Lis

Where is your flat and how old is it?

St Johns Street, Clerkenwell (Islington) built in 2002/03

What work have you had done or what lifestyle changes have you made?

I’ve replaced all bulbs where possible for CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), I have an Energy Saving Recommended TV and DVD player and my main plugs are on timers and have removed three electric radiators.

My hot water is heated on Economy 7. I don’t have a car and take public transport – I even took a train and boat to France for my holidays.

I also recycle all plastics, tins, bottles and paper

How have you carried out the changes?

The CFLs were easy to fit but my TV and DVD were more difficult to source. I removed radiators as the natural light heats the main living rooms which are also double glazed. I find that taking public transport and walking around central London is easier and cheaper than trying to run a car, if I need a car I tend to rent one for the weekend.

There’s a recycling point provided in our block, the site manager recently added a bin for plastics, which was most welcome.

Any lessons learnt and advice for other Londoners?

There are lots of different types and styles of energy saving light-bulbs available. If you don’t know where your local recycling points are, then call the local council and ask them. The Energy Saving Trust and local retailers can help you chose Energy Saving Recommended appliances.

What has been the impact on your life?

Our total energy bills have gone down to £70-90 per quarter. I’m now much more conscious of how much packaging products use, as I carry it down to the recycling point each week.

There are health benefits from walking and not using a car everyday. Also you get to discover new places and see more of what is going on in your own community when you travel on foot or by bicycle

Did you get a grant or any other financial assistance?

I couldn’t find any available grants for the bulbs that I wanted, but the savings have paid for the bulbs several times over now.