Greenpeace has been promoting DE and CHP to MPs across the country to persuade them to vote on supportive legislation and to actively initiate and support developments locally in their constituencies. Legislation has recently been produced which will support DE and the Conservative party has a shadow white paper on the subject. Greenpeace are now working on Councils to take action.

The main point is that- Two thirds of the energy generated from a centralized- fossil fueled or nuclear- power station is lost as heat- unavoidable consequence of the laws of thermodynamics.

Decentralized Energy (DE) is generated at or near the point of use- the otherwise wasted heat can be used- so is not wasted.
E.g. Buildings or leisure parks double up as power stations- by fitting combined heat and power boilers.
Triple benefit (globally)- 50% cut in CO2 (for sector) + 25% cut in fuel prices + improved security of supply (less gas needed)

This is calculated by the World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE)- which advises Governments around the world eg. China, EU, USA.

How feasible is it?:-

Denmark produces 50% of its energy this way, Netherlands and Finland nearly 40% .

Woking Borough Council has cut its own CO2 emissions by 77% and energy consumption by 44% mostly through combined heat and power boilers and solar energy photovoltaics. Heating, hot water and electricity now costs the same as heating alone did before. Visits to Woking and their energy saving schemes can be arranged.
(see case story attached).

View | Save (links open in a new window)

What can be done within companies to make changes that have an impact on the environment.

Ideas to save water that can be adopted by companies.

View | Save (links open in a new window)

The Ideas Centre Environmental programme - changes that we can make that have an impact on the environment

Ideas to save using gas.

View | Save (links open in a new window)

A programme of ideas which by making a few changes will have a significant impact on the environment.

Various strategies that can be tried to save electricity within companies.

View | Save (links open in a new window)

A summary of the changes in the climate of the East of England, the choices we have and reasons for action

A powerpoint presentation prepared for the Ideas Centres which details the main changes that have taken place in the climate in this area.

View | Save (links open in a new window)