Energy Efficiency and Conservation
The Council has a duty to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock in the Borough and we aim to do this mainly through raising awareness of energy saving measures and promoting grant/discount schemes.
The Dartford Sustainable Home Energy Strategy and Action Plan 2005 – 2008 was adopted and endorsed at the General Assembly of the Council on 5 June 2006. This strategy and action plan set out the Council’s key actions and targets for the coming years.
A number of organisations including this Council have worked together to produce the Kent Health and Affordable Warmth Strategy with the aim of making heating affordable for all.
Energy saving options for your home
- Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance from HM Revenue & Customs is available to enable landlords to invest in the energy efficiency of their housing stock
- Grant schemes available to the elderly and those families with a low income
- Discount schemes available to everyone
Initiatives taking place in Dartford
Current Initiatives
To give energy saving assistance on the doorstep the Council in partnership with Energy Services is planning to visit every home in the Borough to offer information and advice on energy saving improvements. Find out when Energy Services will be in your area.
Previous Initiatives
Energy Conservation survey 2008
The Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA) requires every UK Local Authority with housing responsibilities (energy conservation authorities) to prepare, publish and submit an energy conservation report identifying measures to improve the energy efficiency of all residential accommodation in their area by 30% between 1995 and 2005 and to report on progress made in implementing the measures. Copies of the Energy Conservation Reports submitted by the Council and comments received can be downloaded from the following links:
Why save energy
We all use energy every day – at home, at work and when we travel and the cost of fuel prices is rising all the time.
To generate that energy, we burn fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) that produce ‘greenhouse gases’ – in particular carbon dioxide (CO2). Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, a major environmental problem facing our planet.
The energy we use to heat, light and power our homes produces 27% of the UK ’s CO2 emissions. Another 25% of emissions come from road transport.
(Photo courtesy of Kent Energy Centre)
How much energy are you using and how much is it costing you?
- Calculate your carbon footprint with the Energy Saving Trust or the National Energy Foundation.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
From October 2008 all buildings, whenever they are built, sold a new tenancy, will require one. The EPC provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average to date being 'D'.
- View Energy Performance Certificates for homes information from Directgov website
- Compare prices, look at special offers and get the best deal for you from the various energy suppliers with the EnergyWatch website
How to save energy?
Try the below links for tips of how to save energy in your home
Renewable Energy
- For information on renewable energy check out our Renewable energy page
Useful links
- Kent Energy Centre www.kentenergycentre.org.uk
- Energy Saving Trust www.est.org.uk
- National Energy Foundation www.nef.org.uk
- Condensation, Damp and Mould
- Heating Controls on Electric Appliances
- Heating Controls on Gas Appliances
- Fact Sheet 20 on Solid Wall Insullation
- Key Fact Sheet 21 Park Homes
For further information contact the environmental promotions Officer
- Email environmental.promotions@dartford.gov.uk
- Phone number 01322 343056
