PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: PRAISES ENERGY SAVERS
 

A group of 14 eco-minded residents in County Antrim have all received free energy makeovers and collectively saved £1500 off their fuel bills while reducing their carbon emissions, thereby helping to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.

Through a combination of energy saving home improvement measures, courtesy of the O2 Energy Saver Fund, a special project in partnership between O2 and the Energy Saving Trust, the residents of Randalstown, Antrim and Greystone will save enough carbon dioxide (CO2) to fill eight Antrim Forum sized swimming pools (almost 11 tonnes of CO2 a year).

The scheme - funded by O2’s customers, who save energy by choosing to recycle or retain their mobile phones rather than upgrade, has provided funding to 14 households in the Antrim area to implement a range of energy efficient measures. These include cavity wall insulation, topping up their loft insulation and draught proofing. Residents also received free low energy light bulbs and expert advice from the Energy Doctor from the Northern Ireland Energy Saving Trust advice centre.

David Ford MLA and Thomas Burns MLA both visited the residents to inspect the works. Mr Ford commented: “The residents’ commitment to make energy saving changes is inspirational. When I met them, I was delighted to learn how determined they are to making their homes energy efficient”. Mr Burns added ”Their successful application to the fund demonstrates how local communities can really make a positive difference to help fight climate change. I look forward to supporting the residents as they continue to set an excellent example for other like-minded communities.”

Helen Peacock, of Grant Avenue, Randalstown, said: “As a community we have learnt much over the past two years from the Antrim Council regarding recycling - saving energy is the next step - so this project with O2 and the Energy Saving Trust is a natural progression. As a single parent, any money saved through energy-efficiency is money which can be used elsewhere within my family budget . We feel very fortunate to have been chosen for the energy make over, we hope to learn more about energy efficiency through the project“.

Noel Williams, Head of the Energy Saving Trust in Northern Ireland, added: “It was great to hear residents’ positive feedback about how the energy makeovers will make a difference to their homes. This joint scheme is leading the way in creating positive change in communities across the UK. We are delighted that this Antrim community has been successfully awarded funding from the scheme.”

The O2 Energy Saver fund was launched in April 2007 to encourage residents to adopt a community approach to energy saving measures and to bid for a full energy saving makeover . Successful bidders receive free expert advice from the Northern Ireland Energy Saving Trust advice centre. Each property also benefited from other energy saving solutions. The money raised through the O2 Energy Saver option is being used to help communities ‘go green’ by ensuring they use less energy, pollute less, create less waste and make a positive contribution to preventing climate change.

Helen Wright, O2’s Environment Manager said: “The O2 Energy Saver Fund is a new and unique initiative which has been funded by our customers who save energy by choosing to recycle or retain their mobile phones rather than upgrade. The fund is part of the O2 ‘It’s Your Community’ programme which offers communities, across the UK, the opportunity to make a difference to their lives and the environment by applying for an energy makeover. We are delighted that this community in County Antrim has been successful and we are sure they will benefit from the increased insulation and other life-time energy-saving measures.”
 

ENDS