Introduction:
Meet Claire Daniel, a Bristol resident, whose home underwent a remarkable transformation through our Bright Green Homes project. This Bristol City Leap initiative being delivered within Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, and Bath and Northeast Somerset Council strives to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and promote sustainable living.
The Bright Green Homes Project:
Bright Green Homes provides funding and support to eligible households, empowering them to implement various energy-saving measures, including:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Air source heat pump
- Solar Panels
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for these benefits, households must meet specific criteria:
- Currently using Electric, Oil, LPG, or Solid Fuel heating (gas central heating not eligible)
- Energy Performance Certificate rating of G, F, E, or D
- Reside in Bristol City, North Somerset, or Bath/Northeast Somerset Council area
- Annual household income of £36,000 or lower
Note: Exceptions apply for homes in the three lowest postcodes on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation list: IMD Postcode Checker
Claire’s Journey:
Claire Daniel’s home, once plagued by the challenges of winter coldness, poured concrete construction, and the inefficiency of old night storage heaters underwent a transformative experience through the Bright Green Homes project.
Insights from Claire’s Interview:
In a recent interview, Claire shared her perspective: “So the house is really cold in winter, it’s poured concrete, below street level, and really difficult to heat. I’ve got really old, inefficient night storage heaters. There is a monetary aspect, but also an environmental aspect. Having solar, I think it’s the way forward. This house doesn’t have any gas supply at all; gas isn’t the way forward. So, the solar panels to me are a win-win for everybody really.“
Installation Process:
Claire highlighted the seamless installation process: “They rang me in advance, did a survey, and informed me when they were coming to install it. The scaffolding went up a couple of days before, and the installs were really respectful. They even told me when they were going to start drilling so that I could continue working from home, which was fantastic.”
Impact and Savings:
According to energy regulator Ofgem the average household of 2.4 people uses 2,900 kWh of electricity each year. Claire monitored the impact on her energy usage: “I’ve looked at my energy usage in the last month; I saved 30 kilowatt hours through having the solar installed. So that’s already really good, and that’s my usage, not just what’s coming in.”
Encouragement for Others:
Claire encourages others to embrace solar energy: “Yes, I would encourage anyone who needs solar energy and can fit the eligibility criteria to definitely go ahead and get it done. There’s no reason not to. Interacting with the City Leap team was great; they were really nice and always informative and came back to me very quickly. So yeah, it’s a good experience.”
Conclusion:
Claire Daniel’s experience stands as a powerful testament to the positive impact the Bright Green Homes project can have on homes, the environment, and individuals’ lives. The seamless process, combined with the tangible savings and environmental benefits, paints a compelling picture for those considering similar transformations.
If you’re interested in the Bright Green Homes project, complete the registration questionnaire: Funding – Bright Green Homes – Bristol City Leap
Transform your home and contribute to a sustainable future today!