Podcast: Can community action make our homes more energy efficient?

Can community action make our homes more energy efficient?

This week Paul & Megan are chatting to Hazel from Porty Community Energy about how we can harness the power of community to make environmental changes. In the episode, we discuss the quick fixes that individuals can make in their homes to reduce energy usage as well as the larger community projects that you can get involved with to make longer term solutions.

Find out more about Porty Community Energy here.

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Key Insights

What is Porty Community Energy?

Porty Community Energy is a community organisation based in Portobello, Edinburgh, focused on environmental sustainability and combating climate change through local initiatives. It was established by passionate local residents who aim to reduce carbon emissions in the community. The organisation's main areas of focus are transportation and energy, with a goal of making a significant difference in the community's carbon footprint. They emphasise community engagement, education, and collaboration to achieve their objectives, including hosting workshops, promoting energy-saving tips for homes, and advocating for neighborhood-based initiatives.

How is energy used in the home?

Hazel outlines the energy breakdown in homes, with heating accounting for 70%, water heating for 13%, and appliances (lighting and cooking) for 15%. Understanding these usage percentages enables homeowners to identify areas for improvement, emphasising the significance of optimising heating and water heating systems. Targeted strategies can reduce overall energy consumption and enhance efficiency, highlighting the pivotal role of efficient systems in minimising energy waste.

Top energy-saving tips

Hazel provides several top energy-saving tips for homes, focusing primarily on heating efficiency and draft-proofing:

1. Understanding Heating Usage

Hazel highlights that about 70% of energy usage in homes is typically attributed to heating the space, making it crucial to understand how heat moves around the house. She advises homeowners to educate themselves on this aspect and seek advice on maximizing heating efficiency.

2. Identifying Drafts

She recommends identifying and sealing drafts in the home, which can significantly reduce heat loss. One method she suggests is observing spider webs in corners, as spiders tend to build webs where drafts occur. By sealing these drafts using methods such as decorators caulk or insulation material, homeowners can prevent heat from escaping.

3. Addressing Doors and Windows

Hazel emphasises checking doors and windows for drafts and ensuring proper sealing. Simple measures like using curtains and keeping doors closed can also help retain heat within rooms.

What are the benefits of community-based retrofitting?

Community-based retrofitting offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it fosters collective action, enabling neighborhoods to work together to improve energy efficiency on a larger scale. By pooling resources and expertise, communities can tackle retrofitting projects more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, community engagement promotes social cohesion and empowerment, empowering residents to take ownership of sustainability initiatives in their neighborhoods. Moreover, community-based approaches often result in cost savings through shared resources and collective purchasing power, making retrofitting more accessible and affordable for participants. Overall, community-based retrofitting initiatives promote environmental sustainability, social connection, and economic resilience within neighborhoods.