How you can help

There are a number of things we can all do to help tackle climate change. Whether it's big or small, your actions play a part in shaping the borough we live in. 

Making just one change really can help to reduce emissions and make a big difference.  

What's more, many climate-friendly choices also save money, improve health and make our neighbourhoods stronger. 

Reduce your carbon footprint 

A good place to start is reducing your carbon footprint. WWF has a handy calculator you can use (opens new window). 

Reduce your waste 

The best way to cut down on waste is to consume less. Reducing food waste plays a big part in reducing carbon emissions. 

Every stage food takes, from farm to plate to bin, has an environmental impact. 

Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website (opens new window) to discover great tips and recipes. These will not only help avoid food waste, but save you money too. 

Here's some other ways you can reduce waste: 

• don't buy single-use plastics or other materials that are damaging to the environment
• buy items that have minimal or no packaging, such as loose fruit and vegetables and refill packs
• purchase items grown or manufactured in the UK
• remember to take a reusable shopping bag or reusable coffee cup with you when you go out

Prioritise active travel over driving 

Choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible improves air quality and reduces congestion. 

Beryl Bikes are now available in Guildford, thanks to a joint project between us, Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey. 

Using a Beryl bike is convenient, quick, and cost-effective. Download the app from the Beryl website (opens new window) to get started and find where the bikes are located around Guildford. Bikes can be booked using the app and they all come with bells, brakes and lights for safe riding. 

There's also plenty of great local walking routes to try.  You can find routes on Surrey County Council's website (opens new window).

Slow Ways is a national walking network, connecting all of the UK's towns, cities and landscapes. Visit their website to find some great routes around Guildford and beyond (opens new window). 

Head to Cycling UK for useful advice (opens new window) if you're looking to start commuting to work by bike. 

Save energy at home

Reducing your energy consumption goes a long way. Here's a few tips:

• choose energy efficient appliances. When purchasing a new appliance, look at the energy labels. These not only tell you how efficient the appliance is but how much energy it uses too.
• switch your light bulbs to LED ones
• turn down your heating by 1°C
• change to a low-carbon energy provider

Free home energy advice for Guildford residents

Looking to reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable and lower your carbon emissions?

Guildford residents can access free support through Surrey's Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT). HEAT is an independent, fully funded service that provides impartial advice to help households improve their home's energy efficiency.

A trained Energy Champion can visit your home to discuss your energy concerns, identify opportunities to save energy and provide tailored recommendations.

During winter months, visits may include thermal imaging to help identify areas where heat is being lost. Residents also receive a personalised report with practical energy-saving suggestions, information on grants and funding opportunities, and signposting to further support where appropriate.

The service can help you:

• reduce energy consumption and lower household bills
• improve home comfort and reduce issues such as draughts, damp and mould
• find grants and funding for energy efficiency improvements
• reduce your home's carbon footprint and support local climate action
• access free remedial measures such as draught-proofing advice and other energy-saving solutions where available.

HEAT has already supported thousands of Surrey households with trusted, community-based energy advice and is delivered by local partners including Zero Carbon Guildford. The service is fully funded and free for eligible Surrey residents.

Find out more and book a free home energy visit: Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT)