What you can do

There are lots of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Some will have more of an impact than others.

Calculate your carbon footprint

There are many actions that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. Some will have more of an impact than others.

Everyone’s carbon footprint is unique. To find out what would have the biggest impact for your life, you can calculate your carbon footprint using this WWF calculator. It will tell you where your biggest impacts are, and where there is potential to reduce emissions.

Tips to reduce your carbon footprint

Consider retrofitting your property. Retrofit is any improvement works to an existing building (inside or out) to improve its energy efficiency. Both large and small improvements such as double glazing, insulation, solar panels, low energy heating systems (ground or air source heat pumps), energy-efficient lighting and smart meters, can give you a warmer home and lower bills:
Find ways to save energy in your home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or call 0800 098 7950.
Switch to green energy: Switching your energy supplier – Energy Saving Trust
Install solar panels and battery storage on your home: the Energy Saving Trust has useful advice on solar panels. There is a local group-buying scheme called: Solar Together Sussex which runs from time to time.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is essential for evaluating a property's energy efficiency. EPC ratings range from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least. The higher your rating, the better your property's energy efficiency. While the UK's average rating is a D, aiming for a C or higher is advisable. Additionally, the EPC offers personalised recommendations for enhancing your property's energy efficiency. EPCs are a legal requirement whenever a property is built, sold or rented. Find out if your property has an EPC.
You can look at average emissions from households where you live using this place-based carbon calculator.
Switch to a lower emission vehicle, such as a hybrid or an electric car. Or to cut costs and emissions, you could consider selling your car and using a car club instead.
Walk and cycle short journeys when you can. Cycling is a healthy and cost-effective way to get around. If you find cycling hard work, try an e-bike – they make short work of hills and headwinds. The World Health Organisation has information on the many benefits of active travel.
Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables, which are healthier and have a lower footprint then meat and dairy. You can explore the carbon footprint of your food with the BBC's climate change food calculator.
Reduce food waste emissions by only buying what you need and composting your food waste: Composting at home.
Spread the word and encourage your friends, relatives and neighbours to take on a personal challenge to cut carbon and save costs.

Grants and support

For residents and landlords:

Energy advice for your home from the Energy Saving Trust provides information on topics such as green heating, insulating your home, and investing in more energy efficient appliances.
Solar Together is a group buying scheme for solar electric panels and battery storage systems. Registrations open periodically.
Keep Warm and Well provides a Warm Home Check service. If you are on a low income, you may also qualify for a free home visit.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers landlords in England and Wales help with replacing existing fossil fuel heating systems with greener alternatives such as heat pumps or biomass boilers.
Great British Insulation Scheme - You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government program requiring certain energy suppliers to assist in covering costs for home energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation, in low-income households. For rented properties, eligibility is based on the resident's situation, rather than the landlord's. To check eligibility, contact any obligated energy supplier (this does not need to be your current energy supplier).
Electric vehicle charge point and infrastructure grants - Grants for landlords to install electric vehicle charge points and supporting infrastructure in rental and leasehold properties.
Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) program - If you live in a rural part of Rother District (i.e. anywhere other than Bexhill), and are a homeowner, landlord or private tenant, then you may be eligible for an assessment to reduce energy costs, valued at up to £500. For details and registration, visit Rother Citizens Advise website or call 0800 1456879.