part of Sustainable Thornbury's energy saving drive.

They completed a simple energy check of their home and found out how much energy they could save by making some changes.

Suzanne Leighton's report showed the potential for £402 savings on her annual energy bill and a reduction in CO2 of 3 tonnes.

Three of the older Thornbury houses have all the problems associated with stone walls and listed buildings.

Some houses had old central heating boilers and the reports showed that by replacing them with modern efficient boilers could save £133 per year on their energy bills and save 1.1 tonnes of CO2.

A problem which they all have is how to insulate windows in listed buildings or conservation areas. Secondary Glazing (see energy saving tips) is an option that they are considering.

Val Harding's modern house in Alveston has different problems. The energy check showed that she should increase the amount of loft insulation but the downlighters in the upper rooms could be a potential fire hazard if they are covered by the insulation.