Project Case Studies

Overcoming Financial Barriers

---

A local resident in Leicester took part in the Eco n’Home project primarily due to concerns over fuel bills. Further motivation stemmed from an interest in reducing their impact on the environment and becoming more energy efficient. An initial audit by LEA found the householder was spending £830 per year on their gas and electricity bills and a further £1,170 on their car’s fuel costs. LEA assisted the household in identifying a range of actions which would considerably reduce their energy consumption: installing a new condensing boiler, a package of new heating controls, loft insulation and six low energy light bulbs. LEA was able to obtain a 75% grant for the householder through Leicester’s SRB6 grant scheme, helping the householder to overcome significant financial barriers. The measures undertaken helped the householder to reduce their annual energy consumption by 11,501 kWh, almost halving their fuel bills and saving 3.2 tonnes of CO2. Analysis by the University of Manchester also showed the participant to have increased energy efficiency awareness and thus to have implemented behavioural changes such as switching off light bulbs when not in use. Through increased awareness the participant also reduced their transportation energy use by 10%.

More case studies >>