Solar energy: Can be used to heat water or produce electricity. Parts of the UK have annual solar radiation levels equal to 60% experienced at the equator. A well designed system can provide 80% of a family's hot water requirements in summer and 30-70% of a family's annual water heating needs.

Heat pumps: A heat pump is a system that takes heat from one place then delivers that heat to another place at a higher temperature. This heat can be extracted from the ground, air or water much like a refrigerator in reverse.

Wind turbines: Wind (or kinetic) energy is converted into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity using a generator. Residential turbines range from 400 watts to 100 kilowatts.

Biomass Boilers: The most effective way for local councils and architects to meet their renewable energy targets. They are easy to operate and a good choice when replacing a gas or oil boiler as they can be connected to virtually any existing heating system. They burn wood pellets that are a waste product from saw mills