B&NES Council is calling for residents to consider putting a reduction in home carbon emissions at the top of their New Year’s resolution list and play their part in tackling the climate emergency.
The first stage of the council’s research after declaring a climate emergency in March has identified energy use in buildings as one of the three priority areas for action, with 38% of emissions coming from people’s homes.
If residents are looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, such as through draft-proofing or installing solar panels, support and low-cost loans are available from the council and its energy project partners.
Around 65,000 homes in Bath and North East Somerset require some retrofitting measures to help the area achieve the 2030 goal of carbon neutrality.
Retrofitting is expected to reduce the district’s carbon emissions in tandem with the other two priorities identified in the council’s recent area-wide carbon emission research, which are generating renewable energy and a major shift to walking, cycling and mass transport to reduce transport emissions.
Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “We know that tackling the climate emergency requires action on a global scale, but we can all play a part as well.
“As a council, we are working with partners to develop large scale projects in our three initial priority areas for action of: home energy efficiency, renewable electricity generation, and transport.
“However, don’t let that stop you if you’d like to take action right now to make your home warmer, and cheaper to heat, whilst reducing carbon emissions.
“There are a variety of support and projects already in place that can help you get started this New Year.”
To find out how you can make a difference in your own home, advice is available from:
- Energy at Home Advice Service – free expert advice on all things energy-related – www.energyathome.org.uk/.
- Low-cost loans available through Wessex Resolutions – www.wessexresolutions.org.uk/.
