Changeworks

Are you an ambitious business aiming to grow in clean heat?  If yes, you might want to apply for the 2025 Scottish Enterprise Clean Heat Accelerator. This is an immersive 5-month programme for small businesses and start-ups operating in Scotland. It utilises products and services that support clean heat and energy efficiency in buildings. The benefits of completing this range from building your network, developing skills, expert guidance and a plan to scale your business. If this sounds like it could be for you then sign up before applications close on the 9th of April.

Our Home Energy Scotland (HES) Highlands and Islands colleagues Claire and Paula recently battled the high seas for a short trip to Stornoway in the Western Isles. They met with two of our newer remote working Energy Advisors, Amy and Carolyne, to talk about how they have settled into their roles, the challenges they face and opportunities available to them.   Donald from the outreach team joined them the next day for lunch and discussed an upcoming home visit he has, offering Amy an opportunity to shadow him and learn more about the specialist advisor role.   Whilst there, Claire and Paula also met another Donald - a colleague from Warmworks. They manage the area-based scheme (ABS) on behalf of the local council. Donald has a long history of interacting with HES in his previous roles, so it was great to catch up and discover how he has brought that knowledge to the ABS scheme, and to hear the list of work planned from HES referrals which will benefit so many householders across the islands.

Have you heard about the Free Daikin UK Heat Pump Trial? This is an opportunity to apply for a free Daikin air to air heat pump, plus installation, as part of a new research trial by Energy Systems Catapult for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The study aims to improve understanding of air-to-air heat pumps in homes like yours.  Who can apply?  Homeowners who currently have electric heating and a smart meter. How it works: To take part, you’ll first be asked to complete a short screener survey to assess your eligibility. If it looks like you are eligible, you will join the Living Lab, link your smart meter, and install a free Tado° monitor. The Catapult will then organise a home survey to check your home is suitable for a heat pump as part of the trial. If it is, they will handle the planning application, and arrange for professional installation, which may later be audited. Those not eligible for a heat pump may still be able to participate in other aspects of the trial. You will be asked to provide feedback on your experience through a survey and agree to have your heating monitored until the end of Winter 2025/26.  What you’ll get:  🌍 £50 in vouchers for participation  🌍 Free temperature monitoring kit (£75 value)  🌍 Free heat pump and installation (for eligible homes)  🌍 Extra vouchers for optional research activities like interviews and surveys  This trial is completely free, and you can withdraw at any time.   If you are interested then sign up via the link below: https://lnkd.in/ei7u4sy2

It was a pleasure to set up a Changeworks stall at the MADE4UINML2 Community Pantry launch offering energy-saving advice and support to those struggling with fuel poverty. Alongside a fantastic volunteer Increase Enyindah we had meaningful conversations with attendees, helping them find practical ways to reduce their energy bills and stay warm. The event brought together wonderful organizations, including Citizens Advice Bureau, Routes to Work, and many more, all working towards empowering the local community. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to support those in need. A huge thank you to MADE4UINML2 for inviting as to this fantastic event and to everyone who stopped by our stall. Together, we can make a real impact in tackling energy challenges and promoting sustainability!

Our team had a very productive morning attending an outreach event in Galashiels today. This focused on supporting installers in the Scottish Borders to join our supply chain and collaborating on opportunities to upgrade energy efficiency in local properties. If you would like our team to come to your local area let us know. #ScottishBorders #RenewableSolutions #Event #Installers #Retrofit #HomeImprovement

We are excited to announce our Head of Consultancy, Ian Cochran will be a panellist next week as part of the Holyrood’s Heat, Housing, and Future of Net Zero Homes Conference. Join Ian at 12:25pm to 1:10pm on the 19th of March alongside speakers discussing Retrofitting of Existing Homes – we look forward to seeing you there

We are delighted to have been appointed to the new Retrofit and Decarbonisation framework, managed by the SPA (Scottish Procurement Alliance). Supported by our partners at Built Environment - Smarter Transformation, we will work together to provide strategic retrofit and delivery services to support local authorities, housing associations, education and other public sector bodies.

This is great news. Our Head of Business Development, Roddy Hamilton has commented: “We are pleased to continue our collaboration in delivering the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which plays a crucial role in supporting communities on their journey to net zero. At Changeworks, we believe that empowering households to decarbonise their homes is essential for creating a sustainable future. With our expertise in community engagement, energy advice and retrofit delivery we are committed to helping communities and householders across Scotland make meaningful progress towards their energy goals.”

Our Impact Evaluation team helped Aberdeen City Council evaluate the success of their 2022-2023 External Wall Insulation (EWI) project. With grant funding, Aberdeen City Council installed EWI at 199 residential properties. 70% of people who received EWI were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’. Average household energy costs also fell by around £1,000.  Explore the full depth of this project work on our website.

We are deeply concerned by the Scottish Government’s announcement that the Heat in Buildings Bill is to be further delayed. This legislation is long overdue, and will further setback efforts to tackle the climate crisis and fuel poverty. Josiah Lockhart, Changeworks Chief Executive said: “Extra delays will prolong a just transition, with hugely negative consequences. We have to prioritise helping householders across Scotland to live in healthier, affordably warmer, and more energy-efficient homes".