Once you have identified where the householder should make their home warmer, you can signpost them to grant schemes such as Warm Homes Suffolk, recommend easy and cheap DIY fixes, or share websites like the Energy Saving Trust with them.
Advice and Information to Share with Householders:
- The Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation with lots of useful information so is a great resource to recommend to householders:
- The Centre for Sustainable Energy is a charity fighting to end the suffering caused by cold homes and have lots of energy advice which is also all on downloadable fact sheets.
- EcoFrenzy has lots of energy saving solutions, and also includes the carbon saving from each solution.
- This Energy Efficiency Calculator provides solutions to improve home energy efficiency.
- If anyone needs energy support, Citizens Advice are there to help.
- National Energy Action also have lots of resources and advice to help.
- Information on heat pumps
If householders would like a further survey, West Suffolk Council offer a free energy advice survey to help homeowners, private renters and landlords in West Suffolk assess their energy usage and identify ways to reduce costs. If anyone is interested, they can contact the Healthy Homes Advisor: environment@westsuffolk.gov.uk or 01284 757 400.
Or, if households are not in West Suffolk, they can book a free home energy assessment phone call from B&Q who will create a personalised action plan.
Funding and Grants
- An Info Pack will be available very soon to give to residents about the local grants that are available.
- Funding for homeowners and renters – an up-to-date list of funding and grants that are available.
Easy and cheap DIY fixes
- This Crib Sheet has easy, quick and low-cost ways to make a home warmer which you can share with households
Next Step for Groups:
Once you have finished your thermal imaging project, you may want to go further and do more in your community.
- Set up a community Bulk Buy: Community Bulk Buying Guidance and Guide for community buying groups
- Take your thermal imaging project further next year by running an open event before the surveys and a follow up event afterwards
- Run a local energy campaign
- Guide to greening village halls.
- NEA (National Energy Action) training courses.
- Join your nearest community energy group in Suffolk – the website is currently pending, so contact Claire for more information: claire.ling@suffolk.gov.uk.
If your community group isn’t already part of the Greenest County Community Network, join now to connect with other community groups in Suffolk working towards carbon net zero and environmental initiatives: Network Consent Form.
The Network also uses Facebook to share news and ideas, events, and projects, join the group here: Facebook Group.
If you are a group of individuals who haven’t already got a green community group in your area, set one up either on your own or as a subsidiary of your Town/Parish Council. Contact Claire for any advice: claire.ling@suffolk.gov.uk