Worcestershire and Herefordshire Energy Tracers

_{(Draft 01)}

The energy challenge

UK residents are facing an unprecedented energy challenge:

• Soaring energy costs
• Urgent need to eliminate CO₂ and other damaging emissions
• Housing stock which leaks heat

The Worcestershire and Herefordshire Energy Tracers (WHET) initiative will reduce the costs and improve the comfort of local homes by showing householders:

• Where their homes are leaking heat,
• Where draughts are entering,
• What simple DIY steps can be taken to reduce these costs.

How WHET works

1. Householders undertake simple preparations the day before a survey,
2. The Energy Tracer pumps some air out of the house,
3. S/he walks round the inside of the house with a special thermal imaging camera, recording and commenting on causes of heat loss, draughts and damp,
4. The householder joins in, looking at and understanding what the issues are,
5. The Energy Tracer leaves:
   •  a video recording of the survey,
   • a pack of information giving advice suitable for DIY or local trades-person action,
   • an energy monitor
6. The householder is asked to provide feedback on the survey and on the energy saved:
   •  after the survey,
   • after a month and
   • after a year to see how the energy use has changed.

The survey typically takes a couple of hours and costs around £200 - £250 for a 2- to 3- bedroom house.

Concessionary rates may be available for households in fuel poverty.

About WHET

Worcestershire and Herefordshire Energy Tracers will be a Community Interest Company (CIC) - a social enterprise which uses its profits and assets for the public good.

All operating surpluses will be returned to participating local environmental and community groups.