At the heart of the plans is a programme of energy-efficiency measures for Bristol City Council’s social housing stock as well as private housing that could see £95 million worth of investment resulting in an annual carbon saving of up to 17,900 tonnes, £3.5 million savings on residents annual energy bills and a reduction of up to 5 percent in Bristol’s annual domestic gas use.
A report to the council’s cabinet recommends approval of the appointment of a Green Deal Provider partner for four years and a similar agreement with an Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding partner, also for up to four years. Following the relevant procurement exercises, the council intends to launch a citywide Green Deal offer in late summer this year.
“These steps to be considered by the Cabinet represent a massive investment in the city’s homes that will lengthen their life, cut residents’ fuel bills and significantly reduce Bristol's carbon dioxide emissions” said Bristol City Mayor George Ferguson. “It is a major reinforcement of the city’s green credentials as we move towards Green Capital status next year, and is in line with my ambition to invest and grow despite the economic challenges, and to re-structure the way we provide services to give us a more sustainable future.”
Assistant Mayor with responsibility for the Environment, Councillor Gus Hoyt, added that a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the heating and lighting of homes.
“A third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions caused by the heating and lighting of homes” Mr Hoyt said. “Making Bristol’s homes more energy-efficient is absolutely central to cutting Bristol’s carbon footprint, fuel bills and waste. We are committed to reducing the city’s CO2 emissions by 40 per cent and energy use by 30 per cent by 2020 – ambitiously compared with 2005 levels - and this programme of investment represents a major milestone on the road to achieving this goal.”
Bristol residents have been invited to register their interest with the council. They will then be contacted later in the year following the council’s appointment of a suitable Green Deal Provider.
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