Category: Energy and Built Environment
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Wood burning stoves and air pollution
Wood burning stoves are in the news. They make a significant contribution to air pollution according to a recent government report. Wood burners and open fires together account for more than one-third (38%) of the tiny particles known as PM2.5 that are among the most damaging types of emissions for human health. That is more…
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Green homes grant not fit for purpose
The green homes grant scheme caught my attention as soon as it was launched in September 2020. It looked worth investigating, but my attempt to use it soon came up against obstacles. It proved difficult to find either independent advice on the most important and appropriate improvements to my home, or an installer authorised to…
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Heat pump pros and cons
I remember as a student putting a shilling (2.5p) in the meter to run one bar of an electric fire for an hour to heat my single room. The heat was soon lost again due to poor insulation. I now live in a large house heated to a steady 21C by an air source heat…
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My Carbon Footprint
I was brought up to turn the lights off when I left a room, to save both money and energy. I remember the three day week of the 1970s and the power cuts when energy was rationed. That early training may help me now as I start the work of making my home more energy…
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New Government Proposals impose 1532 houses a year on Teignbridge
The government is conducting a consultation entitled “Changes to The Current Planning System”, which include proposed changes to the formula for calculation of housing numbers. When applied to 2020 this formula requires 1532 houses a year, whereas the previous formula required 760 houses. Summary of our concerns The absence of parallel policies to limit the…
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Are you interested in retrofit?
In 2019 nearly 70% of Teignbridge’s existing housing stock had an EPC rating D and below. Despite the significant increase in new build, this % has changed little in the past 10 years and, in the last 2 years, has actually increased. Green-House Gas (GHG) emissions from heating our buildings are significant with Teignbridge’s domestic…
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Why carbon intensity apps are greenwash
There is an app for almost everything. One that recently drew my attention is a carbon intensity app, which at first sight looks really helpful in alerting you to when you can put washing on or charge up batteries while the electricity grid in your area has low carbon emissions. Renewable energy is not yet…
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Local Plan consultation extended
Teignbridge District Council has extended the consultation period on its Local Plan, moving the closing date from 15th June to 13th July. The change has been made to give people more time to comment, given that face to face meetings are not currently possible. ACT encourages everyone to submit a response. Feel free to use…
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ACT responds to Teignbridge Local Plan consultation
The ACT coordinating group is preparing a response to the TDC Local Plan consultation. We have prepared an initial draft response here. Your input/comments are very much welcomed, please send these to fuad@actionclimateteignbridge.org It is important that everyone responds to this consultation by the 15th June as the new Local Plan will shape development in…
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Teignbridge District Council Local Plan Review
On 23rd March Teignbridge District Council announced the Local Plan 2020-2040 Review. The review survey runs until 15th June 2020, and ACT will be publishing a response towards the end of April.