The aim is to help owner-occupiers and private landlords in Aberdeen City to improve the energy performance rating of their property in line with Scottish Government guidance, while helping them save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint by guiding them through the process and providing a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) survey.
Bridging the gap to a warmer greener home.
Energy Efficient Aberdeen is an innovative pilot project funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in Aberdeen city by award‑winning social enterprise Scarf, which has more than 30 years’ experience in delivering energy efficiency projects.
BRIDGING THE GAP IN 5 STEPS
1. Background
Energy Efficient Aberdeen was established to help homeowners and private landlords in Aberdeen City to navigate the process of making energy efficiency improvements to their property to bring it in line with upcoming Scottish Government guidance and legislation.
Delivered by award-winning social enterprise, Scarf, which has more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Energy Efficient Aberdeen can help you plan your home improvements, identify a reputable installer, source funding (where applicable) and act as a designated third party on your behalf, making the process as simple as possible.
The short answer is ‘maybe’, depending on the findings of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) survey, however there are some simple changes you can make straight away to begin making savings:
- The ideal temperature for living spaces is 21°C and for bedrooms is 18°C.
- Turning down the room thermostat by just 1°C can save up to £80 a year.
- Turn radiator valves down or off in rooms you don’t use to save money.
- Use your heating controls to manage when you need heat – remember to set timings for your lifestyle and use the weekday and weekend settings.
2. First Visit AND EPC
After speaking to one of the team, they will visit you in your property to provide initial advice and complete an EPC survey (if required).
This report will highlight areas where energy efficiency improvements could be made and establish a baseline for measuring improvements.
- Explanation of the benefits of each measure that is appropriate to your property
- Details of any financial support which may be available
- Energy supplier switching advice
- Advice on reducing energy consumption within the property through behavioural changes and correct use of heating controls
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Advice on next steps and access to our trusted trader database.
3. Appointment of contractor / Pricing
Following on from the initial visit and the production of an EPC, one of our team will support you in appointing a contractor to carry out the works. As a trusted, local organisation, Scarf puts consumer rights and protection at the forefront of its work, meaning you will get the best service possible and help and support in the unlikely event of anything going wrong.
Before the works are carried out, a small temperature monitor (similar in size to a car key) will be placed in your property to monitor the average temperature before installation.
- Sector experience
- Staff expertise
- Trading history
- Customer reviews
- Relevant insurance
- Complaints procedures
- Registration to accredited bodies (i.e. Gas Safe)
- Warranties/Product Guarantees
4. Installation of measures
During the works stage, our team will be on hand to provide support and advice and to liaise with contractors on your behalf if required.
The Quality Assurance (QA) process will include site inspection visits at various stages of the works and will provide you with an extra layer of protection.
- Any building warrant or planning permission exercise
- Any site issues that arise and advice on the customer complaints process
- Any product warranties or guarantee issues
- Any questions or queries about the measure
- Any liaison issues between you and your chosen contractor
5. Follow Up visit AND EPC
Once work is complete, one of our team will visit you to ensure you are happy with the work and to provide advice on how to get the maximum benefit from your investment.
They will ask you to complete a survey, exploring what impact the measure has made to your lifestyle and behaviour within your household and wider family. The monitor previously placed in the property will be collected three months after the works are completed and the data will be sent to you.
- Covering letter
- Post-installation Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Gas safe certificate (if appropriate)
- Warranty information
- Energy advice leaflets
- Contact details for Home Energy Scotland and the Home Energy Advice Team at Scarf
- Contact details for snagging from contractor
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Locally based staff
Benefit from the support of a network of partner organisations
Delivered by local social enterprise and funded by Scottish Government
Contribute to reduction in CO2 emissions
Potential to increase property value
Reduce fuel costs
Help improve the energy efficiency of your home
Free and impartial advice
Energy Efficient Aberdeen will help ensure that householders and businesses are equipped to make informed decisions, achieve competitive prices for works, access to trusted and established contractors, quality assurance, relevant advice and follow up on how to reduce fuel spend.
- The ideal temperature for living spaces is 21°C and for bedrooms is 18°C.
- Turning down the room thermostat by just 1°C can save up to £80 a year.
- Turn radiator valves down or off in rooms you don’t use to save money.
- Use your heating controls to manage when you need heat – remember to set timings for your lifestyle and use the weekday and weekend settings.
