Tag: sustainability

Decarbonise your property

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

To help your community to decarbonise, support energy efficiency improvements and help to reduce fuel costs, I wanted to let you know about Thermly (https://www.thermly.co.uk): they are a green energy technology company operating to help rapidly increase the uptake of clean energy technologies for homeowners and they have just launched their new service in Somerset. See details in the attached pdf.

As highlighted in the latest edition of Somerset Council’s Somerset Environmental and Ecological Newsletter* (SEEN) there is more support, grants and loans available to support householders retrofit their homes by decarbonising with upgraded heating and clean energy technologies to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. For further info about Retrofit and a local directory see Retrofit Somerset.
(*If you have community and/or council actions on climate & environmental activities or projects please send them in to climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk for potential inclusion in an edition of SEEN).

Thermly have developed a unique website that enables an interested householder to answer a few brief questions about the viability of their home for these green technologies and obtain a no obligation estimate from 3 local, pre-vetted and Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) certified installers for heat pumps, solar PV and/or batteries from carefully chosen, trusted and local installers. They also support the uptake of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for householders – £7,500 grant towards installing a heat pump.

If the homeowner would like to proceed, they can choose which installer they prefer and have an in-person survey undertaken free of charge which will provide them with a detailed quotation – if they approve, the homeowner can progress with the installation, all managed through the Thermly platform.

If you were interested in Thermly, please feel free to contact Clephane via email atclephane@thermly.co.uk. He would be more than happy to arrange a meeting to talk you through the attached presentation and/or any questions you may have.

In addition Somerset Council’s Climate and Natural Environment Team are going to set up regular meeting with each council’s climate/environment officer (if you have one) or a representative of the council/community engaging with action on the climate and ecological emergency. Please pass this invitation on to your officer or cllr or let us know their contact info for us to invite them to these meetings.

Many thanks for your help,

Best eco well wishes,

Cara Naden
Climate & Natural Environment

Somerset Council
01935 462615

Message from Wessex Water

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
Dear Customers

The UK has experienced one of the driest springs in 132 years, and as temperatures rise, so does our collective demand for water. The Environment Agency has now moved our region into what’s known as “Prolonged Dry Weather” status.

We’re not currently planning to introduce a hosepipe ban or other restrictions, but this change is a clear signal that we all need to do our bit to make sure there’s enough water to go around. Every drop counts and your actions matter

We’re not asking you to stop using water, just to use it wisely. Small changes at home can make a big difference – especially when we all do them together:

·        Take shorter showers

·        Use your washing machine and dishwasher only when full

·        Check for hidden leaks around your property

·        Let your lawn go brown. As soon as the rain returns it will go back to normal

These simple steps help protect our water supplies and, if you’re on a water meter, can save you money too.

What we’re doing to help

Hot, dry weather means less water goes into our reservoirs. River flows, groundwater, and reservoir levels are all lower than usual.

We’re working hard behind the scenes to keep water flowing, upgrading infrastructure, and fixing leaks.

If you spot a damp patch on the pavement or a trickle from a utility cover, let us know. Our teams will find it and fix it.

Thank you for your support

Water is precious. By working together, we can protect our supplies and make a real difference this summer for our communities and our environment.

If you have any questions, contact us at 0345 600 4 600 Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm.

Thank you,  Ruth Jefferson, Chief Executive

Support for those in need

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Somerset families and residents who are struggling to pay the bills this winter could be eligible for support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials over the coming months.

Somerset Council will be distributing £3.8m to those in need between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund.

To find out move click on this link https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/support-for-somerset-households-with-food-and-energy-bills-this-winter/

Check your Hot Water Bottle NOW

How long should a hot water bottle last?


The general recommendation is to replace your hot water bottle every two to three years. Most hot water bottles are made out of rubber (some are made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC), and rubber does degrade over time and with usage.

How to check how old your hot water bottle is?

Every hot water bottle sold in the UK should have a ‘flower wheel’ on the funnel somewhere, which shows the date it was made…

The number in the centre of the wheel shows you what year it was made. For example, if it says 18, it was made in 2018.

How to use your hot water bottle safely

Assuming your hot water bottle is in date, here are a few more tips on how to minimise the risk of burns…

Filling the bottle

Do:

  • Fill with a mixture of cold and hot water – Boil half the water needed and add cold water to the kettle or jug before filling the bottle.
  • Fill the bottle over the sink – Pour water into the bottle carefully to avoid spills.
  • Squeeze as much air as you can out of the bottle before stoppering it. If there’s air left in the bottle, the water can heat the air, meaning it expands, which may burst the bottle.
  • Screw in the stopper until hand-tight – Ensure the stopper is securely in place.
  • Check the bottle for leaks – Regularly inspect the bottle to ensure it is in good condition.

Don’t:

  • Don’t use if cracked, worn, or leaking – Ensure the hot water bottle is in good condition before use.
  • NEVER fill with boiling water – Using boiling water can cause damage and lead to the bottle bursting.
  • Don’t use the microwave or oven – Avoid heating the hot water bottle using these methods.
  • Don’t use hot water from the tap – Copper from pipes can affect the rubber’s strength.
  • Don’t fill more than two-thirds full – Unless the bottle is designed to be fully filled, avoid exceeding this limit.

Using the bottle

  • Don’t place in direct contact with your skin, always have a cover, towel or clothing.
  • Don’t put pressure or weight on the bottle, it’s not designed for you to sit or lie on it.
  • Don’t sleep with the bottle in bed overnight, remove it once the bed is warm before you go to sleep.    

Storing the bottle

  • Empty the bottle and hang it upside-down to drain. Make sure it’s totally dry before storing it.
  • Store the bottle with the stopper removed.
  • Store it in a cool, dry, dark place.
  • Either hang it upside down or lie it flat to store it.
  • Don’t place anything on top of the bottle while it’s being stored.