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Free Insulation for Sheffield
What the project is about
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We are offering free insulation for 64,000 homes in an ambitious £10.5 million initiative to cut fuel poverty and reduce the city’s carbon footprint. As well as being funded by us, the project is also funded by Government grant and funding from the Energy Supply Companies themselves.
But this is just the start. The 64,000 homes will be included in the first 3 years of the programme. It is then planned to roll out the programme to the rest of the city in 3 year blocks. Below we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered here, you can email us at Insulation@sheffield.gov.uk
How will it work?
Like any schemes of this size, we'll need to plan where we are going to start the work. We've not yet decided where this will be. We will publicise this through leaflets, posters and the local media. Look out for information in your area.
Our team of Energy Efficiency Advisors will follow this up with street by street, door to door visits, to ensure that as many people as possible take advantage of and benefit from this unique offer. Our advisors will provide free advice on being more energy efficient and how to get free loft and cavity wall insulation. Households will also be referred to other schemes that advise on fire safety, pensions and benefits take-up.
What's the catch?
There are no catches. If you get a visit and your home's suitable then you can get free insulation regardless of your income. At present we are offering wall insulation for cavity walls only. Solid walls are significantly more difficult to insulate. But our approach may offer other solutions for these homes, such as discounts on external wall insulation, or advice on small-scale renewable energy.
How do we choose the 64,000 homes?
The first phase will focus on the areas with the highest level of households at risk of fuel poverty.
What if my house is not in this area or I can't wait?
If you are not included in the first phase of the programme, you can still get free or discounted insulation. If you are on certain benefits, you will qualify for free insulation as part of the Warm Front Scheme. Otherwise, everyone in Sheffield qualifies for discounted insulation from the Save 'N' Warm Scheme. Remember, insulating your home can reduce your energy bills by as much as £300 a year!
How do I know if my household is in Fuel Poverty?
A household in Fuel Poverty is defined as one where more than ten per cent of household income is needed to cover the home's energy bills. Tackling fuel poverty lowers the number of excess winter deaths, but has also been shown to reduce incidences of strokes and cardio-vascular problems.
Why are we doing this?
Cavity wall and loft insulation are the most cost effective way of reducing energy use, heating bills and carbon emissions. Insulation makes homes warmer and will reduce the number of winter deaths from Fuel Poverty. Also, insulating your home can reduce your energy bills by as much as £300 a year!
Is there anything else I can do to save energy and reduce my carbon emissions?
Yes! There's lots you can do. Try downloading our Save Energy, Save Money booklet for simple ways to save energy. Also have a look at our list of ways to reduce your fuel bills page.
The facts
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- 64,000 homes will be offered free insulation and energy advice
- £10.5 million will be spent on the scheme
- 15,792 lofts and 4,704 cavities will be insulated
- The scheme will reduce the city's carbon footprint by 11,000 to 12,000 tonnes of CO2 every year
- Loft and cavity insulation can cut heating bills by between 20% - 35% and up to £300 a year
- It is estimated that over half of the 64,000 households will be classed as vulnerable - where the occupants are elderly, include young children or where a member has a long term illness or disability
- Households will also be referred to other schemes that advise on fire safety, pensions and benefits take-up
It is planned to roll out the programme to the rest of the city in 3 year blocks
To find out more about cavity wall and loft insulation see our insulation pages.
Contact us
If you would like any further information please see the Contact us section for our telephone numbers and email address.
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