Smallbridge energy awareness project shortlisted for national award

Energy Awareness Project in Smallbridge has been shortlisted for the prestigious national Sustainable Housing Awards

A ground breaking energy awareness project that has helped hundreds of residents to save money on their energy bills has been shortlisted for a prestigious Sustainable Housing award.

The pilot project in the Smallbridge area has been nominated for the “Community Influence” prize at the 2013 Sustainable Housing Awards.

The awards put the spotlight on the best green social housing projects constructed in the UK, and the organisations responsible for them. The trophies will be presented at a ceremony hosted by the award winning stand-up comedian Josie Long on Friday 18 October at the Lancaster London Hotel.

The project involved recruiting and training volunteer Energy Champions from within the Smallbridge community to provide energy-saving advice to tenants throughout the local area. In addition, front-line employees were provided with additional training, and energy efficiency measures were installed into homes where possible. Finally, working with Community Energy Direct, information was provided on tariff switching to save money; this was one of the first energy switch schemes targeted specifically at an area with a high level of fuel poverty. 

In total, 700 homes received a visit and advice booklet, with specific, tailored advice provided to over 150 tenants and residents. Over 50 tenants benefitted from the provision of energy-saving devices.

Claire James, a volunteer from Smallbridge Tenants and Residents Association, said: “I enjoyed meeting people who are like minded. I live in a deprived area and it gives me satisfaction to be able to help people who would without the help and advice really struggle. Watching the look on peoples faces when explaining we were delivering a free service that would ultimately save them money was amazing”