10 big changesGreener energy

Make your own energy

Create your own energy with solar panels

Cut your energy bill and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by installing a solar- or wind-powered energy system in your home.

Small domestic wind turbines can provide 30 to 35% of an average home’s electricity needs, and pay for themselves in 8-10 years.

When it comes to solar power, the average household can save about 50% of the annual cost of providing hot water using a solar heating system. They cost around £2-3,000 and government grants are available. Check out our for recommended products.

You may need planning permission to install a wind turbine such as the Windsave wind turbine, so check with your local council before fitting a renewable energy system.

UK homes account for more than a quarter of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, so if more of us started using renewable energy, we could make a real impact on the environment. Find our more in our guide to buying solar panels.

Switch to a green energy tariff

Switching to a green energy tariff could save you money

Changing to a so called ‘green’ electricity tariff can help suppliers pay for the development of new, cleaner fuels or go towards the cost of reducing or offsetting fuel emissions.

There are three key types of green tariffs:

Green energy match

Your supplier will produce an equivalent amount of renewable energy for the national grid, based on the amount of electricity you use. You should check what percentage of your electricity is matched before signing up to this type of deal.

Green fund

Switch to this type of tariff and your supplier will invest a proportion of its revenue into the research or development of renewable energy projects, or sources such as wind farms.

Carbon offsetting projects

Sign up to a carbon offsetting package and your supplier will offset your household’s carbon emissions by planting trees or investing in other CO2-reducing projects.

Switching to a good green electricity tariff needn't be more expensive - if you’ve never switched electricity supplier, you could find a green tariff is cheaper. Visit the Switch with Which? website to compare prices.

Energy audit your home

Turn off lights to save energy

Start reducing carbon emissions at home by taking a home energy check and acting on the results.

Almost half the UK's carbon dioxide emissions come from energy we use every day - at home and when we travel. By saving energy we can all help fight climate change.

The Energy Saving Trust offers a free personalised action plan to those who take the Home Energy Check survey on its website. It also estimates how much money you could save each year by implementing its energy-saving advice.

Energy-saving tips include:

• Insulate lofts and walls to save energy
• Fit a time clock programmer to a heating system
• Upgrade to a more energy-efficient boiler
• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Double glaze your windows
• Fit a water tank jacket

Reduce your carbon footprint

Greener travel - reduce your carbon footprint

Calculate your carbon footprint and discover ways to reduce the carbon emissions generated to run your day to day life.

Your carbon footprint takes into consideration all aspects of your lifestyle, from energy bills to the way you travel to work.

According to DirectGov, 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the personal actions of private individuals. Measuring and reducing your carbon footprint is a straightforward way to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions we create each time we heat our homes, fly on holiday or turn on our computers.

Leaving your car at home is a great way to start and will also cut costly fuel bills. There are various organisations that can help you make greener travel choices. Liftshare is a UK wide ‘budi’ service that aims to partner travellers moving by bicycle, car or on foot.

Measure your carbon footprint and learn how to reduce it using DirectGov’s online carbon footprint calculator.