HOMES in the region are taking part in a trial which aims to improve energy efficiency and impact health and wellbeing in turn.
The Energy Systems Catapult is running the first ever trial of its Warm Home Prescription (WHP) programme in conjunction with ScottishPower.
They are installing improved energy efficiency measures, such as upgraded or new home insulation and even air source heat pumps, as part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable customers living in homes with low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.
The team at Catapult is working with the NHS to identify low-income households where people live with health conditions that are sensitive to a cold or damp indoor environment and would benefit from warmer, healthier homes.
ScottishPower will then arrange to supply and install appropriate improvements. This may include upgraded or new insulation in lofts, cavity walls and under floors, upgraded heating systems like air source heat pumps and even, where suitable, solar panels.
This can help customers reduce the amount of heat lost throughout the building itself and increase the warmth within the home, as well as reduce energy consumption and potentially avoid unnecessary hospitalisation.
The cost of the upgrades will be delivered at no cost to the householder as part of ScottishPower’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Catapult spokesperson Rebecca Sweeney said: “By investing in new and crucial ways of targeting support for households, such as the Warm Home Prescription, we can better support society’s most vulnerable.”
Mark Murphy, from Scottish Power, added: “We know first-hand how much of a difference energy efficiency measures can make to households. For those dealing with illnesses that are made worse by living in a cold home, these upgrades could be life changing. Our aim is to deliver ECO4 home improvements, and their benefits, sooner rather than later, the quicker we deliver the sooner recipients can live in a warmer home.”
