ROLE MODEL FOR CUTTING C02

One of my neighbours, Saifer Rehman, agreed to take part in the Act on C02 campaign "People Power: 30 people, 3 cities, 1 winter". He lives in a three storey, semi-detached house, with solid brick walls.

He achieved gas bill savings of 20%, electricity bill savings of 15% and a £20 tank of petrol that lasted a week in the past, now lasts about a month.

What is particularly remarkable about this is that he did not spend large sums of money on his house, the changes were minimal. They had already insulated their loft and replaced draughty sash windows with double glazed windows.

Saifer draught proofed his front door and he bought a new, efficient fridge freezer instead of getting his old one repaired. He thinks that the fridge freezer will pay for itself in about two years.

These impressive C02 savings are mostly due to Saifer, and his wife Tasmia, realising that you can make savings simply by behaving differently.

The gas savings were achieved without getting a more efficient boiler: they turn off the central heating during the day and use a gas fire downstairs; they keep doors and windows shut in all rooms.

They use low energy light bulbs, turn lights off in empty rooms and wash clothes only when there is a full load, using a lower temperature They unplug mobile phone chargers when the phone is charged, they no longer use standby and they turn off all electrical equipment at the wall.

Saifer was given a lesson in smarter driving. He learned techniques to use less petrol when driving, and also resolved to leave the car at home for short journeys, unless he has a passenger. Saifer now walks to the mosque and walks to local shops. He has bought a new bike and rides to the city centre.

Saifer's advice, to everyone, is that it is important to make small savings. They all add up, save you money and make a difference to the world.