FUTURE ENERGY

Moving to Poynings in 2005 inspired us to update our new property in a green way. The oil-fired boiler was on its last legs and we didn’t want to burn oil anyway so we had it removed, together with the radiators and the oil storage tank. We decided to heat our open plan downstairs with a wood-burning stove. We also wanted to reduce our energy costs especially when we saw how quickly the meter moved when we used the immersion heater. We had already turned off the stand-by on our appliances and were using low-energy light bulbs throughout the house. We have installed 30 solar-thermal tubes on our west-facing roof. We still needed the immersion heater during the winter months, but our large and well-insulated cylinder holds gallons of ‘free’ hot water for the rest of the time. Our interest in the meter has become almost obsessive and we have now decided to have 8 photovoltaic panels. They are due to be fitted next month. This should enable us to produce about ¾ of the electricity we need. The panels are a major expense but we will get a grant for 50% of the cost. This is dependent on having cavity wall insulation and sufficient loft insulation. We are now arranging this. Although we have no intention of moving from such a friendly village, we feel that anyone buying a home in the future will expect these modern low-energy features. Grants are available for most energy saving improvements.

Further information and details of installers etc. can be obtained from: Mike or Christine Airey on 857985.

GROUND SOURCE GEOTHERMAL HEATING

A small number of local people have either got or are seriously looking into installing geothermal heating which uses natural thermal energy stored just below the earth’s surface. This is a new twist on the heat pump. The initial installation costs quite a lot but the system is very cheap to operate and uses minimal fossil fuel. You need a reasonable amount of land in which to put a number of trenches a few feet below the ground. The alternative is the more expensive bore hole.

 Recycle whenever possible

Use the blue and green boxes

Blue box- Plastic bottles, tin cans, aerosols, mixed paper and card, squashed cardboard boxes and yellow pages.

Green box- Newspapers and magazines.

If you do not have the recycling boxes and would like them, please Phone MSDC on 01444 477440.

Recycle glass at bottle banks- closest ones are Henfield, Hurstpierpoint, and hopefully coming soon at the Royal Oak car park.

Clothes, shoes, books, etc. can be taken to charity shops or clothing recycling bins.

Take your used carrier bags to the recycle point in Tescos, or buy a bag for life from your regular supermarket.

Compost all green waste from your kitchen and garden in a compost bin- any fruit or vegetable peelings, teabags, grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, leftover food (anything except meat or fish). To order a low cost compost bin phone 0845 0732002 or visit www.recyclenow.com/compost

Inside the home, being more aware of energy resources can also save you money! Use energy saving light bulbs where possible, turn your heating down slightly, turn off lights when the room is not in use, do not leave appliances on standby. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth. Have a water meter fitted if you use very little water. When buying a new household appliance ie. washing machine or cooker, buy an energy efficient one.

Phew, I'm not sure if I can do all that this weekend!