ESSEX County Council as part of the Sustainable Essex Partnership has won an ‘Environmental Excellence’ award for the Home Energy Advisor Training scheme which is offered in the county.

The aim of this scheme is to ensure that Essex residents have the knowledge required to achieve energy efficiency in their homes. This is done by training all Home Improvement Agency (HIA) staff in how to provide this important information which will benefit the residents for year to come.

The 20 staff which have been trained and now have a City and Guild qualification, offer this expert advice regularly visit homes throughout the county. They provide assistance on insulation, thermostatic radiator valves, draft-proofing and heating controls.

This means that residents now save on energy bills, have warmer homes and an increased level of health and well-being as well as the empowerment to control their living conditions. There are currently 500 visits being carried out each month.

County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste said: “I would like to congratulate everyone that has worked on this project. The scheme has made a real difference to residents who now have warmer homes and lower bills.

“As winter is nearly upon us, these skills are invaluable and it is great news that our hard work has been recognised in this way.”