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.
Contact us:
Tel:
01629 816200
Email: customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
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
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.
