29 September 2008
Council house gets eco-makeover
The first of two eco-makeovers has been completed on a Council-owned property in Berwick as part of a project to trial a range of energy saving and environmental technologies.
Two households volunteered to take part in this groundbreaking project following an article placed in the Council tenants magazine, Threshold. The refurbished home in Berwick - occupied by Mr and Mrs Brennan - has received a package of measures designed to reduce its running costs and environmental impact. The house now boasts a wood pellet boiler, solar hot water panels, controlled ventilation, low-flush toilets, internal and external low energy lighting and increased insulation. Water butts and a compost bin have also been installed in the garden.
The installations could never have been achieved without the help of Mr and Mrs Brennan who remained in the house during its refurbishment. Mrs Mandy Brennan, who previously relied on a coal fire and electric storage heaters, said: "I am thrilled with all the improvements that have been done. The solar panels have provided constant hot water during the summer and, after a few teething problems, the boiler is now up and running".
"This is an interesting project and I am delighted that Wealden is taking a lead and looking to the future requirements of our housing property" said the Leader of the Council, Cllr Pam Doodes, who recently visited the property.
"Wealden owns just over 3,000 council houses, some of which are off the gas network and so our tenants have to rely on expensive electric heating. With energy prices rising and concerns over carbon dioxide emissions, this pilot scheme and the one at Isfield will help to inform future improvements to our housing stock and ensure we achieve maximum benefit for our tenants and the environment within available budgets."
The next property to undergo the makeover is in Isfield. The Council will be closely monitoring the performance of the new installations in both properties to assess their effectiveness.
For more information on the action Wealden District Council is taking to combat climate change visit the Environment and Transport section of the Council’s website.
