Two blocks of sheltered housing have been playing a vital part in Greenwich’s drive to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.
The buildings in Eltham Road, Lee and at Hervey Road, Blackheath were the first in the borough to be used in a trial run of roof-top photovoltaic panels.
What are photovoltaic panels?
The panels convert energy from the sun into electricity and the energy generated will be used for lighting, lifts and entry systems. The aim is to save on carbon emissions and reduce fuel bills.
The operation of the panels involve no disturbance or inconvenience to residents but they provide the Council with vital information about how much energy can be saved this way.
The installation is undertaken by Chiltern Future Energy. Greenwich Council is paying for half of the cost of the pilot. The other half of the funding comes from the Department of Trade and Industry.
Part of Decent Homes programme
These schemes are part of a range of energy-saving schemes across the borough which aim to make homes more energy efficient. Other improvements include better central heating, boiler improvements and more double-glazing. They are all part of Greenwich’s £250 million Decent Homes programme.
All these changes are helping establish the borough as Greener Greenwich. Greenwich Peninsula is already the first Low Emission Zone in the UK, the Council’s vehicle fleet has been altered so that they produce less emissions and recycling in the borough has doubled in the last three years.