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Environment and greener living
Generating or buying green energy
You can use natural resources such as the sun, wind or water to produce your own energy in a greener, more sustainable manner - known as microgeneration. You can also access low carbon and renewable energy by buying greener electricity.
What is microgeneration?
Microgeneration is the use of low carbon energy technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to produce electricity or heat in homes as well as business and community buildings. It provides a form of energy that is low (or zero) carbon and reduces the use of fossil fuels that are harmful to the environment. It can also save you money on your utility bills.
When considering whether microgeneration is an option for you remember that upfront costs can be high and payback times can be long. Not all installations recoup their money. Microgeneration may increase your property value, though, and financial considerations should be taken alongside environmental considerations.
Microgeneration technologies
For more detailed information on specific microgeneration technologies, use the links below:
Grants to help you generate your own energy
To find out more about the financial incentives available to your household or community, see the links below:
Buying green electricity
According to the Energy Saving Trust, renewable, or 'green' electricity, accounts for just four per cent of our electricity at present, but is set to grow over the coming years.
Many companies offer to supply ‘green’ electricity. Packages vary, so check exactly what you are buying, but they generally fall into two categories:
- a green tariff – where a supplier will source an amount of electricity for you from renewable or low carbon sources
- a green fund – where a supplier will make a financial contribution on your behalf to support environmental projects or renewable and low carbon energy developments
Electricity suppliers are already obliged by law to produce a certain amount of their electricity from renewable sources. So when switching to a green tariff check whether this means that additional renewable energy is being generated beyond the legal minimum. Only then will your choice of electricity supplier lead to an increase in the amount of renewable electricity produced in the UK.
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