Poor PVC-U - it seems people never tire of bashing it. Over the years various claims have been made about the environmental credentials of PVC-U.

However, perhaps the times they are a changin’ - as Martin Randall, the Chairman of Crystal Direct has created a new initiative to promote the benefits of PVC-U with his new fact sheet: The Truth about PVC-U - Facts & Fibs.

As a consumer it can be really hard to know what to believe, so this new fact sheet really is a great resource. It’s been compiled using a variety independent sources including - Reco Vinyl; Vinyl 2010; PVC Awareness; BPF; PVC Aware; Public Sector News Line; & Friends of the Earth.

The factsheet aims to debunk the myths (or indeed ‘fibs’) we are told about PVC-U and instead present the facts. Highlights include:

Fib: PVC-U Cannot be Recycled

Fact: PVC compounds are 100% recyclable, in fact PVC-U can be recycled over and over again. In 2007 the UK recycled more than 42,000 tonnes of used PVC-U windows and doors.

Fib: PVC-U is dangerous

Fact: Numerous independent studies have been undertaken by such bodies as the World Health Organisation and the European Union, which have repeatedly shown that the material is safe.

“Ministers have made clear that independent evidence such as that from Professor Rappe, the independent scientific advisor to the EU and World health Organisation, demonstrated that PVC is a safe material” - John Battle MP, former Minister of State for Science, Energy and Industry.

Fib: Manufacturing PVC-U harms the environment

Fact: A typical European PVC production plant would have to operate for 30,000 years to produce the same amount of dioxins released into the atmosphere during bonfire night!

“The balance of evidence suggests that there is no alternative material to PVC in it’s major product applications that has less overall effect on the environment.” - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

Fib: Alternative materials are just as good as PVC-U when it comes to energy-saving and durability.

Fact: PVC-U is far more thermally efficient than alternative materials and the PVC-U industry is at the forefront of the development of energy efficient window frames. In addition to this, the Building Research Establishment estimates that a typical PVC-U window will have a lifespan of 35 years.

Download the fact sheet in full here - it’s definitely an eye-opening read!

How much do you know about energy saving?

Test yourself with the Big Green Switch’s Energy Saving Quiz:

I managed to get a fairly respectable 8/10. I don’t want to spoil the quiz for anyone else, but let’s just say I was shocked at how much money could be saved per year if home appliances weren’t left on standby!

This week, the Daily Mail reported that Government advisers are suggesting that householders who do not take steps to make their homes greener should face higher council tax and stamp duty.

Those homeowners who do not have either double glazing or insulation would be hammered under the new proposals which are currently being considered by ministers. These proposal were drawn up by an environmental pressure group.

The pressure group would like to see ‘green mortgages’ under which homeowners can apply for loans to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. Improvements might include double glazing, new boilers, solar panels, insulation and so on. However, in addition to this, they would also like to see punishments handed out to those who elect not to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Ed Milliband (Climate Change Secretary) is expected to welcome the plans for ‘green mortgages’, but will not make any announcement with regard to the potential penalties until later this year.

John Adams (who put together the proposals) said that the ‘green mortgages’ would be unlikely to take off unless the penalties were also implemented, saying that a ‘carrot and stick’ approach needs to be employed.

These penalties could take the form of higher council tax rates and higher stamp duty which could put off potential buyers as and when homeowners elect to sell their homes.

Matthew Sinclair (from the Tax Payers’ Alliance) said:

“It is absolutely shocking that the Government is still threatening new bogus green taxes when taxpayers are already paying a fortune in higher prices for their electricity, gas and petrol thanks to ineffective global warming policies… There is no need for these new taxes that will punish people already paying a heavy price for the Government’s clumsy and failing energy agenda.”

The aim of the ‘green mortgage’ plan is to make repayments so small, that they would be outrstripped by the savings on energy bills - meaning that homeowners will actually save money by taking out the loans.

Officials have calculated that a typical Victorian end of terrace house would spend £10,280 on energy saving measures. This would lead to repayments of £514 per year. However as the energy savings would amount to £802 per year, homeowners would actually make a profit of £288 per year.

Here at SEHBAC we welcome the ‘green mortgage’ scheme as we believe it will make energy efficiency measures within the grasp of far more homeowners. However, we feel that the potential penalties for those who elect not to make these improvements are unfair; particularly as whilst some will be keen to take out loans to make these improvements, the chances are that there will still be many who are unwilling (or indeed unable) to go into debt.

It should be noted that whilst Ed Milliband is expected to back the proposals for green mortgages, he will not make any announcement on the potential stamp duty and council tax penalties until the Autumn. We’ll be watching with interest to see how this all progresses, and of course will provide updates here.

Image credit L’Enfant Terrible

Yesterday the Energy Saving Trust launched Green Communities - a brand new online hub for UK communities, offering free tools and advice to help communities to come together to reduce their carbon footprint.
 
Green Communities aims to support, facilitate and promote community based energy projects - with a great range of online resources, free training and advice on project planning and funding, and of course, technical support.

To access the site, visitors are encourages to become members. Membership is completely free, and members have access to the following:

1. Advice & Support - impartial advice is provided via telephone or email on a variety of issues.
2. Training - there are a variety of free training courses available for community members who would like to know how to go about running a successful community project - the subjects covered include planning, funding, energy auditing, income generation models and much more.
3. Expert Consultancy - access experienced professionals to assist in making decisions for your project at each key stage.
4. Annual Conference - a chance to attend the annual conference, listen to keynote speakers, network and take part in workshops
5. Funding access and advice.
6. Monthly Email Bulletins -  receive regular updates on the latest sustainable energy news.
7. Newsletters - twice per year receive an email showcasing all of the excellent achievements of the network.
8. Community Carbon Footprint Tool - a tool which allows you to estimate your community’s carbon footprint, and update it as and when your project takes effect.
9. Tools & Resources - access to templates and ‘how to’ guides on how to reduce your community’s carbon footprint and deliver projects.
10. Community Projects - access to our case study library and the Green Communities project database so you can learn from projects which others have undertaken. Likewise, you can also elect to share the learnings from your project with other members.
11. Local Support - the opportunity to bid for hands on support from your local advice centre to help you to deliver your energy project.
12. Bursary - receive up to £200 to help your community group develop an energy project. Funding can cover travel costs, events, equipment, room hire etc. 
13. Green Community Heroes - enter your community project for one of our Green Communities recognition awards in partnership with the Guardian newspaper.

Joan Ruddock, MP, Minister of State, DECC, said: 

“Community-wide action is vital if the UK is to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets and make the transition to a low-carbon future. We know that lots of people want to take action but aren’t sure where to start – the Energy Saving Trust’s Green Communities programme will play a valuable role in helping achieve collective change, street by street, in every community.”

Expert in community engagement, Professor Erik Bichard, University of Salford, said:

“Our most trusted advisors are often the people we find closest to us. Community strength to tackle climate change needs to start somewhere.  The Energy Saving Trust’s Green Communities programme is a way of compelling community leaders to kick-start local action.”

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: 

“We already have 2,000 community groups signed up across the UK and interest is growing daily. We know that by working with communities the potential to influence friends and families is huge.”

Communities across the UK are invited to register for free membership today at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/community or call 0844 848 0077.

Image courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust website.

In the current climate, many homeowners are electing to improve their property in the hope of adding to it’s market value; but sadly, it seems that many are making expensive mistakes.

Homeowners looking to make improvements - specifically with the aim of increasing the value of their property should think about practical, functional improvements which will have broad appeal - rather than putting an ‘individual’ stamp on their homes.

Below are our top five home improvement blunders, which are likely to detract from your home rather than adding value:

1. Outdoor Hot Tubs - whilst this might seem like a nice idea, they’re rarely used. They also take up space in the garden and require maintenance. They’re also expensive, and not likely to add anything to the value of your property.
2. Extravagant Kitchens - whilst a kitchen can really sell a property - rather than choosing something ‘bold’ - go for a clean unfussy design that is likely to appeal to the broadest audience.
3. Crazy Bathrooms - again, if you’re looking to sell your property a clean, unfussy white bathroom suite is what you need. ‘Individual’ touches are not required (you might love the barbie pink floor tiles, but others might not).
4. Eccentric Decor - buyers look for high quality finishes, not gimmicks. Neutral colours often work best - you can always add splashes of colour via furnishings, cushions, rugs, artwork etc. These are easier for buyers to see past if they are not to their taste. 
5. Unsympathetic Renovations - stripping a Georgian cottage of all it’s character to try to create modern open plan living is a definite no-no. Likewise a period fireplace in a new build is probably not the best way to spend your money. Be sympathetic to the style and character of the property you own. 

So what should you do? 

Nationwide Building Society suggests that home owners should focus on functional renovations in order to stand the best chance of boosting the market value of their home:

1. A 10% increase in floor space (i.e. square footage) adds between 5%-7% to the value of a property. However, the additional space needs to be usable - e.g. add a conservatory, home office or similar.
2. Adding an extra bedroom and en suite bathroom via a loft conversion or by extending over the garage can add 11%-20% to a property (for those homes that are expanding from a two bedroom to a three bedroom, or those that are expanding from a three bedroom to a four bedroom).
3. Energy-efficiency measures such as double glazing can also boost a home’s value and make it easier to sell. If you are selling or renting your home, you’ll need to provide prospective buyers / tenants with an energy performance certificate; undoubtedly homes which are more energy efficient are likely to appeal more. 

Other top tips:

1. It’s worth spending money making sure your home has curb appeal - make sure your front garden and driveway are presentable and your front door is well maintained - you don’t want people to be turned off before they’ve even entered your property.
2. If you do have an extension make sure that you get the necessary planning consent. If you don’t have the consent, then a buyer is unlikely to go ahead and purchase your property, as they may be asked to take the extension down.