‘Going for green’ Two Rivers finalist in eco 10:10 awards

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment

Eco-awareness is hot on the agenda for green awards finalists, Two Rivers Housing. The association has recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the green champion of the year category of the Gloucestershire 10:10 Awards.

After signing up to Gloucestershire Media’s 10:10 campaign, pledging to cut carbon emissions by 10% in 2010, the organisations green champion and research associate, James Ford, has been involved in identifying new technologies, ways of working and initiatives which can be applied by the business. Such initiatives aim to help save energy as well as encourage its 3,600 tenants live greener more energy aware lifestyles.

A vital part of the success of James’ work has been his ability to engage with tenants, community members, agencies and TRH partners to launch exciting energy saving initiatives and environmentally aware projects that meet their needs and expectations as well as inspire changes in lifestyle and business practices.

James was instrumental in introducing SMART meters to tenants’ homes which enabled them to monitor their energy consumption as part of an Energy Neighbourhoods project in conjunction with SWEA. Participants had an opportunity to monitor the amount of energy they used, this helped them realise that they could save money by making small but significant changes such as turning plugs off or changing to energy saving light bulbs.

Garry King, Chief Executive of Two Rivers said:
“I was particularly proud to attend the awards ceremony (on 9th Dec) and to hear about the wide range of work being done in the county to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in 2010, and the part being played in this initiative by James Ford and Two Rivers Housing.

James was deservedly shortlisted in the ‘Green Champion’ category for the work he has been doing here to make a real difference for our current and future tenants and residents in reducing the amount spent by households on energy in the home.  Some of the results are incredible – bills reduced by over 50% at a time when energy prices are on the increase.  This action helps to provide warmer homes and lower running costs for our residents who have some of the lowest incomes in the area – remember that 70% of our tenants live on a household income of less than £200 per week – so this work is making a lasting contribution towards tackling fuel poverty.”

More about the awards can be viewed at:
http://myzerowaste.com/2010/12/gloucestershire-becomes-the-first-1010-county/