One of the UK’s largest energy efficiency schemes is to be launched in Bristol, creating 50 jobs and offering advice to every home and business on how to reduce their fuel bills and save money.
Under the ambitious multi-million pound project announced today, every property in the city will be visited over the next four years. Properties found to be leaking heat will qualify for incentives to help pay for insulation measures such as solid wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and double glazing.
Householders on lower incomes may also receive help to replace old boilers with new energy-efficient models or install renewable technology.
Bristol City Council has teamed up with experts from Climate Energy, the UK’s largest independent energy efficiency company, to stage the project, which it says will ease fuel poverty while enhancing the city’s reputation for innovation in sustainability ahead of it becoming European Green Capital next year.
Climate Energy will recruit 50 agents to carry out the city-wide survey and offer advice to residents and businesses.
Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson said: “This is a major move to bring the benefits of energy saving measures to all Bristol citizens.
“By working systematically across the whole city, door to door over the next four years, we can give the opportunity to every household to benefit from improved health and comfort and lower fuel bills.
“As we approach our year as European Green Capital this a great example of the practical measures we are taking to make the city more sustainable in a way that benefits all residents.”
Assistant mayor for neighbourhoods Cllr Gus Hoyt added: “This is a massive scheme which will make a real difference to people all over Bristol. It will help create a fairer city by actively tackling energy poverty and rising fuel costs.
“Bristol is a leading example when it comes to increasing energy efficiency in our neighbourhoods, and this is especially fitting ahead of taking on the mantle of European Green Capital.”
Essex-based Climate Energy managing director Andrew Holmes, believes the partnership will make a major difference to the city and its people.
“Bristol is a shining example of just what can be achieved with the right vision and funding. This work will ensure the city remains at the forefront of energy efficiency and responsible urban energy management,” he said.
“We will be able to cut people’s energy bills, keep the vulnerable warm and make inroads on the city’s carbon footprint. We also expect to create around 50 new jobs in the Bristol area over the next few months to deliver this programme.”
Bristol has ambitions to become the UK’s most sustainable city – a title city leaders believe is already within its grasp. A £95m energy efficiency package was announced earlier this year and the Bristol Green Deal is the latest initiative in that drive to improve the city’s green credentials.
Fuller details of the Bristol Green Deal will be launched next month. To register an interest email energy.efficiency@bristol.gov.uk or call 0800 107 4100.
