A project aimed at making Somerset homes more energy-efficient has been granted £50,000.

The project is a collaboration between Somerset Climate Action Network (SomersetCAN), Somerset Council, Frome, Glastonbury, and Bruton Town Councils, and aims to promote and support retrofitting in the region. Retrofitting is the process of making changes to an existing home that helps reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, making homes more comfortable to live in.

With the backing of the MCS Charitable Foundation, Retrofit Somerset aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and PV panels. The project also intends to provide a one-stop-shop website that helps to inform and connect homeowners and community groups with local retrofit contractors. Additionally, Retrofit Somerset will help groups of homeowners work together to achieve practical solutions, including grouping together to get discounts on retrofit works.

The project aims to bring together existing climate groups, parish councils, not-for-profit organizations, and others to develop a workable model for delivering retrofit across the county. Somerset homes consume large amounts of energy and are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofit Somerset will have its own dedicated project manager, as well as local advocates in communities trained to engage locally and raise awareness of the benefits of retrofit.

According to Steve Mewes, Director of Somerset Climate Action Network, "80% of the homes we will occupy in 2050 already exist. We can't just rely on decarbonizing the grid or building new energy-efficient homes to meet our carbon reduction commitments. We are delighted to receive this grant from MCS Charitable Foundation to help us enable communities and homeowners to take retrofit action at pace across the county and make homes happier and healthier places to live."

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, said, "Everyone should have access to affordable and reliable renewable energy and live in warm, comfortable homes as part of a resilient, zero-carbon future. A greener, more sustainable Somerset is one of our top priorities and Retrofit Somerset will give confidence to Somerset homeowners who are unsure how to go about improving their home's energy efficiency."

David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at MCS Charitable Foundation, said, "Upgrading homes to make them warmer, more energy-efficient and cheaper to run is essential for meeting climate targets. It is also a huge challenge that requires innovation, collaboration, and support for homeowners. That is why setting up a one-stop-shop hub to provide advice for homeowners on how to retrofit their home is so important."

Retrofit Somerset aims to create an investable business plan to attract further funding to help continue essential work decarbonising Somerset homes. For more information about Retrofit Somerset, including retrofit stories from Somerset residents and a directory of retrofitting suppliers and contractors, visit retrofitsomerset.info.