28/01/11
Ceredigion tooled up to build efficiently
Members of Ceredigion’s building and construction community were today the first to benefit from the Energy Saving Trust’s newly developed energy efficient upgrading guides.
Building and planning representatives from housing associations, architects, private companies, surveyors and the local authority gathered at the launch event for the newly developed guides at Ceredigion County Council in Aberystwyth.
Ceredigion County Council’s building control department have worked in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, an organisation dedicated to lowering personal carbon emissions, to develop a series of guides for local builders and the general public.
Home energy use is responsible for over a quarter of UK carbon emissions- much of this created as a result of older houses that need upgrading to energy efficient homes. The six guides include basic information on how to start thinking about energy efficiency when building and upgrading as well as in depth tailored guides for a range of different types of housing.
Launched by Councillor Ray Quant MBE, the guides include information on:
- why refurbishing sustainably and efficiently is a better option
- a jargon busting terminology directory
- advice on which types of measures to consider for which properties
- recommended energy saving products
- step-by-step guides on insulating properly
and
- guidance on how to secure financial support to fund renewable technologies.
The guides advise on taking a whole house approach, taking into consideration the type of house and using appropriate energy efficiency, renewable energy options and including water and waste reduction measures.
Upgrading housing will create significant savings for the occupier, in both carbon emissions and bills. The energy efficient refurbishment of a typical period mid-terrace house could mean a 62 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per year, which could equate to a potential saving of over £650.
Helen Northmore, Wales lead for the Energy Saving Trust said: “We are working with Ceredigion County Council and their customers to increase the number of low and zero carbon technology homes in the area.
“Providing practical, easily digestible advice and support to builders and householders is crucial to meeting reduced CO2 targets in Wales. By educating builders, they can then pass on this knowledge to their clients and in the same way, home owners can request energy efficient work from their preferred contractor.”
