Householders quizzed on energy saving

Government is aiming to tap into the wealth of ideas the general public may have on energy saving in an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of homes and communities.


Energy and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock launched the first of a series of planned ‘citizens forums’ in Harrow last week.

Similar forums were held in Exeter and Cockfield to promote Government’s Big Energy Shift, a public consultation project which will see groups of ordinary people come together for three separate sessions to learn about, and comment on, energy efficiency.

In the first event, householders will hear about the processes and technologies under consideration, with experts on-hand to answer questions.

At the second event, participants will have the chance to see low-carbon and energy efficiency technologies in existing homes, while the third event will provide the chance to provide their feedback and discuss how householders can be encouraged to install them.

Joan Ruddock said: “The Government has just launched its long-term Heat and Energy Saving strategy for consultation, setting out proposals for reducing household carbon emissions to almost zero by 2050.

“To achieve this, we need to move beyond simple measures such as loft insulation, and start offering whole house energy makeovers – looking at more radical measures such as solid wall insulation, solar heating, ground or air-source heat pumps, or access to a district heating scheme.

“We’ve started to talk with organisations and communities about how we can achieve this – but we want to hear from householders as well. They are the ones who will benefit from our plans and it’s vital we engage with residents, explain our strategy and the technologies involved, and receive their views.”

David Gibbs

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