FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Gloucestershire County Council promoting Carbon Watchers?

Gloucestershire County Council recognises the need to reduce carbon emissions to help combat climate change. As a large employer, energy user and provider of services to the community, the Council is in a strong position to encourage and facilitate action. The council is taking steps to reduce its own energy consumption, and would like to enable individuals within the county to do the same.

What else is Gloucestershire County Council doing to help combat climate change?

Gloucestershire County Council has set a target to reduce carbon emissions from its sites and activities by 10% by 2012. This is to be achieved by monitoring energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency in council buildings and vehicles whilst raising awareness among staff and residents of the county.

Who are Severn Wye Energy Agency?

Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) are a not-for-profit company and registered charity (Reg. no.1083812) based in Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean. SWEA promote more sustainable ways of using energy though projects addressing education and awareness, energy efficiency and renewable energy. SWEA manage the Warm and Well scheme on behalf of the six district councils in Gloucestershire and also provide the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre service on free phone 0800 512 012.

Why do we need to reduce carbon emissions?

Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels are a major contributor to climate change. It is difficult to predict how climate change will affect the UK but it is likely that our weather will become increasingly unpredictable with extreme weather events such as storms, droughts and floods becoming more frequent. As well as the possibility of injury or death during such events, they can also affect many other aspects of our lives, from whether we can get household insurance to how viable a particular business is. We all use carbon-based energy in our daily lives and cutting down just a little here and there can add up to a big difference.

What is Act on CO₂?

Act on C02 is a website developed by the UK government that enables people to calculate the approximate carbon emissions associated with their home, appliances and travel.

The web address is http://direct.gov.uk/actonco2 (flash version).

What will the Carbon Watchers be doing?

There are five key elements of Carbon Watchers to complete:

1. calculating their carbon footprint at the start and end (with our help)
2. sending us their monthly meter readings
3. taking steps to reduce their carbon emissions
4. coming along to quarterly events
5. being available for interview by local papers and/or radio

What do Carbon Watchers get out of the pilot scheme?

The direct benefits of taking part in Carbon Watchers are reductions in household bills, whether it's electricity, gas, heating oil, water, petrol or diesel.  Any savings made in these areas are good for our wallets as well as the planet. Producing less waste might not seem to benefit us much, but the aim of Carbon Watchers is to trial an approach that will get the majority of the public involved. If we all produce less waste it helps with community issues like the decreasing amount of landfill space left available. The sooner we fill this space up, the sooner we will be forced to use more expensive and less popular waste disposal options. Finally, as we are looking to run media features on the people taking part, it could be valuable experience for a career in the media, to get publicity for local areas or just for posterity. They could even be nominated as an Environmental Hero in the annual Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards!

How can I contact you to find out more?

If you've got questions, we would like to hear from you.  Our details are listed on the contact details pages - please call, email or write to us.