Anthony Fairclough and Giles Bailey visited Richard Hiblen at the new Green Square: Home Energy Centre office on Kingston Road in mid July.

We were keen to understand perspectives on the Government’s  Green Deal, what advice and services were on offer, as well as reaction from the local community to energy saving measures. Green Square is part of a national organisation, and Richard felt that while the Green Deal was attempting to take the country in the right direction, it was nevertheless a complicated process. He felt direct tax measures (such as changes to Council Tax) could be used to increase the take-up of measures to reduce energy use.

However, it was quite apparent from our conversation that – from higher cost but high savings measures, such as solar heat or electricity, to loft insulation, or improved efficiency boilers – there are numerous measures that will save individuals cash as well protect the environment. Public policy needs to ensure individuals are being encouraged to take up these offers.