Northern Ireland’s Major Climate Change Influencers
22nd October 2007
Energy Saving Trust research has revealed the important role that key influencers within communities can play in reducing energy consumption and costs. It highlights a real opportunity for influencers to focus communication right to the heart of each com
Energy Saving Trust research has revealed the important role that key influencers within communities can play in reducing energy consumption and costs. It highlights a real opportunity for influencers to focus communication right to the heart of each community and help combat climate change.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has been at the forefront of implementing energy saving measures with the upgrading of existing housing stock through their refurbishment programme. These range from installing cavity wall and loft insulation to installing one of the lowest carbon fuels, natural gas, where available.
Noel Rice, Energy Manager Northern Ireland Housing Executive, commented;
“As Home Energy Conservation Authority the Housing Executive installs these measures to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock whilst reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The last major House Condition Survey revealed that this work is saving 2.26 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum”
Peter Dixon, Phoenix Natural Gas Group Chief Executive, said;
“The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has demonstrated real vision along with confidence and commitment in embracing natural gas as one of the most energy efficient and lowest carbon fuels since 1998. Over 70% of Executive homes in the Phoenix licence area are using cleaner natural gas for heating and cooking.”
Dixon concluded; “Into the future, natural gas has an important role, alongside renewable technologies, in helping to further reduce Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint, as well as continuing to provide a solid foundation for the local economy.”
Congratulating the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as a Powerful Influencer on climate change, Noel Williams, Head of Energy Saving Trust in Northern Ireland, added:
“The Housing Executive is recognised as a national exemplar in achieving CO2 reduction throughout its housing stock, and indeed in influencing the owner-occupier sector. The Energy Saving Trust is delighted to collaborate the NIHE on many of its energy saving initiatives and applauds the process it has made in bringing natural gas to so many of its properties.”
Pic: Peter Dixon (Group CEO, Phoenix Natural Gas), Noel Williams (Head of Energy Saving Trust NI) and Noel Rice (NIHE Energy Manager).