People and Community

Net Zero Advice for People and Communities

What's my carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of carbon dioxide produced to indirectly or directly support human activities. It's usually expressed in terms of equivalent tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).

So for example, when you drive a car, the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of CO2, depending on its fuel consumption and the driving distance. When you heat your house with oil, gas or coal, then you also generate CO2. Even if you heat your house with electricity, the generation of the electrical power may also have emitted a certain amount of CO2. When you buy food and goods, the production of the food and goods also emitted some quantities of CO2.

Your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by your activities in a given time frame. Usually a carbon footprint is calculated for the time period of a year.

The Devon-based organisation Carbon Savvy, has a great easy-to-use calculator, and lots of hints and tips about reducing your footprint and improving your quality of life at the same time.

Saving Energy

On average, we all spend more than £1000 per household per year on energy. Becoming more energy efficient at home can save carbon and money.

If your home is using electric or solid fuel heating, you may be eligible for help from West Devon Borough Council towards more energy-efficient heating. Please visit the West Devon website for more information.

You can also get free and impartial energy advice from South Dartmoor Community Energy, who are members of the Local Energy Advice Partnership.​

South Dartmoor Community Energy's qualified energy advisors are funded to carry out free home energy visits and calls for people living throughout West Devon.

During a visit or call they will talk to you about how to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warm. For more information click here.

Local Energy Advice Partnership

LEAP (Local Energy Advice Program) is a FREE energy and money saving advice service. LEAP can help you to save money and to keep your home warm and cosy.

LEAP offers a FREE OF CHARGE in-home advice visit. The Home Energy Advisors can:

  • install free simple energy saving measures such as LED light bulbs and draught-proofing
  • check if you're on the best energy tariff
  • arrange a FREE money advice consultation
  • help you find funding for further energy saving home improvements.

Call LEAP on 0800 060 7567

Other places to find advice

There's lots of helpful, impartial advice available from The Energy Saving Trust. You can call them on 0300 123 1234 or see their website for more information.

Green GB have produced a Simple Energy Advice Service, which includes information for Landlords and Tenant.

Transport

Travel Devon provides information and advice for travelling around Devon via all transport methods.

Transition Tavistock has a travel action group which advocates for ways of getting to and around the Tavistock area that are better for people and planet than dependence on fossil fuels.

Carshare Devon is a free journey matching website which offers you the opportunity to find people travelling the same way as you.

More ways to help

Improving Biodiversity

There are many ways that you can help wildlife at home and improve biodiversity in our area. From building a bug hotel to creating a garden pond, visit the Wildlife Trusts webpage for ideas and inspiration.

Simple wildlife tips

Shop Local

Devon has some of the finest food producers in the country, and the South West food hub can help you find your nearest local food.

Food that's produced locally is fresher, tastier and better for you. Because the distance from field to fork is shorter, there's less CO2 emissions, and it also helps the local economy.

The South West Food Hub has an interactive map that can help you find local, seasonal and fresh food. You can also come along to Tavistock market to see lots of local food offerings.