Four pro-active South Shropshire Housing Association (SSHA) families have agreed to take part in a pilot project, with the aim to demonstrate that real people can engage with the issue of sustainable energy.

Each household uses a different heating fuel, and will be tracked over several months to see how they can save energy and money, whilst doing their bit for the planet.
Energy audits have led to action plans, and training has been provided to help families understand how to make their homes more energy efficient.

David Hunt (pictured), a tenant from Bishop Castle, is taking part in this pilot because: "It is an eye opener for my children to understand the value of energy, whilst it is an interesting experience for us to know where the energy goes. This pilot will increase our awareness of energy efficiency, and will help us save money."

Not only will these energy champions benefit from lower fuel bills, but also from an improvement in their skills. They now use a plug-in energy monitor, a real-time energy monitor, and log onto www.wesave.org.uk to work out their carbon footprint and find ways of reducing it. This could potentially have a wider impact on their respective communities, once they start sharing their experience and knowledge.

The project, which started in February 2010, is funded by SSHA and is delivered by Marches Energy Agency.

Housing associations that would like to take part in a similar project are welcome to contact the Project Manager: sylvia@mea.org.uk

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