Mike Penning has signed up to the Energy Saving Trust's "Commit to Save Your 20%" campaign.

Hemel MP, Mike Penning is urging constituents to join him in committing to reduce the amount of energy they consume on a daily basis. Mike has joined the Energy Saving Trust’s “Commit to Save Your 20%” campaign which is being launched as part of the 10th annual Energy Saving Week.

Domestic energy use accounts for almost 50% of carbon dioxide emissions but collectively we can make a real difference. If we all saved 20% of the energy we use every day we can help prevent climate change. Energy Saving Week 2006, 23 – 29 October will highlight that consumers are able to make an enormous difference both to the environment and to their energy bills through everyday, ‘normal’ actions.

Mike has signed a Parliamentary motion welcoming Energy Saving Week and calling on fellow MPs to show leadership in their constituencies by supporting the Energy Saving Trust’s call to action encouraging individuals to reduce their energy consumption and help tackle climate change.

There are a whole range of energy saving measures that we can all undertake, many of which are simple and ‘low cost, no cost’. The following is a list of the 10 commitments the Energy Saving Trust are encouraging householders to make:

• When making hot drinks only boil as much water as I need.
• Turn down my thermostat by 1° C.
• Switch off appliances and not leave them on standby.
• Install cavity wall insulation.
• Top up my loft insulation to 270mm.
• Replace 3 light bulbs with Energy Saving Recommended ones.
• Install a condensing boiler.
• Buy Energy Saving Recommended appliances.
• Wash my laundry at 30° C.
• Leave my car at home for short journeys.

For larger measures such as insulating your home or installing microgeneration the Energy Saving Trust provides impartial advice, grants and information to help you implement your commitment.

Mike Penning said:

“As well as signing the Early Day Motion, I will be urge everyone to be energy conscious throughout the week and beyond. We can help prevent climate change by all committing to save 20% of the energy we use every day.”

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said, “We are calling on the nation to undertake a series of daily habit changing actions during Energy Saving Week 2006. The aim is to galvanise the nation into breaking their bad energy habits one by one, which will not only help prevent the damaging effects of climate change but also will help reduce individual energy costs. To find out how you can commit to save your 20%, visit www.est.org.uk/commit.”