The South East has lots going for it and we are prone to making the most of that in terms of our use of resources. However, if everyone used as much of the world’s resources as we do the human race would need 3.5 planets to live on.

There are things we can do about that and SEFS has carried out research into 5 areas where we can all make a difference and help the region to reduce it’s Ecological Footprint.

Transport

Personal transport accounts for 18% of the Ecological Footprint of the South East. Individuals and households can significantly reduce their Ecological Footprint, as well as their CO2 emissions by changing their behaviour in respect of the transport choices they make.

  •  A combination of smart driving, a shift to walking and cycling for shorter journeys and choosing public transport for medium and longer journeys could produce a CO2 saving of around 750kg/per household/per annum (kg/hh/pa).  It has been estimated that 78% of those with a car are able to act in this way.[i]
  • By reducing the number of flights taken CO2 savings could be in the region of 1,120kg/hh/pa. It has been estimated that around 85% of those who fly could choose to act in this way1.

 Energy

Home energy accounts for 15% of the Ecological Footprint of the South East. Almost all individuals and households can reduce their domestic ecological footprint and CO2 emissions by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

  •  Improving insulation. Cavity wall, solid wall, loft, underfloor, hot water tank and pipe work – particularly the first 3, all make considerable contributions to CO2 savings. E.g. cavity wall insulation on a gas heated 3 bed semi detached property would save in the region of 750kg/hh/pa. It is estimated that 30% of the population could make these improvements by installing cavity wall insulation, the ability to do this being dependent on affordability and tenure. 1
  •  Using fuel efficient boilers and changing heating controls can also make a big contribution to CO2 savings. Installing a gas condensing boiler and heating controls in a two bedroom flat would provide respective savings of 471kg of CO2 and 541kg of CO2.[iii]
  •  Turning down the thermostat on heating (1 degree saves 467kg of CO2 for a 3 bedroom detached house1)  and selecting cooler washing cycles (washing at 30oC saves 45kg of CO21) and switching off appliances (standby and lights when leaving a room can save 156kg of CO2)  make a reasonable contribution to CO2  reduction1 and are actions that can be taken by a larger proportion of the population.1.

 Food

Food, its production, transport, consumption and waste, accounts for 19% of the Ecological Footprint of the South East. Individuals and households can reduce their Ecological Footprint in respect of food by purchasing more carefully so as to reduce waste, buying locally produced preferably seasonal food and by moving to a diet with a greater emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables. DEFRA research suggests that 100% of the population could make changes in respect of their food consumption patterns.1

  •  Throwing less food away can make on average a CO2 saving of 600kg/hh/pa and would contribute significantly to the reduction of the ecological footprint. It is assumed that everyone could take action on this issue; it is estimated that 30% of food is thrown away, half of which is edible.1
  •  Eating locally produced and in season food can result in CO2 savings of 10kg/hh/pa.1
  •  Choosing a diet with a greater emphasis on fruit and vegetables and less meat and dairy products could, it is estimated, contribute 260kg/hh/pa CO2 savings and converting to a vegetarian diet 630kg/hh/pa CO2 saving.1

Water

Increased demand for water and the consequent risk of shortages and negative impacts on biodiversity make it a critical sustainability issue for the SE. Individuals and households can play their part by treating water as a precious resource, using it more carefully.

  • A combination of water saving actions (low flow showers, turning off taps, economical watering, hippos, water butts, recycling water etc) could contribute to a CO2 saving of about 140kg/hh/pa. And research suggests most people could take this sort of action. 1
  • Choosing to have a water meter installed will demonstrate the effectiveness of water savings actions and contribute to the reduction of water’s Ecological Footprint which is 1.7% of the region’s total.4

 Waste

Although the issue of waste overlaps with other areas, particularly food, it is an important area to address both in terms of Ecological Footprint and CO2 emissions.

  •  DEFRA estimates that if households double their recycling efforts and purchase 10% of their clothes second hand this could generate savings of 540kg CO2/hh/pa. 1

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[i] A Framework for Pro Environmental Behaviours. Annex C. DEFRA Jan 2008. http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/social/behaviour/

[ii] Energy Savings Trust http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/What-can-I-do-today/Smarter-driving

[iii] Energy Savings Trust Carbon Calculator Checklist: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/calculator/checklist

4 Reducing the South East’s Ecological Footprint: A Route Map – Summary Report: http://www.southeast-ra.gov.uk/documents/sustainability/se_eco_footprint-aug08-exec_sum.pdf

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