Running any business requires energy, and we are not in a position to go for complete self generation, although we do have some solar panels. So we rely on external providers.
Along with making sure we have green energy, we also have worked hard to reduce our usage. We are currently carbon neutral in electricity use. Below is our story so far.
Choosing a green tariff
We were early adopters of a green energy tariff, taking the first that was offered to us in the mid-90s. At the time this was called Sweb Green Electron. Over the years energy companies have changed and we have moved with them.
We’ve always tried to find the greenest option. Large companies often have a commitment to fulfil a certain percentage of their energy supply with renewables, so often a green tariff involves paying a premium for what the company is already obligated to buy. For this reason we only use companies that offer 100% renewable energy. This is why we first moved to Good Energy. We also liked that it was local. We have always paid a little more for energy, because we believe in the importance of clean electricity.
Because we have a total of four electric meters, and Good Energy’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired, we do use other energy suppliers. We currently use Octopus Energy for two of our meters.
Reducing energy
We have always opted for low energy systems. Whether replacing lightbulbs with LEDs, or choosing new appliances, energy rating is always at the forefront of our decisions.
Low energy bulbs are used in all our carriages. We buy secondhand whenever we can, as there is an energy cost in creating new. We go for the highest efficiency rating we can find. When buying new we aim for A or A+ ratings, and machines that are made in the UK wherever possible.
All heaters are fitted with thermostat regulators, and turned down when not in use. In our welcome pack we include a letter to our guests requesting they turn heaters down when they go out. In the amenities area, lights and sockets are on a sensor. All our gardens are provided with washing lines, for air drying.
We have also focused on ever improved insulation. Where necessary we have retro-fitted. With new restorations we prioritise insulation, with all panels stripped back to their frame and insulation fitted within the cavities. Curtains are lined with thermal lining.
Generating Energy
We put solar panels on our roof in 2011. These provide energy for our house, office and The Old Luggage Van.
Greener heating
We installed a biomass boiler for heating the carriages Mevy and Millpool in 2014. We had already installed stoves in the Old Luggage Van and the Travelling Post Office. The house (and office) is also heated by wood. The wood for all heating is harvested from our woodland, so as local as you can get! Top up heat, when necessary, is electric.
In 2023 we replaced our gas boiler in Hayle with an air-source heat pump. This has enabled us to be completely fossil-fuel free for energy. It was a huge job; all floors had to be raised with pipes laid underneath, reusing fencing palings for the structure. All doors were shortened to allow for the new floor height. We also made thick curtains to reduce heat loss.
Replacing fossil-fuelled machines with electric
We have replaced diesel or petrol machines with electric, and so now use an electric strimmer, lawn mower and chainsaw, with petrol backup for occasional use. We have opted for a Stihl battery system, so batteries are interchangeable between implements.
All new items come at an environmental manufacturing cost, so we work on the policy that goods should be kept in good order and kept going for as long as is practical. We try and buy the best quality our budget will allow, so we have longevity from products. In this way we reduce our scope three carbon use, by reducing new purchases.
