Green Deal grant to target 250,000 homes (From The Argus)

Green Deal grant to target 250,000 homes

10:40am Monday 28th January 2013 in News

A council is taking the first steps in a project it hopes could see 250,000 homes made more energy efficient.

West Sussex County Council has been awarded Government funding of £350,000 towards a scheme that will help make homes and businesses energy efficient and reduce fuel bills and fuel poverty.

The Green Deal could eventually see the authority work with tradesmen to target 250,000 homes over 25 years including 18,000 properties in the first three years.

The total project could eventually cost of up to £75 million.

The grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s Pioneer Places fund will be used on preparatory work on trialling energy improvement schemes in selected homes.

The authority is now looking for a firm to carry out the necessary works to retro-fit eco measures to private and council homes and business properties.

As well as improved insulation, the West Sussex County Council scheme proposes extra renewable heat and power schemes such as solar panels and bio mass boilers.

Lionel Barnard, deputy leader of the county council, said: “Work has already started to identify areas where the money will be used.

“The intention is that the pilot schemes and demonstration homes will help us learn about the assessment and works processes that are associated with eco-refurbishing properties.”

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