Bob Doris MSP Commits to Taking Time out to Save Energy

Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow has pledged to take 10 minutes to save money and energy this week, in support of the Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Saving Week. Realising many householders are feeling pressure on their time and finances, Bob is urging his constituents to contact their local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre to find out what quick and simple steps they can take to save energy in the home.

The MSP has also signed a motion in the Scottish Parliament supporting Energy Saving Week, which points out that energy efficiency can play a key role in reducing energy bills at a time of increasing prices. The motion also highlights research by the Energy Saving Trust which reveals many Scots feel a lack of time is a barrier to them taking energy saving measures.

Bob Doris also visited one of his constituents to talk about saving energy. Speaking from the home of Glasgow resident, Mrs Pauline Smith (pictured), Bob said: "I am delighted to support the Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Saving Week, to highlight the impact that wasting energy can have on the energy bills of my constituents and, of course, on the environment.

"With us all having busier lives and less free time, I know that people in Glasgow sometimes feel they do not have enough time to take steps to save energy. However, the Energy Saving Trust is proving that it does not need to take long to save energy, and money on your fuel bills.

"This week, I am committing to take 10 minutes out of my busy parliamentary schedule to spend on measures which will cut my personal energy use, and would encourage my constituents to do the same. For a start, I am going to stop leaving my mobile phone and laptop on charge when they're already fully charged - that's a pointless waste of energy and money.

"It doesn't take long to get things started - for example, it takes fewer than 10 minutes to take simple steps like switching appliances off at the socket rather than leaving them on stand by, or installing low energy light bulbs to improve energy efficiency in the home.

Pauline Smith added: "I think it's tremendous what Energy Saving Week could achieve if even a small percentage of your readers, do something about it. We have a 17 month old baby, Calum and it's important to me that we preserve the environment for his future. But it's also about money. With fuel bills spiralling, it makes sense to waste as little as possible."

Bob Doris MSP added: "Energy Saving Week is also the ideal time to remind all of my constituents to find out how they can save energy by calling their local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 for free, independent, home efficiency advice. Expert advisers are on hand to offer information on grants and other financial help that may be available to householders, as well as energy saving tips. Alternatively, people can also find further information on the Energy Saving Trust website."

Notes:

Text of the motion lodged in the Scottish Parliament Energy Saving Week Campaign - That the Parliament congratulates the Energy Saving Trust for organising its 12th annual Energy Saving Week from 20th to 26th October; recognises that energy efficiency is the cleanest, safest and cheapest way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions; further notes that energy efficiency can play a key role in tackling fuel poverty; but acknowledges that the Energy Saving Trust’s independent research shows that people believe a lack of time is a barrier to them taking energy saving measures; further notes that many actions, such as installing low energy lightbulbs or boiling only the water you need for a hot drink, actually take very little time; urges all Members to show leadership in their constituencies and regions by supporting Energy Saving Week and encouraging constituents to contact their local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 for free, independent, home efficiency advice; and notes that since the Energy Saving Trust was established it has funded or influenced measures giving lifetime savings of over 100 million tonnes of CO2.

Further information:

The Energy Saving Trust recommends ten quick and simple ways people can start to save energy in their homes:

1. Turn the thermostat down by 1 degree. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C can cut heating bills by up to 10 percent. You could save around £50 per year.
2. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
   
3. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
   
4. Don't leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave appliances, such as mobile phones, on charge unnecessarily.
5. If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
   
6. Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
7. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!
8. Use energy saving lightbulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb and only take a few minutes to install. This saving could be up to £60 over its lifetime if you’re replacing a very high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day.
9. Call your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 for free, impartial, individually tailored advice on measures you can take to save energy. Advisers can also let people know about grants and other help available.
10. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for a wide variety of information on saving energy, including Energy Saving Recommended products, insulation, generating your own energy, greener transport and more.

About The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland 

The Energy Saving Trust is one of Scotland and the UK’s leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. It aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions – the main greenhouse gas causing climate change – by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy.

The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland is part of a UK-wide non-profit organisation providing impartial information and advice. It manages a network of advice centres in Scotland specifically designed to help consumers take action to save energy.

In Scotland, this Energy Saving Scotland advice centre network aims to reach 250,000 people every year. The Energy Saving Trust's work in Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government