Transition Wilmslow have been busy surveying houses and community halls to help raise awareness of ways to reduce household energy consumption in the Wilmslow area.
Having been awarded a £35,000 grant from The Department for Energy and Climate Change, they have been working with local homeowners and community buildings to make them more aware of where they lose heat and how they could reduce fuel costs.
Andrew Backhouse of Transition Wilmslow said "There have been lots of enquires about what to do about cavity wall insulation, tricks for double glazing with draughts, and we have lent free electricity monitors to people to help them identify what is costing the most.
"Warmer weather makes it harder now for the thermal imaging cameras to show things – but the evidence is that we are not doing well at the simple steps to save money."
To help people save money more effectively, and hopefully do something for the planet too, Transition Wilmslow has produced a leaflet providing top energy saving tips.
Andrew added "Some of them most people do, but it has been fascinating to discover how much we can save by drawing curtains, fitting better ones, putting foil behind the radiators, and turning everything off at night. Laptops and phones on charge at night are not good! In the next few months, as we know more about the Green Deal to do some of the big things, we will be working to promote these too."
To view Transition Wilmslow's top tips download the attached leaflet.
Transition Wilmslow are holding a presentation evening tonight (Tuesday 19th March) at the United Reformed Church for those who have taken part in the surveys, either as recipients or volunteers. The Mayor of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Roger West, will be present and the group are expecting to get a good turn out to see what they can do next.
From Monday, 26th March, there will also be exhibitions at Wilmslow and Handforth libraries of some of the pictures they have taken and the discoveries from them. Then on Saturday 31st March, Transition Wilmslow are holding an Open Space event from 10am until about 12 noon at the Quaker Meeting House on Bourne Street.
Andrew said "The meeting is to get anyone who wants to come thinking about what we'd like to see for a more supportive and sustainable Wilmslow. What do we need to do now to make Wilmslow a positive place to live in 60 years' time when the oil runs out?
"It should be a fun and creative event, with a simple lunch provided afterwards."
For more details on the Thermal Imaging work email Andrew Backhouse or call him on 01625 537087. For more details on the Open Space Event email Rachel Corrigan.
