Four homes across Lichfield and Burntwood are set to benefit from energy makeovers after a competition.
The four were selected from a range of entrants to the Green Deal Pioneers contest and chosen by an expert panel.
Three of the homes, which all have solid walls, will benefit from installation of external wall insulation, and one from internal insulation, in both cases aiming to create cosier more comfortable homes – and save the occupants money.
The competition was planned as a curtain-raiser for the Government’s new Green Deal scheme and for the ECO subsidy which will help households to install energy-saving measures.
The winning homes are intended to act as demonstration examples which the organisers hope will inspire others to follow suit.
June Thorne, one of the lucky homeowners, said: “I am really thrilled to be a winner of the competition.
“As a pensioner living on fixed income I do everything I can to keep my heating bills down – but it isn’t easy in an older property so I am looking forward to having my walls insulated and a cosier home.”
A variety of house types and areas are represented in the winning list, including a detached house in Burntwood, a semi and a terraced property in Lichfield City, and a Victorian terraced home in Whittington Conservation area.
The four properties – and a number of others – will open their doors to visitors on May 19. This will give esidents an opportunity to see what has been done and to find out more about the Green Deal and how to improve their own homes.
Kate Sadler, project manager for Southern Staffordshire Community Energy, added: “It is vital that we make big inroads into improving the energy efficiency of these homes so that we can reduce fuel poverty and also reduce the District’s carbon emissions.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with these four owners, the council and the Energy Saving Co-operative to improve their properties and create a series of show homes that can demonstrate the benefits of solid wall insulation to other households in the area.”
For further information on the open days contact Kate on 07565 963282 or via katesadler@talktalk.net.
