Government urges all to save energy

Monday, 25 October 2004 12:00 AM

The Government has launched a new energy saving campaign to encourage people to save both money and the environment by turning off unnecessary appliances.

Energy Efficiency Week, organised by the Energy Saving Trust, runs from October 25th to October 31st, and the Government is using the opportunity to raise awareness about energy wastage.

This is the latest in a series of Government environmental campaigns, following on from a recent campaign to encourage recycling.

Speaking this morning, the Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "The energy we use at home contributes to climate change, so saving energy is not just good for people's pockets but good for the environment too.

"Not only must we show consumers how to cut energy use but everyone involved in building homes - architects, builders, suppliers and planners - should take the lead and create more energy-efficient, sustainable homes."

He also announced £3 million of funding for a winter campaign by the Energy Saving Trust to promote energy efficiency in the home, for example through greater use of insulation.

The Government argues that steps like turning off lights in unused rooms and not leaving televisions on stand-by will save consumers money, as well as reducing emissions that contribute to climate change

It is aiming to cut carbon emissions by 12 million tonnes over the next six years through energy efficiency.

Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth is backing the campaign. Spokesperson Karine Pellaumail said: "Now is the time for people to take action to tackle dangerous climate change, before it's too late. People can start by cutting the energy consumption in their home, reducing their car use or switching to a green electricity provider. Or they could go even further by installing renewable energy in their homes or getting their workplace, local school or hospital to install renewable energy as well. "

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