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2008
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September 2008
> Harvest Housing Group Committed To The Reduction Of Energy Consumption
Harvest Housing Group continue to demonstrate their commitment to improving the environment for all by recently recruiting seven qualified and experienced Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) across the Group, adding to their existing experienced Property Asset team.
The seven Domestic Energy Assessors will be responsible for testing the energy efficiency of Harvest properties and providing Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) to existing and new customers. Unlike many RSL’s, Harvest has decided to undertake a planned and pro-active EPC programme which will lead to all of it’s 18,000 properties being energy assessed within the next 2 years.
Following the production of the Energy Performance Certificates each Harvest DEA will explain efficiency ratings to residents and give practical advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of their home; leading to the reduction of carbon emissions. Harvest will also implement recommendations from the assessments as part of their ongoing reinvestment plans.
Recommendations could range from using thick curtains to retain heat, using half-load buttons on washing machines and using low energy lighting for all fixed outlets, to installing cavity wall insulation, fitting hot water cylinder thermostats, replacing single glazed windows with double glazing and fitting solar panels to roof areas.
Commenting on the recent recruitment of the DEAs, Harvest Chief Executive, Ian Perry said:
“We will continue to work with residents to ensure that all of our properties are more energy efficient. This will mean lower bills for occupiers and a significant reduction in carbon emissions for the planet”.
Mr Perry added:
“From October 1 2008, Energy Performance Certificates are required to be provided to all new residents, prior to a new tenancy agreement being signed. The combined expertise of our Domestic Energy Assessors has ensured that the appropriate IT systems and processes are now in place ahead of this date. We are also able to produce EPCs in-house, unlike many other social landlords”.