DIY retailer B&Q has been supporting a project in West Yorkshire aimed at boosting consumer education around energy waste and efficiency.
Led by environmental organisation Hubbub, and backed by B&Q, Business in the Community and TSB Bank, the Thermal Detectives pilot in Bradford gave residents free access to thermal imaging cameras and practical advice to spot and fix heat loss.
The ambition was to highlight how energy waste is prevalent but there are multiple things people can do to avoid it, and move towards more energy efficient homes. Much of the findings and advice has been made available in a special report from Hubbub.
B&Q said its support of this specific scheme is part of wider work it does to help consumers save energy and reduce bills. For example, it argued that is makes insulation and draught-proofing more accessible, and provides in-store guidance. B&Q remarked that the Hubbub project shows trust and confidence can drive energy saving action.
The Hubbub report, dubbed a blueprint to cut energy bills, suggests up to £1 in every £4 spent heating our homes could be wasted, yet many households don’t know where to start.
In related news this week, former CEO of Hubbub Alex Robinson has joined global environmental action NGO Wrap as chief programmes officer. In this new role, Robinson will oversee Wrap’s core programmes across resource management, the circular economy, food systems transformation, packaging, textiles & fashion, and its behaviour change work.
“Shifting behaviour at scale is one of the toughest and most important things we can do to tackle the climate and nature crises,” Robinson explained.
“Wrap is one of the few organisations genuinely equipped to do it, through its work with governments, business, NGOs and citizens. I’ve long admired Catherine [David – the Wrap CEO] and the team’s work and I’m excited to play my part in the next chapter.”
Robinson has been tasked with leading the design, delivery and impact of Wrap’s full global programme. He will work closely with David to drive multiple programmes, including initiatives to support local authorities and devolved governments to improve recycling, reduce waste, and encourage circular economy practices.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
