Rochford Council's new green campaign offers thermal images of homes
26th October 2009
STRIKING thermal images like these shots of familiar local landmarks are to play a key part of a strategy to make Rochford district more energy-efficient.
The pictures, which reveal just how much heat leaks out of the buildings depicted will be at the forefront of Rochford District Council’s effort to reduce the area’s carbon footprint.
The council has just signed the Nottingham Declaration, a nationwide pledge to confront the causes of climate change.
Now council leader Terry Cutmore and chief executive Paul Warren are on a mission to make the council the most resource-efficient in Essex.
The most eye-catching part of the drive is the pioneering free thermal imaging service, set up with help from Essex County Council. Residents can invite officials to come and take a thermal picture of their homes, showing how much heat they are losing and from where.
It is is the first scheme of its type in Essex and possibly in the whole country.
The thermal images on this page – of the Dutch Cottage and the Old House in South Street, Rochford – were produced by the council to publicise the scheme.
When officers come out and take pictures of homes and business premises, they will also explain where the heat is escaping and what can be done about it.
The council is also offering cut-price cavity wall and loft insulation, as part of its Warm and Healthy Homes project.
Kevin Jones, Essex County Council’s head of environmental strategy, said if the imaging scheme was a success it could be applied right across the county.
The two thermal cameras, each costing several thousand pounds, were paid for by Government grant.
Local households stand to save hundreds of pounds every year if they follow up on the information the cameras yield Mr Cutmore said: “I’m very excited by this. It’s a pioneering move to tackle the challenge of resource efficiency in partnership.
“The more savings we can make, the better.
“Tackling environmental issues is one of the biggest challenges today and these problems can only be solved if everyone works together.
“It will help people save energy, reduce carbon consumption and save money.”
The council will also run energy efficiency surgeries at which residents can get help to save resources and offer smarter driver training, using a hi-tech simulator, which will visit sites around the district this winter.
It will teach drivers how to reduce the amount of fuel they burn through more efficient use of brakes and gears.
l Rochford district residents interested in having a visit from the thermal imaging service can call the council on 01702 318045, or sign up online at www.rochford.gov.uk