Sustainable energy means energy that is renewable. The public consciousness is now firmly on the side of green and ecological resources. Governments around the world are tasking businesses and homes to reduce their C02 emissions, to have a 'low carbon footprint.'

The Low Carbon Footprint

How do you do your bit for the planet? Do you know how much energy your home or business is using or wasting? London and all the major cities are energy monsters using vast amounts of energy for commerce and for domestic appliances. What can you do about reducing your Carbon Footprint?

Start with a Thermal Imaging Survey

The first item on any ecologically sound business or home is to find out exactly how much energy is being used and how much is being wasted. Thermal imaging equipment will tell you in an instant how much energy, in the form of heat, is leaking from your property or business premises. A professional survey will tell you much more than just where the building is in need of insulation.

A proper survey will also identify hidden moisture and existing poorly fitted insulation. By identifying these points you will improve comfort levels, save energy costs, building deterioration and health risks with regard to damp.

Ecopopulus (www.ecopopulus.co.uk) is a business dedicated to providing economical answers for homes and businesses especially in the London area.

Thermal Insulation is the Key

Once you identify the leakage points of your property you can move on using a sustainable energy source. But first your business or home must be able to make the most of your thermal imaging survey and that's where thermal insulation comes into play. It is vital you look for the R-Value (R standing for Resistance) on the insulation materials being used in your property. The R scale runs from R-10 to R-30. If in any doubt use a qualified building professional to confirm the insulation materials being used. A positive side effect of using the correct materials is less noise so if you suffer from road noise or general environmental sounds you'll win twice.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is free. The cost comes from collecting that energy and distributing it to your business or home. London gets an average of 1,750 hours of sunshine every year. This is plenty to run a home and make great savings on a business's bottom line. You can choose between Solar Water Heating collectors or Photovoltaic panels. The difference being either to heat water or using turn solar energy directly into electricity using the Photovoltaic panel.

All you have to make sure of is mounting your panels on a south-facing roof at a 30-degree angle away from shadows that may be cast from trees, chimneys or other buildings.