News / Energy
New £10m retrofit project launched in West of England
A new multi-million retrofit project has been launched as part of plans to make the West of England a “green industry superpower” and deliver net zero.
Regional mayor Dan Norris was joined by the shadow secretary of state for climate change & net zero – and former Labour leader – Ed Miliband to launch Retrofit West.
The £10m scheme seeks to deliver home improvements and better energy efficiency across the region, as the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) strives to deliver net zero by 2030.
The programme will include a new Home Owner Advice Service to advise people on what they can do to retrofit their homes, followed by investment to help families pay for retrofit projects.
Additional money will also be invested in developing retrofit skills, increasing the number of businesses in this sector.
Ed Miliband joined Dan Norris in Bristol to launch the £10m Retrofit West scheme – photo: WECA
Norris and Miliband launched the project in front of audience of around 100 people from industry, trade unions and skills providers on Friday in Bristol.
Norris described the current retrofit landscape as “desolate” with homeowners “utterly confused” and industry “decimated”.
He commented: “In Westminster we have a government that isn’t taking the climate emergency seriously.
“It’s fallen to us here in the West of England to deliver the change that people want to see. That’s why I’m investing £10 million in a new Retrofit scheme that will help people cut the cost of their energy bills, make their homes more energy efficient, and reduce their carbon emissions.”
Miliband added: “Retrofit West is exactly the kind of project we need if we’re going to deliver Net Zero. The next Labour Government has a plan to insulate 19m homes, but we need leaders in regional government to help deliver it.
“Dan Norris and the West of England have already shown remarkable leadership in delivering renewable energy projects and investing in sustainable transport. I am delighted to join him for the launch of this exciting new project showing Labour in power delivering for local people.”
Main photo: WECA
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