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The Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation, set up by Government in 1993 to address climate change. Over a quarter of these emissions come from household energy use, so you can join the fight by making sure that your home is not needlessly wasting energy. Here you can find out what sort of steps you could take, calculate your savings or seek local advice. You may notice EST’s new campaign, ‘Save your 20%’ in the coming months, read on to find out how to save 20% of your energy and help fight climate change.

 

What is climate change?

The last Ice Age was approximately 15,000 years ago - the Earth has been slowly warming ever since, due to natural climate variations. Natural changes in climate take place over very long timescales. But since the industrial revolution the rate at which the Earth is warming has risen dramatically.

Save your 20%Most scientists agree that this is largely due to human activity, mainly the increased use of fossil fuels. This affects us all. The 1990s were the warmest decade since records began and 2003 was the third hottest year on record. It might seem that this man-made climate change would be a positive thing for the UK, giving us warmer summers and fewer cold winters. But hotter summers and less rain in the south and east would mean water shortages, forest fires and damage to crops and wildlife. In the north and west there could be much heavier rain and more flooding, and as the polar ice caps continue to melt, rising sea levels will threaten many coastal communities.

If you just saved 20% of the energy you use everyday you'll help prevent climate change. There are lots of different ways you can reduce your energy use and save as much as £250 each year on your energy bills. Home improvements such as wall and loft insulation, buying 'energy saving recommended' products or installing renewable technologies can all help you save your 20%.

Get started now:
Start saving immediately with our 10 easy ways to save energy in your home
Explore ways of saving money on energy efficient home improvements with our Energy saving grants & offers
Get a personalised report on how to save money and energy in your home with our Home energy check
Are you an energy guzzler or nibbler?! Find out with our Energy obesity quiz