Sustainability
While TRSL supports community and individual efforts to lower and reduce our carbon footprint, we have to bear in mind Templemere’s conservation area status and the Scheme of Management, which prevents us from altering the external appearance of our homes.
With Templemere being a 1960s estate there are limitations to what is achievable due to the estates infrastructure and layout.
Things we can all do
There are many ways individuals can help in leading a more sustainable life in Templemere.
We are lucky to have our woods too and we regularly plant new trees here and elsewhere on the estate.
Actions we can take include:
Installing double glazing
Insulating ceilings and roofs
Installing UV resistant glass
Installing a heat pump (in your private garden
and below the fence line)Switching to a renewable energy supplier
Using an electric car
Solar panels
Solar panels are a good step to harnessing renewable energy. There are however no places currently identified to install them. The Templemere Conservation Area Character Appraisal & Management Plan Consultation document notes this about renewables (page 41):
“Retrofitting of renewables and thermal efficiencies.
The installation of solar panels and other methods of energy harnessing should be very carefully considered so as to minimise the impact on public and private views of houses within the conservation area. The use of solar panels on flat roofs where they can be clearly seen should be avoided as they would spoil the clean lines and architectural integrity of the house designs.”
“Retrofitting of renewables should not be at the expense of the architectural quality of the built form either individually or when seen in groups. It is recognised that maintaining and improving thermal efficiency is important to householders. When retrofitting or introducing new technologies the proportions, appearance and detailing of the existing buildings should be respected.”
Electric vehicle charging
TRSL is looking into the potential impact from the growth of residents owning plug in hybrids or full electric vehicles.
There are a couple of opportunities being investigated to install rapid chargers exclusively for residents towards the west side of the estate. More information will be communicated to residents as the project progresses.
Currently L1 properties with their linked detached garages and personal power supply can accommodate charging of EVs.
Please inform TRSL if you charge an EV car or plug in hybrid from a terraced garage or planning to do so, so arrangements can be made for you to pay for your electricity consumption and the Committee can understand wider needs of residents.
Those with T2Y garages the situation today is limited. The amperage on the garage blocks does not successfully allow too much load so residents will need to work with neighbours to ensure the load usage is fair (e.g. a car + dryer + fridge + heater = too much load for the circuit).
To upgrade the power and install individual meters is an extremely expensive infrastructure project.