Project Case Studies

Cut the Car!

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All households who participated in the Eco n'Home project but were advised on transport energy reduction, as well as that relating to their dwelling. Those participants involved through Marches Energy Agency in Shrewsbury, UK were advised on a number of matters relating to transport; how to cut car usage by walking, cycling or utilising public transport more often, how to cut the number of necessary journeys, the effects of purchasing a more efficient vehicle and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by using biodiesel. Participants were also provided with a travel diary so they could monitor they travel use.

After the initial audit, the report sent to participants outlined how much energy they were using through transportation, in relation to their dwelling. It also showed how much this tranportation was costing them through fuel costs and how much carbon dioxide was being emitted due to their usage.

For a number of participants, seeing how much their transport habits were costing themselves and the planet was the motivation to change! A large majority of households cut their car use simply by using other modes of transport where necessary and cutting out some journeys altogether. Four participants were so motivated, that by these simple measures alone they managed to save 28%-40% of their transport energy consumption. A few participants also replaced their existing car with a more efficient vehicle, and a few are now using biodiesel.

Overall, these savings in transport have saved around 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (based upon ~40 people). Furthermore each of these participants will have reaped personal benefits from reduced car usage; monetary savings on fuel bills and health benefits from the increased amount of exercise.

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