Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, increasing self-reliance and keeping our homes warm are all important challenges in the Biosphere. While most of the energy we use is controlled by big companies based outside the area, there are some local initiatives that we can support, and there are things we can do at home.
The Centre for Alternative Technology's Zero Carbon Britain project, in the Biosphere, provides training and advice on reducing carbon emissions.
Energy generation
Energy Local Machynlleth is a community energy club in the Dyfi Valley. It takes advantage of the hydro power generated in the local area to save money from electricity bills and support local green electricity generation. Its generator is Esgairweddan, a 60kW hydro scheme on a farm in Pennal.
Bro Ddyfi Community Renewables is a community-owned renewable energy company with two turbines near Machynlleth. It supports the Biosphere directly and aids community groups through the local Community Energy Fund.
Windfall is a community benefit fund for Mid Wales that links income from renewable energy with rural regeneration. It covers the Powys section of the Biosphere.
The Welsh Government Energy Service works with public sector and community enterprises to:
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reduce energy use
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generate locally owned, renewable energy
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reduce carbon emissions
Home energy efficiency
We want homes to be warm and healthy, without costing lots to heat. Draughty, damp, poorly insulated homes are a challenge in mid Wales. We have put together this resource pack to link you to advice on improving home energy efficiency. Let us know if you know of other good resources we can add to the pack! In addition, Chris from Poppins Appliance Repairs (Machynlleth), has created this useful guide to saving energy by how we use appliances such as ovens, microwaves, and washing machines.
It's easy to get confused by the many schemes and companies offering help to install energy improvements. Welsh Government's Warm Homes NEST scheme is a good place to start looking. Alternatively, Green Homes Wales or Cartrefi Clyd may be able to arrange impartial 'whole-house' energy reports as a starting point.
Thermal cameras
The Biosphere has thermal cameras for raising awareness of heat leaking from buildings, and to help people identify priorities for improving their homes. It is hoped that actions can be taken by householders, councils, and builders, to improve the quality of housing, so that less energy is required to heat them and fuel poverty is reduced.
You are welcome to borrow a thermal camera for free. First reserve one for a few days using this booking calendar. Then get in touch with us to receive a copy of the loan agreement, a guide to using the camera, and to arrange collection and drop-off of the camera.
Check if your phone is compatible with the cameras here: Link to Flir website. We are sorry if the camera is not compatible with your phone. Maybe see if you can team up with a neighbour or friend to use the camera on their phone?
Please share your findings with neighbours and friends, and continue the conversations and actions towards making all homes warm, dry, and energy-efficient!
People who have borrowed the camera so far have found cold spots on their loft hatches and around door frames and window frames, gaps of insulation in their loft, and have used it to find hot water pipes under their floorboards, and see what devices are emitting heat while on standby. One family also noticed how warm the middle of their outdoor compost bin is compared to the surroundings – some soil-making action going on in there!
“Just wanted to say thank you for loaning me the infrared camera. It was enlightening to find out our triple glazed windows actually lose more heat via their frames than the glazing. I didn’t expect that. Thanks for offering such a great scheme & with a great service too. Many thanks” - Camera user