A project designed to improve the energy efficiency of privately owned homes and save residents money was showcased by Enfield Council this week.

The Smart Homes scheme offered government grants of up to 75% of costs towards energy improvements in homes to a maximum of £6,000.

The grants aimed to improve the energy performance of properties needing solid wall insulation or with difficult-to-fill cavity walls. This helped residents to make their homes warmer and save money on their energy bills. It also supported other energy improvements such as double glazing, secondary glazing and / or energy efficient boilers. The scheme has now closed, but a number of residents took up the offer to make their homes more energy efficient.

This week Cllr Daniel Anderson, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Cllr Alan Sitkin, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration & Business, visited local homeowner Mrs

Maureen Lal, at her home in Enfield Town, to see a successful external wall insulation job, which had been completed by local company Ecologic Energy.

Mrs Lal said “The work was carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption either to me or to my neighbours. It looks so nice and my house is now so much warmer. With the winter almost upon us I look forward to reaping the benefits of having my house insulated, as well as saving on my fuel bills.”

Cllr Anderson said “It’s great to see such initiatives come to fruition. They improve the appearance of properties, reduce residents heating bills and benefit the environment through reduced energy usage.

“Around 42% of heat is lost through solid walls, so if you live in an uninsulated home this will be costing you money. The solution to this problem is solid wall insulation. Smart Homes allowed residents, for a relatively small investment, to cut their bills, whilst remaining environmentally aware.”

Cllr Sitkin said “Enfield Council is spearheading the growth of the retrofitting industry in Enfield, which means increased job creation.

“Smart Homes is also just one of the initiatives which was backed by the Council to reduce carbon emissions. Enfield Council has already gone far beyond its original target of a 25% reduction in its carbon emissions and in the last five years we have achieved a 35% reduction in our carbon footprint, so are well on track to achieve our target of 40% reduction by 2020.

“Ecologic Energy, the company undertaking the work, is also an Enfield-based business, so it is great that we can make residents homes warmer and support a local business.”

To find out more about how to insulate your home contact Ecologic Energy.