Energy saving map project wins award
A mapping program created by Dartford Borough Council to help cut residents’ energy bills has won a national award. The Energy Mapping Project means the council can target residents most in need of energy efficiency improvements quickly and easily, resulting in lower energy bills.
The project forms part of the Sustainable Homes Energy Strategy adopted by the council and won the ‘most creative use’ category at this year’s NLPG NSG Exemplar Awards which recognises councils, police and fire authorities’ use of the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) and the National Street Gazetteer (NSG).
Dartford Borough Council used the NPLG as a backbone for creating the complex mapping project, collating external and internal information to produce a series of maps identifying properties that need to be targeted for home energy improvements.
Cllr Pat Coleman, portfolio holder for the energy efficiency and the environment, says the system is an important tool in offering help to residents who are greatly affected by energy efficiency.
“Making your home more energy efficient can often save householders money on their energy bills and keep their home warmer but often people aren’t aware of how energy efficient their home is.
This system has made it easier for us to identify those homes that need the most help and contact them quickly. It’s a fantastic use of technology and I’m really pleased it has been recognised at a national level.”
The Sustainable Homes Energy strategy is adopted by the council in partnership with Creative Environmental Networks, British Gas, Powergen and National Energy Action.
The council’s Management, Analysis and Intelligence Team were runners up in the same category in the NLPG NSG Exemplar awards in 2007 for a project set up the for the Public Safety Unit identifying areas affected by anti social behaviour. The team also won the most improved category in 2006.
