Green Doctors give Moseley a medical

Jun 16 2008

MOSELEY was one of the key places launch the innovative Green Doctor Scheme.

The project gave residents advice on how to reduce fuel consumption and make their homes more energy efficient.

The benefits include identifying people most in need of help and joining energy efficiency work into housing improvement and neighbourhood renewal.

Though the project has been suspended due to funding constraints, Kim Monaghan reflects on what it was like to work as a Green Doctor.

“The idea behind the scheme was all about reducing fuel poverty.

“We found areas of Moseley that could do with our help and we advised on the cheapest ways they could save the most amounts of money and fuel. Some of the suggestions included loft insulation, draft proofing and using radiator foil. These little changes can make a lot of difference.

“It was all about making sure people were energy aware. We would also go in and talk to people about what they could do to cut back on the amount of fuel they were using.”

Mr Monaghan added: “Some changes were just little things. We went to one house where they had all their windows open and yet they couldn’t realise why their home was so cold.

“We did things like change light bulbs. Most homes seemed to have the same problems as a lot of the houses in Moseley are older Victorian properties and can use a lot of energy.

“We just made sure that residents had access to the best kind of advice.”