Green Housing Revolution

10.09.00am GMT Tue 26th Jan 2010

"The project offers a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to not only cut carbon pollution, but also save themselves thousands of pounds," said Councillor Paul Tilsley.

A Green New Deal that could eventually see all homes in Birmingham retrofitted with energy efficient improvements is being launched. Initially a pilot project within Aston, Lozells, Newtown and Northfield, up to 25,000 homeowners and 1000 businesses will be offered the chance for significant energy improvements to their properties. As well as saving homeowners money and cutting carbon emissions, the pilot project will also create or protect 111 jobs and 170 apprenticeships.

Councillor Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "The project offers a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to not only cut carbon pollution, but also save themselves thousands of pounds by drastically reducing future bills without the need for any huge up front payment."

"With domestic properties accounting for 33% of total carbon pollution within the city, and commercial premises 46%, the project will deliver one of the objectives of the Birmingham Declaration on Climate Change that 10% of Birmingham homes will have retrofit insulation by 2015 and substantially help Birmingham reach its ambitious CO2 reduction targets of 60% by 2026."

"So if we can successfully operate this scheme within the pilot area, and really get local people bought in, then there is no reason at all we can't look to roll this out across all of Birmingham in the future, setting a green standard beyond that of any city in the world."

Simply by hitting its five-year target that 1 in 5 homes in the pilot areas take up the retro-fitting offer (5,000 homes) the project will see an annual CO2 saving of more than 3750 tonnes, and create 270 job in the process.

Government grants and subsidies will be available for many homeowners wishing to take part in the project, but for those not eligible the Council will operate a scheme allowing the cost to be paid back over future years using the savings made on energy bills and Government bonus payments made for the use of microgeneration.

Under the Government's 'Warm Front Grants' people over 60 or with young children, who are eligible for benefits, may also be able to claim up to £3500 toward the cost of any work - in many cases fully subsidising the entire cost.

As well as offering affordable payment options for installations, the council will also be offering anyone wishing to retro-fit their property with:

• A free survey and expert technical advice

• Free supervision of the works and quality assurance.

• Prices for work significantly below the market norms due to the Council's ability to buy in bulk.

Homeowners in the pilot areas who are interested in participating in this scheme can contact the Council by emailing BB.Bep@birmingham.gov.uk

Related Link:

Birmingham Lib Dems Lead Climate Change Fight.