The Results

The results were:

There is very little difference between the different groups apart from the lower implementation of structural changes other than low energy lighting in rented accommodation.

• 96% of all respondents recorded making structural or life style changes or both.
• 75% of respondents have introduced or have been adding to their use of low energy light bulbs.
• 51% of all respondents have also made one or more other improvements, while for 24% low energy lighting is the only structural improvement.
• 90% of respondents have made some life style change.

The options given for the possible influences on the changes was flawed as we did not clearly identify the powerful effects of high energy prices, and the influence of shops in the move to low energy bulbs. Of the 97 who reported on influences 84% cited general awareness and 49% cited the Energy initiative. 5% of respondents (6 of the 112) have already taken action to generate energy.

Comments arising from the Survey

We did not include price rises and cost as a driver for saving. This was mentioned by several.

Some of the houses were constructed or completely renovated recently. If in the last 3 years they have most improvements ticked. If before that the improvements had already been done. This is a random effect on the results but probably not enough houses are affected to be significant.

Several messages approved of the BEI, e.g.

• "I have found the BEI very stimulating to make me think about energy wasting a lot more."
• "Keep up the good work."
• "Great initiative, keep it going to remind us."
• "The BEI has been splendid initiative and I hope it will continue over coming months and years."

The other comments were:

"I make fewer car journeys and wear more clothes."

"I am not sure this (questionnaire) is relevant to the policy!"

A long plea for a cycle path to Upton.

"Most of the shops in Didcot have doors open with heat escaping. The same happens in summer with the Air Con on. Perhaps the Town Council/Chamber of Commerce should be approached. If all agreed to a voluntary code this could get positive reports in the local press, local TV etc. This could go on to be a national initiative. This would be a massive energy saving."

"Maybe some sort of review of some of the different energy saving products available "Which" style would be useful. When we got our new heaters and solar panels we had to do a lot of research, so having information that is easy to access would be great, especially users reaction rather than just company blurb."

"Perhaps other measures could be added to widen this survey? i.e taking your own bag to supermarket (many sea turtles die through ingesting plastic bags for example.) Also walk or cycle for short journeys etc. and recycling."

"I read somewhere of a local village that has cooperative purchase of boiler oil."

"Some expert analysis of the best electricity tariffs for Blewbury would be helpful. "

"What about a co-operative for the purchase of gas and electricity?"

"Keep Blewbury street light free!"

"Occasional snippets in the bulletin such as: changing light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs could save you £Y per year."

"Suggest all households who have had cavity wall insulation installed be made aware that a certificate of conformity/guarantee is issued by C.I.G.A."

"We are getting there and like others need the occasional push todo!"

"Had we nuclear energy there would be no need for energy initiatives."

"Local Authorities need to be more pro-active, and offer more advice especially to the elderly and young families living in social housing."

"Vacuum flask for spare use of kettle water."

"SSE Flexiheat (dual tariff)."

"High voltage explanation in Bulletin helpful (Xmas tree lights method)."

"I am very happy to participate in any energy monitoring schemes if it would help."

"Blewbury cannot have an energy policy it can only advise and encourage."

"Providing accurate information rather than generalisations should be the watchword unlike the EST."

"A very useful service the BEI could provide is a database of accurate information on energy saving equipment. e.g. It is not commonly known that CFLs are only 10-15% efficient. Halogen spotlight can be much more efficient (due to the narrow beam) in terms of illumination level per watt."

"Feel strongly that there is generally limited understanding of the thermal performance of old buildings and the suitability or otherwise of various energy saving measures (notably double glazing and insulation) which can be undesirable in technical terms trapping damp etc. "

"HIPs system unsympathetic to old buildings - anything that gets the message that "its not that simple" across is welcomed. (The government is talking about removing exemption from compliance with building regulations for old buildings.)"

"A far higher profile."

"12/24 V (or higher) from the streams"

"A village wide initiative for grant/lottery monies towards elements of "self sufficiency"."

"I would welcome some way of measuring the "carbon footprint" of the village and monitoring this as a regular feature via different indicators. "

"Rising costs are a major incentive for energy reduction - maybe the BEI could continue the awareness raising of money saving initiatives."

Discussion of these results

The high percentage of households that have taken some energy saving activity on board is encouraging, though the fact that less than 50% of these think the influence of the BEI was significant in their decision might be slightly disappointing. The cost of energy is probably the major motivator.

With several respondents specifically encouraging the BEI to continue and none expressing any criticism of our work, we can probably take the survey as an encouragement to continue our efforts.

If we wish to get a measure of the impact of our work we could make an estimate of the likely benefit of each mentioned improvement, extrapolate the percentages over the whole village, and then assume that a proportion of this - perhaps 15-20% is the result of the BEI.