Local solar energy project nominated for award - 21 December 2011
South Yorkshire Housing Association’s LiveGreen Consultancy has been shortlisted for the Amey Environmental Impact Award in the Sheffield Business Awards. The delivery of one of the UK’s largest Solar Photovoltaic (PV) retrofit projects has reduced utility bill payments for hundreds of people living in Sheffield. 
Due to the growing need for retrofitting experience in the housing sector, SYHA responded with the creation of the LiveGreen Consultancy. LiveGreen provide a unique combination of technical, project management, resident engagement, communication and specialist support to housing providers undertaking solar projects and energy efficiency programmes.
LiveGreen, which has been been installing PV to new-build properties since 2006, has retrofitted (fitted PV to existing properties) whole streets in some areas of Sheffield, and has even fitted a Sheffield homeless scheme with the energy and money saving installations.
Saxon Bond, LiveGreen’s Resident Liaison Officer, said: ‘We knew that our LiveGreen project would only work, and make a substantial impact, if we involved and educated our residents from the start.
SYHA resident Penny Smart
Due to a combination of both the solar installations and carbon coaching, our residents are seeing huge cost savings, which are helping them to keep out of fuel poverty.’
SYHA resident Penny Smart, summed-up the true value of a solar installation: ‘Through both the PV installations and the energy advice, we’ve noticed such a change in both our utility bills and lifestyle. We’ve made some simple changes – like only using the tumble dryer when we really need to and staggering the use of electrical items to get the most benefit from the panels – and we’re now paying out £25 a month less for our dual fuel bill.
We can’t believe it, we’re saving £300 a year! This reduction has been such a help to us, especially when increasing fuel costs are such a worry.’
Celebrating it’s 10th year, the Sheffield Business Awards are an opportunity to identify the region’s premier businesses and enterprises. The Amey Environmental Impact Award focuses on recognising an organisation with a defined environmental policy, showing evidence of commitment and achievement to sound environmental good practice. The awards ceremony will be held on the 19th January at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.
Spread the word
Use these tools to share Sheffield Is My Planet with friends, family and the world:
Social networks
Link to this page