Skip to main content

We use cookies on this site

If you don't want to accept cookies, you can change your preferences

Accept Manage cookies
Plant inside lightbulb with yellow background

Net Zero Supplementary Planning Document

Islington council is preparing new planning guidance on how buildings can reduce their carbon emissions. You can get involved by reading the scoping paper and completing a survey at the Let's Talk Islington webpage.

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce your energy bills for free.

Heating and hot water

  • Use your heating timer – programme your heating for when you need it, so you aren’t heating your home at times when you’re not usually at home. Watch our video on how you can do this.
  • Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C – this can save you as much as £100 per year! For most people, between 18 and 21°C is just right for living spaces.
  • Use Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) – control the temperature of each individual radiator, so even if your central heating is on, you don’t have to heat rooms you are not using.
  • Layer up - wear more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house and put an extra blanket on the bed so you won’t be tempted to turn the heating up.
  • Switch off your immersion heater – an immersion heater can cost up to 50p an hour to run, so if you have one, make sure it’s switched off when not in use.

Appliances

  • Switch off appliances – appliances and chargers continue to use electricity even when they aren’t charging.
  • Don’t leave appliances on standby – British households spend an average of £30 a year powering appliances left in standby mode.
  • Keep your fridge and freezer well stocked – by keeping your fridge and freezer full, less warm air will enter when they are opened so they don’t need to work as hard.
  • Fill dishwashers and washing machines – make sure they are full before you use them and always use the most efficient setting. Newer appliances often have an eco mode and most clothes can be washed well at 30°C.
  • Boiling the kettle – only put in the water you need. You can measure this first using the cup or the mug you will be filling.

Other ideas

  • Homeowners and private rental tenants in council tax bands A to D may qualify for free loft insulation through the Connected for Warmth scheme.
  • Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble drying it if you can. While efficient models exist, tumble dryers are still one of the most expensive items to run in the home.
  • Get a smart meter installed – your energy company should do this for free, and it will allow you to see where a you are using energy.