Energy efficiency in Northern Ireland homes has improved by 20% over the last decade equating to an average saving of £230 per year per household, according to a report published by the Housing Executive today.
In environmental terms this means a reduction of almost 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year compared to 1996 levels.
The report, however, also shows the number of those living in fuel poverty has risen to 240,000.
Brian Rowntree, Chairman of the Housing Executive said:
"This 20% energy efficiency improvement was achieved through a combination of investment in energy efficiency measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation and, converting less efficient heating systems such as solid fuel and electric heating to more efficient systems using natural gas or oil.
"The Housing Executive is encouraged that householders across Northern Ireland are also now saving energy in their homes by changing how they use energy. For example, many more householders are using low energy light bulbs or switching off standby buttons on electrical appliances. In recent years, a number of householders have also installed renewable energy systems such as solar panels or wood pellet boilers.
"The Housing Executive over the last two years has fitted 2,000 solar panels in Northern Ireland, whilst the private sector has an had an attractive grants scheme administered through Action Renewables. In addition, many home owners invested in energy efficiency improvements to their own properties."
Launching the annual HECA report, Brian Rowntree also commented on the rise in fuel poverty:
"Despite this substantial improvement in energy efficiency in recent years, fuel poverty among Northern Ireland's households has actually increased to 34% from 27% in 2001. Fuel poverty is caused by poor energy efficiency, low household income or high fuel prices. This is as much about health and wellbeing as it is about protecting the environment, and it affects the most vulnerable people in our communities. Although poor energy efficiency is being eradicated as a cause of fuel poverty, this improvement has been undermined by substantial increases in the price of all household fuels in recent years."
Brian Rowntree referred to the schemes which have helped bring about improvements in energy efficiency;
"We have seen some significant developments in energy efficiency and renewable energy within the housing sector. Investment programmes were funded or carried out by a range of organisations including the Housing Executive, housing associations, the DSD, Eaga Partnership, NIE, the Energy Saving Trust and Northern Ireland Energy Agency."
The Housing Executive, as Northern Ireland's Home Energy Conservation Authority, is responsible for promoting energy efficiency improvements across the entire local housing stock, including privately owned homes as well as Housing Executive, housing association and privately rented homes.
Free energy advice is available through the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512012. For information on the Warm Homes Scheme ring the Eaga Partnership on 0800181 667.
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Related contacts
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Northern Ireland Housing Executive
The Housing Centre
2 Adelaide Street
Belfast BT2 8PB
Tel: (028) 9024 0588 |
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Source: Northern Ireland Housing Executive- 13/03/08 |
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