Heads of the Valleys Low Carbon Zone is 'win-win policy'

3 Dec 2008

An ambitious plan by the Welsh Assembly Government to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the Heads of the Valleys has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth Cymru.

The 15 year plan would result in 40,000 homes being fitted with energy efficiency measures and small scale renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind energy. It will be the first Low Carbon Zone in Europe.

The Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gordon James, said:

"We're very pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government is taking this initiative to improve energy use in thousands of homes in the Heads of the Valleys area. This is a win-win policy that will result in lower fuel bills, cuts in emissions of climate-changing gases, the creation of jobs and a boost for the economy.

"The creation of Low Carbon Zones has been one of our top priorities in addressing both climate change and fuel poverty. It was a main recommendation of a report[1] we presented to the Welsh Assembly Government last year.

"This project is taking place in a part of Wales that took a lead role in the industrial revolution. We believe that it can now take a similar role in the green energy revolution that is necessary to cut emissions of climate-changing gases and help economic recovery.

"Our one regret is that this is only taking place in one part of Wales. If we are to make sufficient cuts in both emissions and fuel poverty, schemes like this have to be rolled out across Wales."

NOTES

1. 'Home Truths: A Low-Carbon Strategy to Reduce UK Housing Emissions by 80% by 2050' by Dr Brenda Boardman, The Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University. Summary | Full report