Published on:
12
March 2012
A £2 million energy efficiency improvement programme involving 211 homes has kicked-off in the Bowmar Estate and Engelen Drive in Alloa.
The works involve the installation of external insulated render to 191 homes, that is, adding a build up of insulation and render coatings on the outside of the existing concrete walls to the property. This will provide heating and energy conservation.
Central heating is also being installed in 211 properties and loft insulation top up in approximately 154 houses.
Garry Dallas, Director of Services to Communities, said : "All the work being undertaken is part of the Council's ongoing commitment to promote energy conservation and efficiency with joint funding coming from Scottish Gas through the Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP)."
The Council, as part of the Transforming Communities Regeneration Programme, are investing more than £1 million in the programme. The remaining funding is coming from Scottish Gas as part of their CESP commitment, an initiative that aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating bills for vulnerable households across the UK.
Central Heating Delivery Manager for Scottish Gas, John Adie, said: "There is no upheaval to any of the residents. All the joinery, boiler installation and heating work is done within a day. Everything is cleaned up and the residents have their property in perfect condition to enjoy their new heating system."
Michael Beveridge, of 8 Mull Court, Alloa, who lives there with his mother Violet, are one of the first residents to enjoy the benefits of the new heating installation.
Michael said: "I'm delighted with the service. We've noticed a big difference in the heating already. They've done a great job."
The programme is being fully managed by Scottish Gas. A designated site office and show home has been set up at 17 Harris Court, where residents can get more information or assistance and can also see the full completed work, including the central heating system, high efficiency boiler and the new external cladding, finished to an extremely high standard.
The external rendering work, which is approximately 100 millimetres thick, is done by mechanically fixing 90mm thick insulation boards to the outside of the house, before the cement works, including mesh reinforcing and dry dash chips, in either honey or white, are added to finish off the home.
Michael McInally and his wife Isabel, of 2 Mull Court, also expressed their delight at the work completed in their home.
Mr McInally said: "All the heating work was done in the one day. They've done an efficient job. They were really pleasant, and already we've noticed a big difference in the bills, they've virtually halved from what they were previously."
The works started at the beginning of February this year, and 10 new central heating systems are installed each week. The new external insulation work takes between three and four weeks. The project is expected to run through until October.