Cornwall Residents Urged to Share Opinions on Energy Efficiency Plans

Residents of Cornwall are being called upon to provide their feedback on new proposals aimed at making homes more energy efficient and reducing carbon emissions.

The Cornwall Council has launched a public consultation for its Draft Housing Decarbonisation Strategy, which details the steps needed to improve the energy efficiency of Cornish homes over the short, medium, and long term.

How to Participate

Cornwall residents are encouraged to fill in a survey as part of the consultation, with the deadline for submissions set for 16 September 2024. The draft strategy, which includes an easy-read version, is available for review on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website. The council seeks input from homeowners and tenants alike on what considerations are crucial for decarbonising homes across the region.

Addressing Energy Efficiency

Cornwall’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Olly Monk, highlighted the current challenges and progress in making Cornish homes more energy-efficient. “Cornish housing on the whole is less energy efficient compared to the rest of the country and across the south west,” he noted. However, he pointed to positive developments, such as the increasing number of renewable energy measures being installed through retrofitting and other improvements, which make homes warmer, greener, and cheaper to run.

Recent data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) shows that 15% of Cornish households have MCS-certified renewable installations, including solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage. Olly Monk emphasised that adopting a strategy will help identify ways to reduce emissions on a mass scale and attract funding for housing improvements. It will also promote collaborative efforts to achieve shared goals.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Cllr Martyn Alvey, the cabinet member for environment and climate change, underscored the significant role that housing plays in Cornwall’s carbon emissions. “Our homes account for over 20% of our total emissions in Cornwall, so they play a big role in our aim to become carbon neutral,” he said. Alvey also highlighted the health, financial, and economic benefits of making homes more energy-efficient, noting that it supports skills, training, and employment in the region’s growing green economy.

Information Sessions

To provide further details and answer questions about the Draft Housing Decarbonisation Strategy, Cornwall Council is hosting two online information sessions. These will take place on Tuesday, 16 July, from 10am to 11:30am, and Thursday, 18 July, from 2pm to 3:30pm. Residents interested in joining these sessions can book a place by emailing HousingDecarbonisation@cornwall.gov.uk.

Cornwall Council is keen to hear from as many residents as possible to ensure the strategy reflects the needs and concerns of the community. Whether you own a home or are renting, your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of housing in Cornwall.