Memorandum submitted by Oldham Council
— Our submission is based on how Oldham
Council is promoting benefits of energy efficiency to residents.
FIRST CHOICE
HOMES OLDHAM
(HOUSING ALMO) DECENT
HOMES WORK
— New central heating systems (currently
installing Ecotec 937 condensing/combi boiler).
— Change from communal heating charge
for homes on grouped heating schemes to individual metering system.
This will enable individual residents to control useage/demand
much more efficiently and reduce wasted energy.
CLG ENERGY PERFORMANCE
CERTIFICATE PILOT
PROJECT (JULY-SEPT
2007)
— Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
are a central plank of the Government's climate change strategy
and are to be introduced on sale, rent and construction of all
properties by the end of October 2008.
— This EPC pilot was sponsored by Communities
and Local Government (CLG) and invited Expressions of Interest
from local authorities nationwide. The purpose was to provide
some valuable experience of producing, receiving and using EPCs
within the social housing sector and to feedback to CLG the lessons
learnt. The feedback will help CLG produce guidance to all local
authorities prior to implementation October 2008 so that the scheme
is rolled out smoothly and effectively.
— 100 physical EPC surveys were conducted
& 1900 EPCs were produced by a cloning exercise.
— This was a good opportunity for Council
and First Choice Homes Oldham (ALMO) to act more strategically
in terms of having more up to date energy information which will
be used to form an overview on areas such as stock condition,
improvement and modernisation. This will also be used to plan
programmes that address climate change issues and fuel poverty.
— Participating in the pilot enabled
the Council to demonstrate leadership in tackling climate change
at a local level.
— Pilot was also an opportunity to
promote awareness of Climate Change issues, Green Agenda and energy
efficiency issues to Council tenants. The "Thank You"
packs and contents, which were distributed to residents whose
homes were surveyed, enabled us to acknowledge and reward them
for their co-operation as well as to communicate the energy efficiency/Climate
Change messages. By using the contents of the packs, residents
were able to benefit immediately from energy efficiency measures
(eg light bulbs, kettle) and many were keen to know what else
they could do.
PARTNERSHIP WITH
GREATER MANCHESTER
NORTH ENERGY
EFFICIENCY ADVICE
CENTRE
— Council has been able to use partnership
working to deliver a range of energy efficiency measures borough-wide
(eg loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, updates to heating
systems).
— Example of ongoing initiative: Affordable
Warmth Strategy.
— Work with GMNEEAC has included all
of the housing market (social rented, private rented and homeownership
sectors).
— roadshows/events have taken place
or are planned, that have been used to promote awareness of Climate
Change, Green Agenda, Energy efficiency issues for both Council
staff and the public.
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