Archive for the ‘energy efficiency’ category

10:10:10 – A Global Day of Doing

September 29th, 2010

Some of you may recall an older post, talking about 10:10 and the attempt to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 10%. Well, the campaign is rolling along and I’m sure some of you may now be part of it too. I was speaking with Lucy from 10:10 the other day and promised I’d write a quick post to help push the message to as many people as possible.

So, what is A Global Day of Doing. Well, read the paragraph below, which I have used straight from the 10:10 Facebook page, which incidentally you could go and become a fan of too:

On October 10, 2010, thousands of individuals, families, schools, businesses and other organisations will take simple steps to save energy and reduce emissions. These ordinary actions, combined with a series of bold, iconic stunts, will make an extraordinary difference. Not only will they cut carbon directly; they will also send a powerful message to world leaders that people and organisations everywhere are ready to tackle climate change.

I think that sums it up quite succinctly.  So whether you’re an individual, a business or any kind of organisation, please get behind 10:10 and do even just a small act to help A Global Day of Doing

For our business, I’ll be making sure all computers and equipment is switched off for the full 24 hours (sorry all you Sunday DIYers, we won’t be contactable). Not only will it help just a little but it should ensure we all take a day off.

On a personal note, I’m going to propose that as a family we leave all TVs, PCs and Game Stations turned off for the day too, so we can help a little more (but shhhhh, don’t let on as I’ve not told the family yet).


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Posted in Carbon Emissions, energy efficiency, Environment, Environmental Issues

Oil Reserves: Seriously, UPVC products can help!

November 10th, 2009
Having just read on The Guardian blog regarding the level of oil which is reported to be left in the world’s reserves, I felt an underlying urge to air my thoughts again. Whilst it is reasonable to accept (as is reflected in some of the comments left) the amount left in the reserves and the amount left which is available for supply could be greatly different, it still doesn’t alter the fact that we are running out.
Obviously, as you’d expect, this causes me to highlight our industry. UPVC is an Ethylene based product. UPVC is currently using these oil reserves to contribute to it’s manufacture, but let me quote Fighting Back with Facts;
“Ethylene is the most widely produced organic compound in the world. Most ethylene is produced (like petrol) by refining oil. However, ethylene can also be produced from renewable vegetable oil crops so it isn’t dependent on diminishing oil reserves.”
Let me just give some quick further points about UPVC;
  • 100% recyclable
  • A thermally efficient material
  • A Low maintenance option
  • Often a more cost effective option than alternative materials

On the final bullet point listed though. Cost isn’t everything. As consumers, particularly in these uncertain financial times, we are all too quick to buy cheap. How effective is this really in the long term from both a cost and environmental aspect. Even with DIY Conservatories, Windows and Doors there are many energy efficiency options available that will reap benefits for both your pocket and the planet. Lets face it, if you can save on your bills time and time again, surely that’s better than saving just a few quid right now.

Bringing it back to the point of oil usage, if more is done now to tackle issues such as reducing energy output, recycling materials and using alternative sources for manufacture of the base product, this in turn will result in a reduction in oil usage, thus extending it’s term (whether it truly be 42 years or 100 years).

Contrary to popular belief, the Double Glazing Industry isn’t all bad and more and more of us want to make a difference for the right reasons. Hopefully as people become more aware of the facts it will help to combat the misinformation which exists. We are doing our bit to help (see recent Blog post) and you can read more about our environmental and ethical business ethos on our website.

As always please feel free to comment or get in touch if you’d like to help in any way you think you can.

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Posted in energy efficiency, Environmental Issues, UPVC