Following a successful thermal imaging loan service pilot demonstrated by project AURORA, the Forest of Dean District Council set up its own thermal imaging loan service across the district.
Since its launch last spring, the service has helped residents to understand where their homes could be losing heat, and has inspired many to make improvements. The main feedback the scheme has received? People want more advice and support on what to do next.
In response, Sam Clarke, the Retrofit Engagement Officer leading the scheme, will be running drop-in sessions at the library host sites to answer questions and offer advice. There are also hopes to collaborate with local energy advice charity Severn Wye Energy Agency to give away small retrofit measures, such as draft excluders, and demonstrate how to make your own.
Younger Forest of Dean residents have the opportunity to engage with the scheme and learn more about their homes, and win prizes through the ‘Sherlock Homes: House Investigator’ activity. This will be running throughout October Half Term (27th-31st).
Growing interest
Currently the cameras can be loaned from 4 libraries, 4 community hubs and 3 schools across the district. Word is spreading across participating communities and additional community hubs have now shown an interest in getting involved.
Building local (and national) buzz
Forest of Dean District Council recently attended Forest Community Energy’s Drop-in Info Day and The Forest Showcase Food Festival to promote their thermal imaging loan service. Sam will also be returning to Dean Radio and BBC Radio Gloucestershire, and has hopes to push for national press coverage in the new year. The impact of this will go far and wide – a great legacy for project AURORA. Find out more about the scheme here.
