Latest news with #SusanWells
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Sound of a heat pump release as a mindfulness track to ease stress
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info New research reveals the impact that noise has on us, with almost nine in ten saying certain sounds send their stress levels soaring. Stress-triggering sounds cause Brits' heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week, with nearly half saying that parts of modern life feel too loud and overwhelming. Hhammering and banging top the list, closely followed by the yap of a small dog and the sound of drilling coming from next door. Other irritating noises include noisy chewing, snoring partners, revving engines, slurping tea or coffee, car horns, and high-pitched children's toys. The research from Hive, found that building and renovation noises feature heavily in the list. One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them mad, while over a quarter say speakerphone conversations in public spike their stress. Professor. Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology said: 'Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep. In some cases, they can also strain relationships. However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others. 'Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions. Research shows we are biologically inclined to find natural sounds calming, while slowly building crescendos can trigger an intense positive sensation known as 'the chills. With the right balance of tempo and tone, sound can be a powerful tool for wellbeing.' To help the nation tune out and take back control of their environment, Hive has launched a mindfulness track, Green Noise. Designed to soothe stress and promote calm, the track features the gentle hum of a heat pump, the whir of an EV and the soft click of a smart thermostat. Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hivesaid: 'Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction. That's why we created our Green Noise track - a calming soundscape that blends ambient sounds with the gentle, soothing rhythms inspired by Hive's eco-tech. "With many people assuming eco-tech is noisy or disruptive, we wanted to create a track that challenges that misconception and encourages more people to consider making the switch. As well as quiet, Hive eco-tech offers you greater control over your home energy helping you to lower bills and carbon emissions. Smarter, greener living.'
North Wales Live
04-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Sound of a heat pump release as a mindfulness track to ease stress
New research reveals the impact that noise has on us, with almost nine in ten saying certain sounds send their stress levels soaring. Stress-triggering sounds cause Brits' heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week, with nearly half saying that parts of modern life feel too loud and overwhelming. Hhammering and banging top the list, closely followed by the yap of a small dog and the sound of drilling coming from next door. Other irritating noises include noisy chewing, snoring partners, revving engines, slurping tea or coffee, car horns, and high-pitched children's toys. The research from Hive, found that building and renovation noises feature heavily in the list. One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them mad, while over a quarter say speakerphone conversations in public spike their stress. Professor. Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology said: 'Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep. In some cases, they can also strain relationships. However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others. 'Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions. Research shows we are biologically inclined to find natural sounds calming, while slowly building crescendos can trigger an intense positive sensation known as 'the chills. With the right balance of tempo and tone, sound can be a powerful tool for wellbeing.' To help the nation tune out and take back control of their environment, Hive has launched a mindfulness track, Green Noise. Designed to soothe stress and promote calm, the track features the gentle hum of a heat pump, the whir of an EV and the soft click of a smart thermostat. Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hivesaid: 'Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction. That's why we created our Green Noise track - a calming soundscape that blends ambient sounds with the gentle, soothing rhythms inspired by Hive's eco-tech. "With many people assuming eco-tech is noisy or disruptive, we wanted to create a track that challenges that misconception and encourages more people to consider making the switch. As well as quiet, Hive eco-tech offers you greater control over your home energy helping you to lower bills and carbon emissions. Smarter, greener living.'
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotland ranks second in the UK for solar panel adoption
Scotland has emerged as the second highest area for solar panel installations in the UK. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Data from eco-tech provider, Hive, revealed that 8.1% of Scottish homes are now powered by solar - driven by long daylight hours in summer and low air pollution. The country is also leading in sustainable alternatives and produces more green and renewable energy than it uses, so more households are adopting solar power at a record rate. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the opposite end of the UK, the South West of England leads the nation in solar power adoption, with 9.2% of households now harnessing solar energy. This impressive uptake places the South West ahead of all other regions in the transition to low-carbon energy, highlighting the region's strong commitment to sustainable living. Scotland is second top in Britain for solar panel installations By installing solar panels, homeowners can cut their annual energy bills by up to 94% - or £818, on average - while lowering their carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the planet. In spite of growing momentum, only 4–5% of UK homes are currently equipped with solar panels, according to current MCS data. Susan Wells, director of EV and Solar at Hive, said: 'The installation of solar panels offers households a valuable way to reduce both energy bills and carbon impact. While it's often seen as suitable only for the sunniest regions, modern solar panels now perform efficiently even in overcast conditions - making them a smart investment across the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's encouraging to see the Scotland leading the way, and we hope other regions follow suit and use this momentum as a blueprint for wider adoption. 'At Hive, we're making it easier than ever for households to make the switch, combining expert advice, smart technology and flexible support to help customers cut both carbon and cost.' To support more households to make the switch, Hive is offering a suite of supportive measures: zero VAT on solar installations, trusted expert installers, and personalised advice via the Hive app - where users can also check their solar potential by postcode for free.
