Welsh launch £30m retrofit scheme

The aim of the ‘arbed’ scheme, which means ‘save’ in Welsh, is to improve the energy efficiency of 6,000 existing homes by March 2011.

It is also designed to provide contracts to local companies, new green jobs and training opportunities and enable small and medium-sized businesses and contractors to gain qualifications.

In this first round of the scheme the cash will be given to 21 social housing providers who have successfully bid.

Environment minister Jane Davidson said: ‘Wales is leading the way in the UK with this innovative scheme that focuses on energy efficiency.

‘But it is truly sustainable because we will be reducing fuel costs and helping those most in need who are in fuel poverty, and making local job creation and training a key part of the schemes.’

The funding was announced yesterday at the start of Wales’ sustainability week.

Ms Davidson added: ‘Climate change is the biggest threat facing the world and making homes more energy efficient will reduce Wales’ carbon footprint as the direct and indirect consumption of energy from buildings generates approximately 40 per cent of all carbon emissions in the UK.

‘It will also help Wales to meet its target of 3 per cent annual reductions in emissions from 2011 onwards.’

In the first phase of ‘arbed’ it is expected an average of £2.5 million will be spent every month this year on retrofitting exterior wall insulation, solar panels and heat pumps for private and social homes.

Nigel Draper, who represents housing association body Community Housing Cymru on the coordinating group for the scheme, said: ‘We welcome this £30 million boost and look forward to working with the Welsh Assembly Government to deliver phase one of this project.  

‘Around 70 per cent of social housing tenants are financially excluded so this money will not only save our tenants hundreds of pounds in energy bills, it will also develop green jobs in renewable energy, reduce fuel poverty and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.’

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