Jessica |
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Islington CRAG – (non-settlement) meeting 5 October 2009
Attending: Lucy, Jessica, Alison, Jess, Sybille, Tom
Minutes: Lucy
Some of us met recently to review where we had got to with ICRAG, and start some thoughts on the future. It was informal over drinks and food and smaller than anticipated. However, it was useful, and here are some key points.
Through ICRAG, we have learned individual behavioural changes that have helped us reduce our carbon output. Changes have come about both from being better informed through the group and through being encouraged by being a member to translate thoughts to actions.
Some people feel they have been able to do quite a lot… typically, these are people who feel
they are in control over their energy consumption and output – many of us who own our houses would fall into this camp.
Others felt they have done somewhat less because they have less control over their energy
consumption. Typically, this would be people living in council accommodation or/and those required to travel exceptional distances.
That said, we all recognised the small changes in the way we perceive and treat our energy use and a rise in consciousness over individual items… this could be switching the kettle off before it completes its BSS (British safety standard) 8 second boil, choosing to walk or bus it, instead of taking a car and turning the heating down a degree or so further.
Everyone also recognised the massive impact of air travel on the overwhelming majority of individuals’ carbon emissions which dwarfed all other activities. And in virtually all instances, air travel is something we do have control over. While we all acknowledged this, most
of us did not want to give up flying totally, though (I believe) we were all committed to working out how to do it less and for lesser distances.
When we talked about individual changes on a larger scale over the past three years, some big energy reduction initiatives were apparent. New condensing boilers for Lucy and Alison (though Alison felt she would probably have done this anyway), draft proofed windows for John. Tom and Jessica were inspired to set up London Carbon Conversations and Lucy and Chit are joining their house to the one next door for better insulation.
And in new purchases, whether it be a condensing boiler, or new house, Jess (& I believe Deborah), very significant consideration is now given on how to reduce energy consumption.
We all acknowledged that the data on our individual consumption collected through ICRAG has been an essential part in keeping us going and moving us on in the changes we have carried out. In addition, on the occasions, when we have been able to look at comparative charts of usage, it has been highly stimulating and involving.
However, we all felt there would be huge benefits in making it more accessible and easily understood more often so that we can all act on it better , and communicate our individual carbon stories to other people. This is a big challenge, and Alison and Lucy undertook to meet with John in early December to further this aim.
In considering the future for the group over the coming year, we spent some time discussing the significant changes to the environment that the ICRAG now operates in compared with when we started little more than three years ago. Advertisements for energy saving are everywhere and energy saving is now a hip thing to do and speak about.
Despite this, everyone seemed to want the group to continue to meet and discuss ideas, experiences, and potential energy saving activities. The desirability of continuing with data collection is something that everyone subscribes to but for some this was subject to instigating some improvements.
We spoke of the possibility of getting together for Xmas or a New Year celebration….........Any thoughts or preferences?