Energy Saving Is No Longer a Grey Matter

Over 70s To Benefit From Free Insulation Works

As part of the governments new energy efficiency initiative, the over 70s can now benefit from free loft and cavity wall insulation under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). Announced officially at the beginning of the year, all schemes involved in energy saving works and insulation measures are now able to offer the over 70s free insulation, a saving previously enjoyed only by those in receipt of disability or income based allowance.

Under CERT energy suppliers are required to promote and regulate reductions in carbon emissions for households, with a particular emphasis on installing free energy efficiency measures for those classified as fuel poor, i.e. on low incomes and the elderly.  The introduction of the over 70s criteria as part of energy suppliers priority category could help an estimated 1.2 million households.

Cold homes have a significant impact on people's health and wellbeing. There is a direct link between cold weather and heart and respiratory problems, serious illness, discomfort and depression. Yet those most susceptible to ill health during the winter are often those who are living in housing the least prepared for the cold. With an estimated 22,300 excess winter deaths of older people in 2006/7 according to the Office of National Statistics, the new over 70s  CERT category could be potentially life saving.

Loft and cavity wall insulation can save the average property over £250 in wasted energy costs and nearly three tonnes of CO² on an annual basis through reducing the amount of heat lost through the home.

One such scheme that offers free and grant assisted loft and cavity wall insulation to all homeowners and private tenants throughout Britain is the Heat Project. Managed by the energy consultancy Enact Energy, since its inception in 1997 the Heat Project has helped over 300,000 households through installing energy saving measures and is now delighted to be able to extend the offer of free insulation to all households with a permanent resident aged 70 or over, as Director of Operations, Paul Johnson, comments:

"We are very pleased to be able to help the over 70s through this new CERT criteria. We are acutely aware of the savings such insulation measures can bring to all households, in particular the vulnerable, and urge all that have yet to apply to please contact us urgently so we can ensure you enjoy the financial, environmental and health savings loft and cavity wall insulation can afford, no strings attached."

To apply for the free or grant assisted loft and cavity wall insulation or for more information about energy efficiency measures and how they can benefit your property, please call the Heat Project free on 0800 093 4050 or visit www.heatproject.co.uk.