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6 September 2006
MP turns up the heat at Lings
With a discussion about energy efficiency and climate change
Lings Environmental Education Centre was literally buzzing with energy on Tuesday 29 August. The Trust, in partnership with Sally Keeble MP, hosted an electric public discussion about energy efficiency and climate change. The response from local residents, including many Wildlife Trust members, was so great that the centre was packed to capacity.
The evening was opened by insightful overviews by our Head of Conservation, Brian Eversham, and Northampton MP, Sally Keeble. They paved the way for a good-natured, lively and very well-informed discussion forum. Topics under debate were the pros and cons of nuclear energy, renewable energy sources and ways in which we can improve energy efficiency in our own homes.
The nuclear energy discussion group proved the most controversial with strong cases radiating from both sides. Meanwhile, the renewable strategies group was surprisingly positive towards the successful use of sustainable energy sources and provided Ms. Keeble with some practical ideas for a shift towards sustainability in Northamptonshire. The energy efficiency group also contributed some useful ideas for the MP's report as well as providing some important steps we could all take responsibility to change in our own lives.
Sally Keeble will collate the ideas and opinions from this discussion into a report to be presented to the government which will hopefully have some bearing upon the new development areas designated in Northamptonshire. Many thanks to everyone who contributed towards this thoroughly successful and enjoyable evening.
3 easy steps towards energy efficiency
1) If every UK household used 3 energy saving light bulbs, the energy saved could power all of our street lighting - Energy saving light bulbs have come down markedly in price, keep a look out for special offers.
2) £150m worth of electricity is wasted from video recorders left on standby - Be sure to turn off your TV and computer overnight and monitor charging appliances such as mobile phones and cameras.
3) Our power needs peak during certain daytime periods which requires extra surges from the grid - If possible limit use of some appliances, such as washing machines, to off-peak times (typically midnight - 7am).