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Wiltshire Local Energy Advice Demonstrator

Two workers install solid wall insulation to the exterior of a building. They are spreading mortar onto polystyrene blocks.

Working with local partners to increase the installation of energy saving upgrades to homes in Wiltshire and Swindon.

The Wiltshire Local Energy Advice Demonstrator project helps homeowners make energy saving improvements, often called retrofit. Retrofit experts from the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) are supporting homeowners in Wiltshire and Swindon through independent, expert advice, and in-depth home surveys.

The project draws on the expertise of Futureproof, a service created by CSE to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. CSE is delivering the project with support from Wiltshire Council and Swindon Council, the project’s partners.

Removing barriers to more sustainable homes

More people than ever are motivated to make their homes more energy efficient, whether they want to reduce their carbon emissions, save money on their energy bills, or live in a more comfortable and healthier home. However, every home has a unique set of circumstances, requiring a tailored approach to identify and implement the right blend of energy efficiency improvements to meet individual goals.

Embarking on a home retrofit presents several challenges. Not only do homeowners need to understand which upgrades are suitable for their home, but they need to find relevant professionals to carry out the work. Finding this information can be difficult. Many communities don’t have dedicated retrofit advice services, so getting tailored guidance can be difficult. And the demand for energy efficiency improvements is increasing, which can make securing contractors a lengthy process.

The project offers solutions to these challenges…

Improving access to local retrofit advice

Throughout the project, CSE’s Futureproof team are attending community events across Wiltshire and Swindon to give free face-to-face advice. This allows homeowners to speak directly to experts who can guide them on the best next steps for them and their homes.

Local community groups are also receiving training and mentoring to increase their ability to give retrofit advice. These skills will extend specialist support to more people even after the project has ended.

Home surveys and one-to-one support

Retrofit can be a long process as many homeowners won’t be able to implement all possible changes at once. Knowing where to start and in what order to do things can be overwhelming. To help, heavily discounted and free home retrofit surveys are available.

These surveys provide a comprehensive look at people’s homes, motivations, and budgets to understand which measures will have the most impact. CSE is also using new tools and techniques to find out more about how heat is being lost from the homes surveyed to enhance the advice given to homeowners. A post-survey report outlines possible scenarios unique for each home, including step-by-step guidance. Futureproof surveyors also offer homeowners further advice six months after their survey to help them further progress their retrofit. support.

Connecting homeowners with skilled professionals

A new Wiltshire Retrofit Directory includes an extensive list of tradespeople, contractors and services operating in Wiltshire and Swindon to assist homeowners with their projects.

The directory makes it simple for homeowners to choose a suitable service, from insulation and heating upgrades to solar panels. Whether it’s for a small-scale project or a full home retrofit, the Wiltshire Retrofit Directory will be the perfect guide towards a greener, more-sustainable home.

Improving green finance for homeowners

As part of the project CSE is also exploring with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Council how low-cost loans for home retrofit can be enhanced. Home retrofit projects have upfront costs and, for some homeowners, such loans can help get improvement work done.

About the project

This is just one of the innovative projects being delivered across England through the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator programme to explore new approaches to local in-person energy advice. The projects are funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and supported by the Net Zero Hubs – in Wiltshire it’s the South West Net Zero Hub.

Want to know more?

Contact futureproof@cse.org.uk; you can also leave a message for our team by calling 0800 038 5007

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