11 minute read
How to save money and raise the value of your home
Making your property more energy-effi cient can reduce bills, boost your property value and help fi ght climate change
As we spent more time in our homes during lockdown, waiting for traces of normality to reappear, the planet was fi nally given the chance to breathe. Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 dropped by 8.9%, the biggest fall since comparable records began in 1990, while carbon dioxide emissions were cut by almost 20%.
It’s too soon to say how Covid restrictions will aff ect the environment long term, but it does prove that helping the planet starts at home. And the good news is that even after the lockdowns have lifted and we return to our old lives, we can still do our bit to
Something to think about
Lighting is one of the biggest energy expenses that households face and replacing halogen lighting with LED lamps can potentially reduce your electricity consumption by 50% to 80% and save you an average of £75 a year on energy bills. fi ght climate change without even needing to step foot outside our front door.
In fact, our properties are one of the most powerful tools we have against climate change. And going green isn’t just good for the planet, but your pocket too. Halifax found that the most energy-effi cient homes command prices of up to £40,000 more than their less sustainable counterparts, as well as costing less to run on a monthly basis.
Despite the ‘green premium’, 77% of people have no clue how energy effi cient their homes are but making changes is easier than you think and some simple switches could help save money on energy bills and even boost your home’s market value. Here are some top tips to get you started:
Switch to energy-saving lighting
Improving the energy effi ciency of your home doesn’t have to cost thousands. Instead, start simple. One of the most straightforward switches that you can make, which could make a huge diff erence to your energy bills, is swapping out all your home’s current light bulbs with more effi cient LED bulbs.
Use energyeffi cient glazing
If you want to increase your home’s energy effi ciency, installing energy-effi cient windows is a must. Without proper glazing, your home loses a quarter of its energy as heat can easily escape from old, draughty windows. Installing modern double glazing can help save over 50% in fuel bills. If your windows are older than 20 years old, it could be time for an upgrade.
Upgrade your heating system
The use of oil or gas heating systems and hot water in our homes accounts for around 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions so buying a newer, energy-effi cient boiler is one of the best ways to boost your home’s green premium. A condensing boiler can recover more heat than old models and will give a lasting reduction on your energy bills. Alternatively, you can look into investing in heat pumps. Unlike gas boilers, heat pumps run off electricity and don’t produce any nasty carbon emissions while operating.
Ray of sunshine
Investing in solar energy is one of the best things you can do for your home – and the planet.
As well as cutting down your household bills, solar panels are much greener solutions as the energy is renewable. Just 20 sqm of solar panels on a property’s roof could generate enough electricity for the average household.
by Kirsty McKenzie
Canopy Housing
Ethical banking
Unity Trust Bank shows how fi nance can add real value to local communities
Delivering social impact in communities across the UK has been at the heart of Unity Trust Bank since its inception in 1984.
That’s precisely why Deborah Hazell was delighted to assume the role of CEO earlier this year, as she strongly believes that fi nance should have a positive role to play in society.
It is crucial that the banking industry demonstrates real purpose and the values that Unity stands for have never been more important than they are today, as businesses navigate their way out of the pandemic.
Unity is straightforward, transparent and very discerning about the customers to whom it lends, as responsible lending is about supporting businesses in a way that will help them grow and achieve their goals, while not overburdening them with debt.
Unity is growing steadily, and its returns are achieved by only lending to sustainable businesses and organisations which share its values in wanting to contribute positively to society.
As a rudimentary measure of impact, Unity aligns its operations and practices to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every lending proposal that comes to the bank is aligned with one or more of the SDGs, so borrowers must demonstrate quantifi able impact, either in the intrinsic nature of their operation or more specifi cally in the use of the loan.
In doing so, Unity ensures that all funds are used to make valuable contributions within communities across the UK.
During the pandemic, Unity helped organisations on the front line such as care homes, pharmacies, early years nurseries and charities. It also expanded support to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Responsible Social Landlords (RSLs) allowing it to help those less able to access sources of credit during the pandemic. In total, between July 2020 and 2021, Unity provided fi nancial support worth more than £185 million.
For example, it supported a pharmacist who provides essential healthcare in rural communities in the Yorkshire Dales, including administering Covid-19 vaccinations which saved elderly residents from travelling miles to big vaccination centres. This customer was able to acquire two new community pharmacies in Steeton and Goxhill, thanks to Unity funding.
Housing associations also add real value to communities. One such Unity customer, Bangla Housing Association, provides aff ordable accommodation and support for the Bangladeshi community in London, and Unity’s support enabled it to expand its portfolio to reach even more people in need.
These are just two of many examples showing how Unity delivers real impact in the heart of local communities, by supporting socially-minded businesses.
Unity prides itself on off ering its customers a level of personal service that allows it to stand out in the industry and add real value to customers’ lives.
Unity’s experienced team of relationship managers have specialist business and lending expertise relevant to their clients. They are dedicated to supporting organisations with the pricing and structure appropriate for their borrowing needs.
Furthermore, Unity is not a faceless organisation. It ensures that its day-to-day banking customers will always be able to speak to a real person when they call in. This has been particularly important during the pandemic for those forced to conduct their fi nances remotely.
Unity’s values are also embedded in its culture. It was the fi rst bank to be Living Wage accredited and pay the real Living Wage, the fi rst to achieve the Fair Tax Mark and the fi rst Carbon Literate Bank achieving a bronze award. It is a Women In Finance Charter signatory, a member of the Financial Services Culture Board,
Deborah Hazell, CEO of Unity Trust Bank
and holds the Investors in People Gold standard.
Deborah Hazell says: “It is my role as CEO to maintain our mission and preserve our values as I spearhead Unity’s strategy for safe, sustainable growth. I will continue to evaluate how we can invest our liquidity in an impactful way, while maintaining a focus on the strong credit credentials of our customers and their loans and ensuring that everything we do is measurable and has quantifi able impact.
“In summary, Unity is true to the core principles of banking, and we look forward to becoming the lender of choice for socially minded organisations across the UK.”
Find out more
To fi nd out how Unity’s funding makes a positive diff erence, see its latest Impact Report at unity.co.uk/impact-report/ Call 0345 140 1000 or visit unity.co.uk to fi nd out how it can help your business. Follow Unity on LinkedIn @unity-trust-bank and @unitytrustbank
40 Charities Will the trees planted today stand the test of time?
As tree-planting momentum builds, people and businesses want to know that the trees they plant will be there long into the future
Owners come and go, planning laws change, and so do people’s fortunes. As tree-planting momentum builds around the • world, people and businesses want to know that the trees they plant will be there long into the future, • still locking up carbon, providing a home for wildlife, soaking up rainfall and providing shelter and sustenance for people. Attention is increasingly turning to the need • for permanence.
When Avon Needs Trees (ANT) was formed by environmentalist Nikki Jones, permanence was its focus – and it remains ANT’s unique selling point.
As a registered charity, Avon Needs Trees fundraises to buy land to create permanent woodland in the catchment of the River Avon, which fl ows through the west of England towards Bath and Bristol. Almost all of the woodland that used to carpet this area has disappeared over the last few centuries.
ANT has a growing and expert team on board, and works closely with trusted partners such as The Woodland Trust, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Community Forests, Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency. The team make sure the right tree goes in the right place; that planting respects the site and its existing habitats, and that they plan for the long term – in particular, for a changing, heating climate.
With the help of generous individuals, companies and trusts, ANT bought Hazeland, 34 acres of mixed habitat in Wiltshire. ANT is now on the cusp of purchasing its second site, and considering others.
But buying land to guarantee permanence is expensive. ANT cannot do this without funding from generous individuals, trusts and companies. There are lots of opportunities to support ANT’s work, whether you are a business, an individual, have land to donate, or are thinking about your legacy.
Director, Dave Wood, said: “I joined Avon Needs Trees because I know that one day when my fi ve-year old grows up, he’ll ask what I did to help avert climate crisis. The permanent new woodlands will be there to benefi t his children, and grandchildren, and beyond. I’d like you to help me buy this permanence.”
You can make the diff erence.
Find out more
Help ANT to create new, permanent woodlands. Contact director, Dave Wood, to discuss how you or your business can help us. Email contact@avonneedstrees.org.uk or write to Avon Needs Trees, 1-3 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AA.
Save threatened rainforests before it’s too late!
COP26 may be the last chance to prevent the very worst impacts of climate change
Addressing climate change is the greatest challenge of this age; however, it cannot be solved by countries or states alone – everyone has a role.
Nature has many of the answers – plants are ready made carbon-capture machines. Therefore, it is critical to conserve and restore existing natural habitats.
For 28 years, Rainforest Concern have been working to protect forests and the incredible biodiversity they contain, as well as the communities that depend on them for their survival.
They have helped protect nearly 5.5 million acres across 12 countries in Latin America, Asia, and central Europe. There is more to be done, and Rainforest Concern are determined to protect much, much more of these extraordinary habitats before they are lost forever.
By supporting Rainforest Concern, you too can play your part.
Sanctuary for Goats
Buttercups Sanctuary, a haven that provides care for mistreated, abused and abandoned goats
Registered charity number: 1028947. At Buttercups Sanctuary, goats that have been mistreated and abused, starved, and abandoned, are taken into care, giving them an environment of love and kindness. Here their ‘hurts’ can be treated, and their experience of cruelty is replaced with understanding and trust.
Set in ancient parkland the sanctuary provides goats who have suff ered greatly with a safe and loving home for the rest of their lives. As well as open fi elds in which to roam, all the animals at Buttercups have a warm, dry undercover accommodation at night.
It is hard to believe that in today’s world man can still create situations of cruelty and hardship to those who share the planet. Nonetheless, the service the charity provides remains invaluable and life changing for those in need.
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats is now home to over 130 goats plus another 130 staying in foster homes and is the only registered goat charity in the UK whose sole aim is to provide relief and care after cruelty and neglect. They rely entirely upon the goodwill of friends and followers to provide fi nancial aid through donations, legacies, and fundraisers. Why not support them today by visiting their website or purchasing the ideal gift; adoption, walking with goats or goat keeper experience.
Scan the QR Code for more.
Find out more
Support them at buttercups.org.uk today. Email them at enquries@ buttercups.org.uk, or phone 01622 746420.
