People wanting to improve the energy efficiency of their homes will soon be able to easily find approved installers from a new directory being set up by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The council’s Energy At Home Information Service is creating an Installers Network for tradespeople who fit energy efficiency home improvements to existing buildings, often referred to as ‘retrofitting’.
Residents who contact Energy At Home will be able to access the network to find qualified traders who can install a range of energy saving measures in their homes.
The council is looking for sole traders and businesses in the local area to come forward to join the network if they are qualified to install: loft, floor and wall insulation, draughtproofing, double or triple glazing, solar panels and low carbon heating such as air source heat pumps.
Research done by the council into the main sources of carbon emissions in the district found that 38% of direct emissions come from homes and that most homes could benefit from energy efficiency measures.
Reducing the carbon emissions from your home not only saves money on heating bills but contributes to the council’s goal of achieving carbon-neutrality in B&NES by 2030.
The council is holding a Green Homes webinar on November 19 which will hear directly from residents who have made energy efficiency improvements to their homes.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “The Installers Network will be an important way for us to support home energy efficiency improvements in the area as we work towards achieving our carbon neutral aim. Encouraging local businesses to carry out energy efficiency home improvements is good for the local economy and will be more convenient for customers. We’d like to see this local network grow over the coming years as we see more schemes introduced, such as the Government’s Green Homes Grant, to help residents make their homes more energy efficient and save money.”
Businesses interested in joining the Installers Network should email energyatHome@bathnes.gov.uk or phone 01225 396282 and leave their contact details.
The council works with neighbouring authorities to take advantage of funding opportunities to support improving the energy efficiency of homes. Installers who are part of the Network will also receive information about any new schemes that might be on offer, such as training opportunities or qualification options.
There is also free specialist training on offer to all trades in the West of England area to develop their specialist energy retrofit skills. They need to apply for funded places via this webpage: https://futureproof.uk.net/im-a-builder/
Information about Government business support grants can be found on the council website
If you’re a homeowner or residential landlord you can apply for a Government Green Homes grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements to your home.
The Energy At Home service helps residents improve the energy performance of their homes by providing information on energy related home improvements, financial assistance schemes and signposting to suitable installers and contractors. It was set up by the council to help tackle fuel poverty, promote health & well-being locally, reduce carbon emissions and improve the local economy. Our current scheme funds green affordable warmth measures for owner occupiers or renters living in low energy efficiency homes who are on low incomes.
Find out more at https://www.energyathome.org.uk/ or call 0800 038 5680.
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