This is a big one. Take the plunge and install solar thermal water heating, the most reliable, easy to install, and low-maintenance form of domestic renewable energy for us in the UK.
By harnessing the sun's rays that are already shining down on your rooftop you could cut down the energy used to heat your water by a third, even with our gloomy British weather.
Here are a few reasons to take action.
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We've all become so accustomed to having piping hot water at the twist of a tap that it's easy to forget what an energy-intensive luxury it is. 641 kgCO2 a year1 can be saved by installing a solar thermal water heater on your roof.
Unlike conventional forms of heat generation, solar thermal heating does not produce any pollution and doesn't depend on the extraction of foreign oil, gas or coal. That means less pollution and more energy security, which has got to be a good thing.
of your home’s energy consumption goes into heating water.
Obviously you'll be cutting your fuel bills and protecting yourself from fuel price rises. The systems do require some capital investment, but you should claw back the money from your heating bills over the following years - payback time can range from 5 to 50 years depending on the system and location though!
The Renewable Heat Incentive also provides a good financial leg-up to help make this an even more attractive investment.
In September 2017, an historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.
By making the 'Soak in the sun' pledge, you are contributing in your own small way to the following SDG targets:
7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
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