Energy Saving Tips

EcoTrail - NG9 

In July 2026 the Greening Beeston's EcoTrail-NG9 was launched, a self-guided walk around the town's energy efficient homes, to see how local people are saving energy and reducing bills. 

Visitors can plan their route using the online map available via ecotrail-ng9.uk (Opens a New Window). On arrival at each property scan the QR code on the sign to link directly to the property’s online web page, or you can simply browse the properties online from the comfort of your own home. 

On each property’s page, the homeowners describe in their own words the energy saving changes they have made, the benefits gained and any problems encountered. The changes range from simple low-cost modifications to more complex extensive projects – from fitting LED light bulbs or Thermostatic Radiator Valves to Internal & External Insulation, Photovoltaic Solar Panels or the installation of a Heat Pump.

A first for the East Midlands and incorporating the latest advances in energy conservation, EcoTrail-NG9 includes a Passivhaus Plus (confirmed and pending) new build. Not restricted to private houses, the trail includes fifteen homes built by Broxtowe Borough Council in 2025 and fitted with Air Source Heat Pumps and Photovoltaic Panels, minimising carbon emissions and keeping fuel bills as low as possible for tenants. Plus, a church which has recently undergone extensive renovations and modifications from switching to LED lighting, increasing rainwater capacity, to installing floor and roof insulation, PV panels and a new heating system with BMS (Building Management System) controls to optimise energy efficiency.

FREE energy advice workshops from Nottingham Energy Partnership 

 Insulation, Glazing and Ventilation

Date:  Wednesday 9 September 2026

Time: 18:30-20:00

Discover best practices to insulating walls, roofs and floors for improved thermal comfort. We will discuss materials, best approaches, common challenges and how to avoid unintended consequences. This session will also explore glazing, ventilation and the importance of balancing energy efficiency with indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

Low Carbon and Renewable Technologies Explained

Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Time: 18:30-20:00 

To complement the fabric first approach, this session will cover heating and renewable energy including heat pumps, solar panels, batteries and other solutions that complement the fabric first approach. Experts will share guidance on compatibility, advancements in technologies, installation, maintenance and more.

To register for your free space please visit NEP's webpages via the following link: Understanding Retrofit & Fabric First Webinar - Summer Retrofit Series — Home Energy Advice Team (Opens in a New Window).

Who are Nottingham Energy Partnership? 

Nottingham Energy Partnership are a climate change and fuel poverty charity working with residents, local authorities and contractors to deliver a range of energy saving advice and funding to homes throughout Nottinghamshire.  NEP have helped residents across the Borough, you can read more via the three case studies available at the bottom of this page within 'Supporting Documents'. 

You can contact NEP for more information and advice via: 

Telephone: 0115 985 9057 Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm; Fridays 9:00am - 4:30pm

Online form: Improve your Home Today - Nottingham Energy Partnership (Opens in a New Window).

Find more information (Opens new window).

Current Funding Available

Residents across the Borough and the rest of Nottinghamshire have access to funding opportunities that may offer help with home energy efficiency, supporting to reduce energy bills and making homes warmer.  Options currently available now are listed below.  

Warm Homes Local Grant

Through the Government’s Warm Homes Local Grant (Opens in a New Window), we’re helping to improve the energy efficiency of Broxtowe homes with some fantastic early feedback from tenants!

If your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating of D or below, your property could be eligible. If selected, you’ll receive a letter from our local contractor, Westville, to arrange an initial survey appointment. Work will then be scheduled at times convenient for you to fit solar panels, improve loft insulation if needed and upgrade ventilation. All that’s left to do is start feeling the benefits immediately!

Still not sure? See what some tenants have been saying:

“Our Smart Meter was registering £5 per day on electricity, it’s now halved. We’ve also noticed the house is warmer since the loft insulation was installed. Very happy!”

"We use multiple appliances, our average daily electricity cost was £6-£7, this has now reduced to £1.40 per day. Delighted!”

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

This government-backed scheme provides grants up to £7,500 to help property owners replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives like heat pumps. For more information and to check your eligibility visit Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (Opens in a New Window).

Additional information

You can find additional energy support, grants, energy performance certificates (EPCs), energy saving and renewable energy for your home via Household energy - GOV.UK (Opens in a New Window) 

We have listed some key hints and tips below.

Keeping warm

• Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can save you as much as £80 per year.

• Layer up. Wearing more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house and putting an extra blanket on the bed means you won't be tempted to turn the heating up.

• Close off any unused rooms.

• Bleed your radiators to make sure that they are working are efficiently as possible, and if your radiators sit on an outside wall, make sure that it fit some radiator foil behind them to reflect heat back into the room.

In the kitchen

• Take it slow. To save energy try using a slow cooker to cook throughout the day - they only use about as much energy as a light bulb.

• When you're boiling food in a pan, make sure you only use the amount of water needed to cover the amount of food you're cooking - boiling water you don't need can waste a lot of energy.

• Only fill your kettle up with the water that you need.

• Use glass or ceramic dishes in the oven wherever possible. They retain heat better than their metal counterparts, making them the most energy-efficient option.

• Use the right size pan. Always use a pan which is the right size for the amount of food you are cooking. This means you won't waste energy while heating a bigger surface area than you need.

Laundry

• Ninety per cent of a washing machine's energy expenditure is spent heating the water, so if you wash your clothes at 30°C you can save a third on your washing bills.

• Hang up your laundry. Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble-drying it, particularly if the weather is warm or windy.

• Save yourself ironing time. Take your clothes out of the dryer before they're completely dry. They'll iron much quicker and you'll use less energy on your drier.

Save gas and electricity

• Install a smart meter. By clearly indicating where you're spending the most on your energy, you can take steps to cut down usage wherever possible and save money.

• Use LED lightbulbs.

• Don't leave anything plugged in that isn't being used - and that includes your mobile phone charger.

• Turn the lights off when you leave a room.

• Put exterior or security lights on timers. Make sure any exterior lights are on a timer or activated by motion so they only come on when needed.

• Take a 4-minute shower. Taking a 4 minute shower opposed to a 10 minute one (depending on the power of your shower) will save you between £94 - £131 per person per year (based on the current price of 34p kWh).

Insulation and home improvements

• Insulate the loft. A quarter of your home's heat is lost through the roof as warm air rises, and older properties that already have insulation in place may not have the recommended levels, particularly if it was installed in the 1970s or 1980s.

• Insulate the walls. Whether you have cavity walls or solid walls, both can be insulated (or re-insulated) to encourage heat retention. You can also insulate gaps between the floor and skirting boards.

• Insulate hot water pipes. Uninsulated water pipes mean it takes longer for hot water to become hot while it's running. Insulating the pipes will help prevent water wastage.

• Consider solar panels. Having solar panels installed on your house could save you as much as a third on your electricity bills.

Get discounts and earn prizes for being energy efficient

Did you know you can earn points for energy efficient actions like taking a 4-minute shower, or washing your clothes at 30^oC by using our Green Rewards?

Find out more about Green Rewards.

Struggling to pay your energy bills?

Visit our cost-of-living page for advice and support.

Further support

Residents can contact any of the following services in the area to seek additional support.

1. Nottinghamshire Energy Partnership (Opens in a New Window). 
2. Green Doctors (Opens in a New Window).
3. Age UK (Opens in a New Window).
4. Midlands Net Zero Hub 'Your renewable energy guide' (Opens in a New Window).