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30/09/2010
Elizabeth Jones showing the new kitchen tap sprayer in use.
Hundreds of low-income homes across the UK at risk of fuel poverty this winter are set to receive a thorough health-check from ‘Green Doctors’ to boost their energy efficiency thanks to environmental charity Groundwork.
Groundwork’s Green Doctors are fully trained experts who help vulnerable residents in disadvantaged communities to improve their energy efficiency and consequently save money through energy-use audits and retrofitting.
The Green Doctors, part funded by the UK’s only not-for-profit energy supplier, Ebico, have visited over 1,000 homes and installed 8,000 measures - saving householders £140,243 and 2,230 CO2 over the past 18 months.
For Elizabeth Jones, cutting fuel bills and making ends meet to stay warm was a major concern. Her local Green Doctor installed water saving measures, low energy light bulbs, draught proofing and gave her advice on storage heaters, and other ways to save energy - resulting in an annual saving of £90 and a reduction in her CO2 emissions by one tonne.
"I think the Green Doctor is a good service. I wouldn't let anyone in because of my visual impairment and I had a bad experience with contractors stealing money but the Green Doctor gives you confidence.
”I'm really glad I had a visit from the Green Doctor, they taught me lots of things I didn't know and I love the eco showerhead and kitchen tap sprayer they fitted.”
Groundwork Chief Executive Tony Hawkhead, explained why this personalised approach is crucial to those homes facing fuel poverty this winter, “Ipsos-Mori research commissioned by Groundwork has shown that tenants of rented accommodation really want to do their bit and reduce their carbon footprint, but are confused and bewildered by how to take action.
“They tend to be poorer than those who own their own homes so they are less able to cope with the financial consequences of fuel poverty caused by badly insulated or draughty accommodation.
“The Green Doctor is not just about handing out light-bulbs and loft insulation. It’s also about being a trusted source of help for them to apply for grant aid for home improvements, as well as helping them gear up for climate change.”
The UK’s only not-for-profit energy supplier Ebico are supporting Green Doctors with a commitment to £120,000 funding through The Ebico Trust. This boost from Ebico builds on the success of the very first Groundwork Green Doctor programmes in Leicester and Leeds.
Following a recent visit to see the Green Doctor in action, Ebico Chairman, Hugh Lee, said: “I was amazed how quickly the Green Doctor could pin-point ways in which the tenant could save energy and immediately fit things like reflector panels behind radiators and a device to switch off the TV when it is on standby. This saves the tenant money on their fuel bills and saves the planet by reducing carbon emissions.”
