Savings start clocking up in green homes revolution
A pilot scheme, which could lead to at least 10,000 homes in Birmingham benefiting from a retrofit energy efficiency upgrade, has swung into full gear as dozens of high-tech solar panels begin being fitted to homes and businesses in Aston, Lozells, Newtown and Northfield areas.
Residents are already seeing the benefits from Birmingham City Council's 'Birmingham Energy Savers' which will see improved insulation and new environmentally friendly means of energy production fitted to thousands of private and council owned homes.
Gordon Phillips' home in Rednal Road was last month officially the first home in Birmingham to be fitted as part of the Birmingham Energy Savers scheme. He said:
“For me deciding to go with the panels was a 'win-win'. Not only do they save me money on my bills at a time when every penny counts, but they also help to protect the environment.
“On top of that the look very smart, if anything making the property look even better than before they were fitted. With other panels now springing up around the local area I am very proud that I can say I was the 'trend setter'.”
The initial phase of the scheme is being funded by the Working Neighborhoods Fund, and targets vulnerable families in target areas for significant energy improvements. For a typical family household this will lead to savings of hundreds of pounds per year off fuel bills, as well as drastically reducing a household's carbon footprint.
Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham Energy Savers offers a fantastic opportunity for residents and businesses to cut carbon pollution, and save themselves thousands of pounds by reducing future bills. This scheme will significantly improve the lives of people in Birmingham, setting a green standard beyond that of any city in the world.”
The project will also create and provide training and protect jobs, and support the growth of green businesses in the city.
Birmingham Energy Savers will deliver one of the key objectives of the Birmingham Declaration on Climate Change that 10% of homes in the city will have retrofit insulation by 2015, and substantially help us reach our ambitious CO2 reduction targets of 60% by 2026.
To find out more about the scheme and register you interest in taking part visit www.birminghamenergysavers.org.uk
ENDS
Resident quotes:
Charles John O'Neill, said:
“When I first moved in two years ago I filled in a survey saying while I was pleased with the property I did feel the Council should be doing more to live up to its motto of 'forward' when it came to protecting the planet.
“So now I am delighted to have the panels on my roof, in fact I think having some form of solar/renewable energy on a building should be made compulsory across the entire UK. Only by taking such big steps can we really look at protecting the world for future generations.”
Caroline Stevenson said:
“For older or disabled people such as myself any scheme which helps cut energy bills has to be a good thing. That this scheme also comes with other major benefits such as protecting the planet and making your home look so smart is even better.”
Donna Jeffrey, of Chatham Road, said:
“I am just awaiting a confirmation date that my panels will be put up, and can't wait. The sooner I can start saving money and doing my bit to cut the city's carbon footprint all the better for everyone.”
