Little Wenlock C Red
Little Wenlock Carbon Reduction Action Group Newsletter
(Aiming to reduce our carbon emissions)
Newsletter 15
Some eco-thoughts for Christmas
- LED xmas tree lights use only one tenth the electricity of typical tree lights, and are even available with a solar panel.
- Eco Kettle just boils the number of cups you need.
- Owl wireless Energy Monitor calculates the cost of appliances.
- Leave solar / windup torches and radios on the window sill to soak up solar power, and top up by winding if you need more.
- Freeloader is a portable solar charger for ipods & mobiles etc.
- Bye Bye Standby sockets stand alone or come in threes, with remote control, to easily turn things off.
- Solar LED Security Lights illuminate without mains power.
See: ethicalsuperstore.com & naturalcollection.com or for those who need no more ‘stuff’ see oxfamunwrapped.com
Mike & Karen tackle Solid Walls with Celotex
Unable to endure the prospect of another freezing winter we decided to top up the loft insulation to 10” and tackle the upstairs walls. Downstairs the walls are 18” stone and rubble construction, but upstairs they are just two bricks thick with no cavity. In winter they are very cold and damp, and a constant war is waged against condensation and damp.
We contacted local builder Ian Cadman who first treated the walls with an anti-mould solution then attached 2” x “2 timbers to the walls and in-filled with Celotex. This is 2 inch thick layer of highly insulating, foil covered, rigid foam, that can be cut with a normal saw.
This was covered with plasterboard and then skimmed with plaster. The whole job took a week to complete.
The total area covered was 28 square yards at a cost of £1275. This works out at approximately £45 a sq yard. The loft insulation cost just £195, with power company grant.
We are delighted with the results. The house now feels much cosier and seems to be retaining the heat. The upstairs walls and ceilings are warm to touch and we expect our heating bills will be much reduced. We will update you in the spring!
If you would like more information on their Celotex job contact Mike and Karen on 505950.
For a ‘how to do it’ information sheet; Practical Refurbishment, contact Hilary on 505547.
For details of free loft and cavity wall insulation for over 70’s, or best power company offers
(from £150-£200 for up to 3 bed semi) call the Energy Saving Trust advice line 0800 512012.
Next C Red meeting: Thursday 11th December in the pub, 8pm, come and join us
