New Patrols Expose Heat Loss Hotspots 

A heat seeking vehicle is to patrol the streets of Tameside to help householders identify their energy loss hotspots.

Homes highlighted by the innovative Heatseekers scheme, to be run by the council in conjunction with The Energy Saving Partnership, will then be targeted with help and advice on how best to reduce waste and save money.

The scheme supports the council’s 10:10 commitment to cut the borough’s carbon emissions by ten per cent during 2010 and it will also provide work for local businesses through the Tameside Works First initiative.

The unique aspect of Heatseekers is that a vehicle will use state of the art technology to thermally scan homes and assess the heat loss, identifying those which would most benefit from insulation. The camera can only see the exterior of the building and cannot see through walls.

The council – which will be writing to homes to fully explain the scheme - will work with the Energy Saving Partnership to identify those which may potentially benefit from insulation.

Homes will then be visited by an experienced and approved surveyor who will be able to use the personalised thermal reports to offer tailored advice and information on the options and grants available. However householders will have the opportunity to opt-out of the scheme should they so wish.

At least 10 per cent of contracts resulting from the scheme will be awarded to approved, local companies as part of the Tameside Works First initiative.

Cllr Barrie Holland, chair of Tameside Council’s Energy Panel, said: “This scheme presents a win-win situation all round.

“As well as supporting the council’s commitment to doing everything possible to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint, it presents householders with the opportunity to receive tailored advice on saving on energy loss and bills and it will steer a proportion of the work towards approved, Tameside firms.”

The Heatseekers vehicle surveys on the move and assesses over 1,000 properties an hour. It is clearly identifiable with flashing lights and a surveying sign across the back. Surveys will be carried out between 8pm and midnight from now until March; in order to obtain an accurate image, it is necessary for it to be dark and the heating on.

For further information on the scheme contact 0161 342 8355.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Energy Efficiency Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 3812/3550