Living In

How to apply for planning permission. Historic buildings and conservation areas, village management.

Visitor Centres
Locations and contact details of our four visitor centres
Pedal Peak District
Route maps, bike hire and how to get fit for free
Guided Walks and Events
Free guided walks suitable for all and other events all year round
Getting here
Make use of the best public transport links for any National Park

Renewable energy

People, now more than ever, are looking at renewable energy to help reduce their impact on the environment.

Reducing energy use

One quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions come from the energy used to light and heat houses.

What you can do today to save energy

Turn off lights that are not being used
Close windows that could leak out heat
Don’t leave your TV or computer on stand by
Draught proof windows or doors
Take showers instead of baths
Only boil water that you need
Use energy efficient light bulbs
Only use your washing machine / dishwasher when full
Turn down your thermostat and ensure you have an efficient boiler
Insulate your loft, boiler, ground floor and external walls
Don’t drive - walk, cycle or use public transport

For more tips visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk [opens in new window]

Renewable energy in a National Park

As an environmental organisation we encourage people to help us look after and protect the National Park.

One of the key ways we do this is through our planning policies. Key to any successful planning application for renewable energy in the National Park is how it works with the buildings and landscape.

If you have ideas please contact us first, so we can advise you on what is possible in your area and discuss government grants available to you.

Ground source heat pumps

Use the higher temperature of the ground and upgrade it to provide constant, low-cost hot water and central heating. Underground pipes are needed but only require a small space. When finished, the ground is completely restored – so a great system for the National Park. The National Park Authority has two – the new Moorland Centre in Edale, and the new cycle hire centre at Parsley Hay.

Biomass boilers

These burn replenishable living matter, such as agricultural waste, bonemeal, or straw. One using woodchips can be seen at Losehill Hall, the National Park’s environmental learning centre near Castleton.

Hydro-power

Used for centuries as a Peak District power source - water has great potential now. Modern systems need only a two-metre fall of water for a micro-turbine to power a house. Old equipment is being refurbished – at Chatsworth, a century-old system now provides lighting, and at Longnor, a mill wheel was restored.

Solar energy

Photovoltaic tiles and thermal panels are now more efficient yet they need careful positioning to avoid being intrusive. For least visual impact, panels should be matt, and sited on the back of the building, preferably in a recessed box. Worth considering are photovoltaic roof tiles, which are more expensive, but can simulate traditional slates.

Wind turbines

Not always best for a National Park, as they are a challenge to place without intruding upon the landscape. Small-scale individual ones are feasible if well designed, appropriately coloured and use landscape features to aid their integration. They do not provide constant energy, so may be best used with other technologies.

Finding out more

For more information see our publication Energy: Renewables and Conservation

For advice on sustainable development funds see our Sustainable Development Fund page

For initial planning enquiries:
Tel: 01629 816200
Email: customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Other useful websites

COmmittee on Climate Change (CCC) www.theccc.org.uk

Energy efficiency advice for households: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Energy efficiency advice for companies: www.carbontrust.co.uk

www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk

Centre for Alternative Technology www.cat.org.uk

Accredited installers and products

Community groups can get free professional advice and services at High Peak and Derbyshire Dales ProHelp www.highpeakcvs.org or telephone 01663 735350.