Media Releases

Heat Seeking Technology to be Introduced in Reading Borough

15/10/2008

Press Release

Heat seeking thermal imaging technology to detect homes wasting energy is to be used in Reading.

Around half of heat loss in a typical home is through the walls and loft and there are many homes in Reading where heat is escaping, leaving them cold or expensive to heat.

Reading Borough Council is working with Heatseekers to reduce heat loss in private homes across the town and help residents make their homes more energy efficient and save on heating bills.

Heat seeking thermal imaging technology will be used to identify private sector homes that would benefit from insulation.

The revolutionary technology will identify households that don't have cavity wall and/or loft insulation and are subsequently 'leaking' heat.

The 'Heatseekers' vehicle is capable of assessing over 1,000 properties an hour by surveying on the move. It automatically detects the insulation condition of each property. A dedicated team of highly trained advisors will follow up with face to face advice for interested householders based on the thermal image of their home. Insulation installation can be arranged there and then.

Insulation is a very cost effective way to significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a home.

Residents on means tested benefits or over 70 years of age will be offered FREE insulation under the scheme while all other householders will receive a substantial discount on the normal retail price. This offer is open to those who own their own home or rent from a private landlord.

The scheme is entirely optional and there is no obligation on householders to participate.

Thermal imaging of all of Reading's privately owned households will be conducted over the next three years but you don't have to wait until your image is produced to take up the insulation offer, simply call 0845 3909390.

To launch the initiative, a series of awareness and promotional events will take place in the town centre during Energy Saving Week (October 20th-26th).

The 'Heatseekers' van will be in Broad Street during Monday, October 20th and again on Friday, 24th October, where people can find more about the project.

Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Environment, said: "This initiative will provide home owners, landlords and businesses with invaluable information about the energy efficiency of their buildings to enable them to save costs and play their part in reducing Reading's carbon footprint. It's another example of how the Council is taking a leadership role in the community on an issue of vital importance for us and future generations."

John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Housing, said: "There must be many homeowners who are unknowingly wasting energy by not insulating their homes as efficiently as they could. I very much welcome this scheme being introduced in Reading and it will help make more homes warmer for the winter months."

The Heatseekers scheme is being delivered by Reading Borough Council in conjunction with the Energy Saving Partnership, thanks to funding from the Government's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) programme.

The Energy Saving Partnership has worked very successfully on insulation schemes with other councils such as Slough, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Brent, Ealing, Watford, Salford, Birmingham, Merton and Harrow.

This year marks the 12th Energy Saving Week. During the week, people will be encouraged to save energy.

As well as Energy Saving Week taking place this month, October also marks the introduction of new Government guidance on the energy performance of public buildings.

Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, all public buildings – Council offices, police stations, prisons, universities, courts, schools etc – must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and have an associated Advisory Report.

The report contains recommended actions to reduce energy consumption specific to the building. The DEC shows the energy usage of the building based on energy consumption (gas, electricity) and a total floor area giving a CO2 emissions per square metre. This is then standardised to give a figure that is then rated A-G (A being good, G being very poor).

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ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Photocall Notice

A photocall with Councillors Ennis and Gittings will take place in Broad Street, Reading, on Monday, October 20th at 11am, where the Heatseeker’s van will be in town for the public to get information and advice.

Photographs detailing examples of thermal images will be sent to news desks upon request.

Call Sarah Bishton in the press office for images and interviews.

Note to Editors

Programme of events during Energy Saving Week

Monday 20th October
10am-4pm, Broad Street
Fun and Information
Your chance to meet Heat Seekers, and find out if you are eligible for FREE or discounted cavity wall/loft insulation. Have a look at the new thermal imaging technology that helps identify households that could benefit from installing insulation.
Use pedal power to generate your own energy- enjoy a fun interactive energy efficiency display for all the family by Real Events.

Tuesday 21st October
10am-4pm, Civic Centre
12-2pm, Central Library
Information about home energy and more
Find out how you can keep warm this winter while saving energy with information on the new insulation scheme and other grants, tips for reducing your home energy bill and pick up free energy efficient light bulbs.

Wednesday 22nd October
12-2pm, Central Library
Energy Efficiency Display and information.

Thursday 23rd October
10am, Age Concern Drop-in, Kennet Room, Civic Centre
Information for the elderly
An introduction to the schemes available and general Winter Warmth Tips for the elderly.

2-4pm, Winter Warmth Surgery, Main Reception, Royal Berkshire Hospital
Information and guidance on the assistance available to vulnerable householders to keep warm and improve living conditions. Reading’s Home Improvement Agency ‘Ridgeway’ available to answer queries.

Friday 24th October
10am-4pm, Broad Street
Fun and Information
Meet representatives from your local branch of the Energy Saving Trust. Another chance to find out more about the new insulation scheme from the providers and to enjoy the Real Events energy display. Pick up free energy efficient light bulbs. 

www.reading.gov.uk/energyweek

Sarah Bishton
Tel: 0118 9399957