Energy Efficiency advice for homes

Contribution to sustainable development and people’s quality of life:
The Green Doctor visits homes in deprived wards of Leicester to install instant energy-saving measures free of charge and give residents advice on how they can become more environmentally-friendly - saving them money on fuel bills and encouraging more efficient use of energy. A warmer home also has positive effects on health.

Organisation: Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire in association with  Leicester City Council and Leicester Partnership currently work through the Local Area Agreement (LAA).

Sector: Public/Voluntary/Partnership

Location: Leicester

Start Date and Duration: Started 2002 and is ongoing

Summary: The Green Doctor visits people's homes to install free, instant energy-saving measures. This one-to-one service not only provides residents with warmer, healthier homes, but is also a unique chance to show individuals how they can become more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time. Qualifying households receive this service free of charge

Background: Producing electricity by burning fossil fuels is one of the largest contributors to the greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change and global warming. Every household contains a multitude of appliances and systems, including heating, that use up valuable energy resources and create carbon dioxide. By using energy more efficiently in homes, people can reduce their fuel bills and help the environment at the same time. There are many easy steps that can be taken and people need to be made aware of what they can do to help.

Project results: The service has been extremely popular and has a long waiting list.  The Green Doctor has visited more than 1000 homes since the scheme started. Residents have reported warmer homes and reduced fuel bills. People with health problems due to damp or drafts in the home have also benefited as a number of heat recovery fans have been installed.

Keywords: Energy efficiency, homes, insulation, heating

Contact Details:

Vicks Hogg
Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire
Parkfield
Western Park
Leicester
LE3 6HX

Tel: 0116 222 0228
Email:vhogg@gwll.org.uk

Web:
http://www.gwll.org.uk/index.asp?page=231