The Suffolk Retrofit Assessment Voucher Scheme launches today, a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in homes across the county.

Homeowners in Suffolk will be able to apply for a voucher that covers the cost of a professional retrofit assessment on their home property. These assessments are the first step towards making their home more energy-efficient, lowering their energy bills and reducing their carbon footprints.

The retrofitting of all homes to EPC band C (or above) by 2035 is a stepping stone on the journey to achieving national net zero targets by 2050. Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency.

Funded by Suffolk’s Public Sector Organisations and delivered by public services provider Reed in Partnership in support of Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan, the scheme will play a significant role in providing support, direction, and incentives for private homeowners to decarbonise their homes.

Residents who own a home with an EPC band of below C can take up the offer of a voucher to claim an assessment from a PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor who will identify the best measures that could be deployed in their home to improve energy efficiency.

Such measures may include, for example, insulation, draft proofing, ventilation repairs, low carbon heating and energy generation (solar panels). The report will also incorporate analysis of the cost vs benefit of implementing the suggested improvements.

The voucher will entitle them to a cost-free assessment if the size of their property is smaller than 98m², with a maximum additional charge of just £30 for properties bigger than this.

Homeowners can check to see if their property has an existing Energy Certificate with an EPC band and record of their property size at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.

There is no obligation to take up the recommendations of the retrofit assessment report, but a new Council loan will provide up to £15,000 at 0% interest to those interested in making efficiency upgrades.

The scheme will make available 637 assessments over an 18-month period, on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

“These home energy efficiency assessments are a great way for Suffolk residents to find out exactly how they can save money on their energy bills, as well as reducing their carbon emissions.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure that homes can cope with the changes in climate, and these assessments will help provide people with the information they need to make those important improvements.

“Once their assessment is completed, they can also make use of the interest free loan scheme we recently announced to help fund these improvements and put money back into their pockets by saving on their bills.”

Key Features of the Scheme:

• No/low cost: No cost for homes under 98m². The scheme is funded by Suffolk councils – the most you will pay for a home bigger than 98m² is £30 for an assessment typically valued at over £250.

• No obligations: There is no requirement to take forward any recommended work. However, an interest free loan scheme is available to help with energy efficient upgrades, for example insulation, solar panels, batteries, glazing or heat pumps.

• Expert insights: Detailed recommendations tailored specifically to the property being assessed.

• Trustworthy: Funded by Suffolk councils and in partnership with Retrofit Coordination, a PAS 2035 accredited retrofit assessor and coordinator.

Energy Savings Statistics:

• Insulation: Proper insulation can reduce heating costs by up to 40%.

• Efficient Appliances: Switching to energy-efficient appliances can save households up to 30% on their energy bills.

• Overall Savings: Households implementing comprehensive energy-saving measures can reduce their energy consumption by up to 50%.

How to Apply: Residents can apply for the vouchers by visiting suffolkenergyassessment.co.uk. Applications will be open from 22 November 2024, and vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.