Boris helps Londoners green their homes

An energy efficiency programme launched by London mayor Boris Johnson has helped 40,000 homes in the capital save an estimated £4m off their energy bills and cut carbon emissions.


As part of the £7.8m RE:NEW energy efficiency programme, which launched last year, London households are offered an ‘energy makeover’ in a bid to make their properties more energy efficient. It has been estimated this generates an average saving per household of £180 each year.

It also forms part of the mayor’s target to cut carbon emissions by 60% in 2025 and helpt the capital become more “fuel resilient”, as well as stimulate green jobs.

Energy waste is tackled through the installation of a range of measures, such as low energy light bulbs, radiator panels and stand-by switches, while water efficiency measures are also introduced.

It is anticipated the scheme will deliver a further 55,000 home makeovers by May and is being offered to privately owned and rented properties.

Mr Johnson, said: “I want to help Londoners tackle the cold and cope better with rising fuel bills. RE:NEW is working to do this with tens of thousands of homes across the capital now set to benefit following an energy efficiency makeover. Retrofitting activity is now taking place on an unprecedented scale and is stimulating thousands of jobs in the burgeoning green economy.”

Energy Saving Trust chief executive Philip Sellwood, said: ‘One of our main aims is to ensure that householders across the nation are empowered with the right tools to help them reduce their energy bills.”

Discussions with Government are ongoing to secure more funds into the programme, which has been designed to maximise both energy savings and the potential to attract investment from national schemes such as Carbon Emissions Reduction Target programme, the Warm Front programme and the Green Deal.

RE:NEW is funded by the mayor and all 32 London boroughs have signed as partners in the scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with London Councils and the Energy Saving Trust.

Carys Matthews

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