Islington Council’s Safe and Warm grant scheme has won a Green Apple award from The Green Organisation – an international non-profit environmental group whose annual awards recognise environmental best practice.<br><br>The award was presented last night (8 November) at the House of Commons.<br><br>The North West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (part of Islington Council) administers the council-funded Safe and Warm scheme, which is unique to Islington.<br><br>The scheme aims to help residents save energy and money while staying safe and warm. It provides grants for people to improve their home’s heating, energy efficiency measures, and security. For example, this could include installation of insulation or central heating, boiler replacement, and installation of locks or security lighting. The grants are available to owner-occupiers or private tenants who are over 60 or registered disabled, or on an eligible benefit. <br><br>Use of fossil fuel energy in our homes is responsible for 28% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions – the leading cause of climate change.<br><br>Since 2002, 380 homes have had their heating improved through the scheme. This involved installation of 80 new heating systems where there were none previously, and about 300 replacements of old, inefficient boilers. These measures have saved 200 tonnes of carbon per year from being emitted into the atmosphere.<br><br>The 300 insulation works (mainly in lofts) undertaken through the scheme have saved 75 tonnes of carbon per year.<br><br>Islington’s Executive Member for Sustainability, Councillor Bridget Fox said: “People need to keep warm and healthy in their homes, and there are still many ways we can cut down our energy use and save money at the same time. That’s where the Safe and Warm scheme can help. Even people who aren’t eligible for grants can get free, independent advice through Islington’s Energy Advice Centre.”<br><br>“Small things can make a difference, from putting on an extra jumper and turning the heating down a notch, to buying a £10 insulation jacket for your hot water tank or draught-proofing your home.”<br><br>Telephone 0800 512 012 for more information on the scheme or for free, impartial energy efficiency advice.<br><br><br>Editor’s Notes<br><br>Works that can be funded through the Safe and Warm grant scheme:<br><br>· Central heating (for homes that do not already have it)<br>· Replacement boilers<br>· Heating controls<br>· Loft insulation<br>· Cavity wall insulation<br>· Draught-proofing<br>· Hot water tank insulation<br>· Locks on external doors and accessible windows<br>· Other security measures, including London bars, spy-glass, intercoms and security lighting<br><br><br>Top five tips for staying warm this winter<br><br>1. Close curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.<br><br>2. Eliminate draughts by using a brush-on seal on external doors – cost around £5.<br><br>3. Insulate your hot water tank with a jacket – they cost about £10 but pay for themselves in months.<br><br>4. Try not to put furniture in front of radiators as this stops the warm air circulating around your room properly.<br><br>5. Call the North West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 for more help with keeping warm and well and to see if you might qualify for insulation grants to warm your home.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009