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More homeowners than expected want zero emissions
29/01/2010

The demand by homeowners wanting to move their properties towards zero emissions of carbon dioxide, the main contributor to global climate change, has surprised partners in the T-Zero project, including the National Energy Foundation.

"We have found a real desire for independent advice on reducing emissions, taking advantage of a tool that allows users to target their action by reference to emissions, cost or savings", explained Ian Byrne, Deputy Director of NEF. "When we launched the T-Zero tool in November last year, we thought that it might appeal most to technical users, such as housing associations. But there are also large numbers of the general public who are keen to learn more about ways of comparing their options for making deep cuts in their energy use that will set them on a path towards zero emissions."

The T-Zero tool was created by a consortium including the National Energy Foundation, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE). It builds on a number of NHER models of energy use based on six alternative ways of meeting users' targets:

• Greatest CO₂ saving
• Fastest payback
• Best long term value
• Highest energy rating
• Largest bill saving, and
• Best value CO₂ saving

"This is in sharp contrast to most energy advice tools," noted Mr Byrne, "as they tend to focus on a single approach – typically the simple payback period. T-Zero offers a more sophisticated choice of options better matched to users' needs. What's more, having identified the key improvements to be made, users are able to move across to a marketplace to help them find potential suppliers. They can also download factsheets on specific measures, view case studies and save their home's details, and return to review their recommendations whenever they wish.

"We shall be running a series of seminars about T-Zero for those who would like to know more, including companies interested in the marketplace and owners of multiple housing stocks," he added. The first one will be held in Watford in February – more details can be found by e-mailing Ian Byrne."

The tool was co-funded by the Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB). The project funding will end on 31 January 2010, after which the T-Zero tool will be taken forward by a new joint venture company, supported by many of the earlier consortium members including NEF.

The T-Zero tool can be used at www.tzero.org.uk.