ESIW can advise on all areas of energy conservation, including :
- Insulation and draught proofing to minimise heat losses.
- Double and triple glazing.
- Low energy lighting (compact fluorescent and LED).
- Heat recovery ventilation systems.
- Heating control systems (zoning and timing).
- Wood-burning stoves.
- Rain water recycling.
- Waste water recycling
- Solar Photovoltaic (electricity generation from solar panels).
- Solar Thermal (water heating from solar panels).
- Ground Source / Air Source / Water Source Heat Pumps (for underfloor heating and domestic hot water).
- Wind or water turbines.
Examples of many of these sustainable technologies may be seen at Pixies Place, located just off the A3054 near Ningwood, Isle of Wight, which won the RIBA / Isle of Wight Society New Build Award in 2008 for its eco credentials.
Which technologies and approaches are appropriate to a particular project depends on factors such as :
- Minimum standards as set by UK government legislation.
- Energy efficiency of existing property (if not a new build).
- Available investment incentives (grants and feed-in tariffs).
- Current and likely future trends for energy costs.
- Up front costs (including disruption cost) of installation.
- Site size and location (urban or rural, altitude, exposure to prevailing winds, proximity to other properties).
- Planning issues (e.g. conservation area / AONB)
- Available services and utilities.
ESIW can help home owners and developers to make educated decisions about investment in energy saving and microgeneration, based upon :
- Appropriate technologies for a particular situation.
- Indicative installation and running costs.
- Return on investment (likely savings and pay back periods).