How To Cut Your Carbon Footprint While You Sleep

In partnership with Guernsey Electricity

Many of us are concerned about climate change, and as individuals, we have a key role to play in minimising environmental harm with the lifestyle choices we make. From our everyday actions around recycling and sustainability to the bigger decisions we make on transport and heating our homes, our actions can help protect the planet and reduce our carbon footprint. 

It’s not always easy. We all like our home comforts. But what if we told you that there was one simple switch you can make right now that will help to cut carbon emissions here in Guernsey. And it might also save you money, as well as helping the planet. 

It’s all about how - or rather when - we heat our water. Yes, it really is that simple. Here's why...

 

 

‘Set your timer to heat your water from 11pm and finish at 5am so you can stop relying on the power station to heat your water. The amount of power you use is still the same - but the source is much better.’

Guernsey Electricity

 

How We Heat Our Water.

Around 90% of Guernsey’s annual electricity is imported from low-carbon sources in the European grid. But during busy times, we need to rely on fossil-fuels to generate top-up electricity at the Vale power station. So when you have a shower, wash the dishes or give the kids a bath, you may be burning fossil-fuels, even if your systems are electric. It depends on exactly what time you heated your water. As you can imagine, the impact of thousands of households also heating water at the same time during peak hours is considerable. 

Especially during the winter months when the Vale power station is needed to top-up our energy, using fossil-fuels at times of high electricity demand. But by making a simple switch to the time that you heat your water, you can help Guernsey significantly reduce reliance on the power station. It won't affect the amount of power you use, but the source will be much more environmentally friendly.

 

Time For A Rethink.

Many of us heat our water all day because we’re worried our hot water supply might run out. Or we set timers to heat our water shortly before we need it, which can often collide with peak demand times on the electricity grid, because everyone else wants to use electricity then too. 

But actually, if your hot water tank is the right size for your household's needs and it’s adequately insulated (which most modern systems are) you only need to heat your water for a short time. And it’s less than you think - most cylinders only take around 2 hours to heat water. 

 

 

‘If we can persuade around 4,000 islanders to heat their water between 11pm and 5am, we may not need to use an additional fossil-fuel generator at the power station.’ 

Guernsey Electricity

 

Join The 4,000.

When electricity demand is high, Guernsey Electricity needs to use several tonnes of fossil-fuels at the power station every hour to top up demand. So they are urging us to Join The 4,000 by pledging to rethink how - or more importantly when - we heat our water supply. 

If around 4,000 properties change to heating their water between 11pm and 5am it could significantly reduce the island's emissions. It really is that simple, and you can be part of this change by joining the 4,000 here.

 

 

Sleep, Heat, Wake, Repeat.

Most hot water cylinders come with a timer which you can set to heat your water at specific times - and if you use the Super Economy 12 Tariff, which includes a lower rate for a 10-hour period during the night, you could be saving money on your hot water bill. 

You can find information on how to find your timer and how to set a heating schedule here. If you’re not sure what to do, speak to your electrician.

Once that’s done, all you have to do is sleep, heat, wake, repeat - easy!

Sleep: Become more sustainable while you're sleeping 

Heat: Let the power of the night take care of your hot water needs and set the timer to heat 11pm to 5am

Wake: Step out of peak times and into hot water that's better for our island

Repeat: Keep your timers set 11pm to 5am then wake up everyday to cleaner, cheaper hot water 

Working Together For A Greener Guernsey.

To effectively tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions, we, as individuals, need to work together with the businesses fueling our community. The choices we make in our households will play a key role in the future of our environment. So when we are offered a simple solution like this, don't we have a responsibility to embrace the change and make this simple switch?

If reducing Guernsey's carbon emissions is important to you, Join the 4,000 and by pledging to make this one small switch today, you can help to make a positive impact on the future of our island home.