We're offering our communities the chance to use thermal imaging cameras to analyse homes across the borough and see how they could be more energy efficient.
Our thermal imaging camera project supports our ambitions to make homes more environmentally friendly while helping people through the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Up to eight communities will be offered the chance to use the cameras in homes and community buildings throughout the cold winter months. The information provided by the cameras will inform what retrofit work could be done to make the properties more energy efficient.
Watch our video on the scheme:
The project is being run by the Council in partnership with Tamar Energy Community, a not-for-profit community enterprise that specialises in offering independent energy advice.
Cllr Chris West of West Devon Borough Council said: “Supporting people through the ongoing cost of living crisis and fighting climate change are two of the Council’s long-term goals, and this project has the benefit of helping in both of these areas.
“The project will empower our residents to learn more about their homes, and what retrofit work could be done to make them more energy efficient. Retrofit work is a speciality of our partners in this project, Tamar Energy Community, so we’re delighted to be working with them to make the most of their expertise.
“The fact this helps the environment too is a real bonus. Heating our homes accounts for a huge percentage of the UK’s carbon emissions, so anything we can do to make homes run more efficiently and use less energy can have a significant long-term effect on the environment.”
Kate Royston, Tamar Energy Community Director and Energy Advisor, said: “We’re delighted to be working with West Devon Borough Council on this project, and are looking forward to helping communities across West Devon understand what can be done to help make homes cosy, efficient and future-ready.
“Retrofitting a property is a journey. Using a thermal imaging camera is just one diagnostic tool we can use to look at a home and find where we can make efficiencies; we’re always happy to help anyone in West Devon and the Tamar Valley take the first step in that journey.”
The Council is looking to support an “energy champion” in the communities that take part, who will lead on using a thermal imaging camera in their town, village or area.
Tamar Energy Community will provide each community that signs up with an introductory talk to the community about retrofitting, highlighting important things to consider and signpost to the advice and support available.
They’ll then provide a follow up event in the community to discuss and share results and provide advice.
Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis. Tamar Energy Community will only be able to support two communities at a time, so dates for using the cameras and the introductory and follow up sessions will depend on availability. You'll be contacted to arrange a slot in either December, January, February or March.
To find out more, visit: www.westdevon.gov.uk/housing/housing-support/thermal-imaging-camera-hire
