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With approximately 22% of the UKs carbon emissions arising from our homes, there is rightly an increasing focus on how we can all ensure that our homes can become more efficient and move towards more sustainable sources of energy.

In the Net Zero Strategy (2021), the UK government has set out a number of commitments which will support the country in quickly moving away from fossil fuels towards an economy principally powered by low-carbon electricity, hydrogen and sustainable bioenergy. These commitments include:

• making the transition to low carbon buildings affordable and achievable for all;
• helping households and businesses reduce their energy bills;
• continuing to grow and decarbonise the UK Heat Network;
• launching a new policy framework for energy-related products to ensure products use less energy, reducing emissions and household bills.

In Rugby, work is well underway to begin the process of decarbonising council housing stock through the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme. Announced by the Chancellor in July 2020, the LAD provides part-funding to English local authorities in addressing energy efficiency measures, with the aim of saving house-holders money, cutting carbon and creating green jobs. Through this scheme and council match funding, a project is now underway to raise the energy efficiency of low-income and low EPC rated homes within our housing stock.

Bill Winters, Asset Maintenance Team Leader introduces the energy efficiency scheme.

Rugbeians can access extensive advice to help them to improve energy efficiency within the home. Act on Energy is a locally based charity who provide free and impartial support to householders in all aspects of home energy support. Their work includes energy bill advice, fuel switching, referrals for physical measures, grant availability and referrals to other agencies if appropriate.

The Energy Saving Trust is a national organisation who work to address the climate emergency by providing advice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions. Advice is available for matters such as heating your home, reducing heat loss in your home, generating renewable energy and buying products which are more energy efficient.