The UK has 30 million homes and powering them with oil and gas will come at a huge cost to our environment. Decarbonising our homes is essential if we want to reach our national target of net zero.

Across the UK, our buildings account for 20% of total emissions. The main losses being from inefficient heat systems.

Within the borough, domestic properties are the largest contributors to the total CO2e emissions.

Borough-wide domestic emissions

Borough of Tunbridge Wells: Domestic Emissions 2005 - 2022

What does it mean to be energy efficient?

Minimal energy usage whilst maintaining maximal performance. This approach provides several benefits: it lowers greenhouse gas emissions, reduces reliance on energy imports, and cuts costs for both households and the overall economy.

There are many ways in which you can save your energy, reduce your carbon footprint and in turn reduce your energy bills!

There are numerous improvements that can be made to your property. Examples include; (1) retrofitting (cavity wall insulation, double glazing, loft insulation), (2) smart building systems (smart meters), (3) renewable energy integration (solar panels, heat pumps), sustainable materials (concrete alternatives such as recycled wood, clay, cork). These are not only eco-friendly but can reduce waste due to their longevity.

Switch to a green energy provider

Switching your energy to a renewable energy provider is a quick and simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. There are many online resources which can help you pick the best 'green' provider. Read more about the best green energy suppliers here

How much do you know about renewable energy?

Click on the links below to learn about the most popular renewable energy sources used to power homes:

Solar Panels

Solar panels: a comprehensive guide – Energy Saving Trust

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Wind Turbines

How do wind turbines work? The Department of Energy explains it all.

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Air source heat pumps

What are they? Find out more info here.

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TWBC energy advice

Offers support on how to save energy, reduce your energy bills, access funding to install gas central heating to privately owned or rented properties.

Read More ›

Solar Together

Group buying renewable energy scheme.

Read More ›

Historic buildings

Historic buildings (those traditionally built before 1919), often seen as draughty and inefficient, can be transformed into energy-efficient spaces with proper maintenance and by leveraging their inherent environmental design. Preserving these structures is vital for maintaining our architectural heritage, community character, along with contributing to the goal of a low carbon future.

To enhance your home's energy performance, use the whole house approach to evaluate all factors affecting energy use and efficiency and understand how they interconnect. This holistic approach ensures that insulation, window treatments, heating systems, and renewable energy sources work together seamlessly.

  • Location & orientation – Considering your location and orientation will help you understand your risks of overheating and flooding, identify which building side needs more maintenance, and assess other environmental impacts.

  • Design & fabric – The design and construction materials of your home, whether detached, semi-detached, terraced, or a flat, affect its energy performance. Using suitable materials for maintenance and repairs ensures your home remains efficient over time.

  • Services & equipment – Heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilating your home, as well as using appliances for cooking, washing, IT, and entertainment, all consume energy. Reducing their usage, and switching to improved devices e.g., smart meters and thermostat controls, will lower your bills and carbon emissions.

  • People – Household energy consumption is significantly influenced by the number of occupants, their preferred indoor temperature, and the services and equipment they use.