FOLLOWING the success of last year’s initiative, West Devon Borough Council is once again offering communities the opportunity to use thermal imaging cameras to identify heat loss in homes and community buildings across the borough.

This project is part of the Council’s wider commitment to tackling fuel poverty, improving wellbeing and reducing carbon emissions. By helping residents understand where their homes are losing heat, the scheme supports practical steps to make properties warmer, healthier, and more affordable to run, especially vital during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Up to eight communities will be able to take part this autumn and winter. Communities applying will need to demonstrate in their application that they have commitments from a number of local households wanting to participate.

Using thermal imaging cameras, residents may be able to pinpoint areas where heat escapes from their homes, such as poorly insulated, lofts, walls, roofs, windows, and doors.

This insight can help guide simple, cost-effective improvements that can reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and create healthier living environments, particularly important for vulnerable residents affected by damp, mould, or cold-related health issues.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Tamar Energy Community, a not-for-profit organisation that provides independent energy and retrofit advice.

The Council and Tamar Energy Community successfully piloted the scheme in 2024, receiving positive feedback from participating communities.

Tamar Energy Community may also be able to provide energy efficiency and sustainability reviews for community buildings too.

Cllr Chris West, Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity, at West Devon Borough Council, said: “We know that cold, damp homes can have a serious impact on people’s health and wellbeing, especially during the winter months. This project is about helping residents take practical steps to make their homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to heat.

"At the same time, improving energy efficiency also helps us tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions. We’re proud to be working again with Tamar Energy Community to support our communities in making homes more comfortable and resilient for the future.”

Kate Royston, one of the directors of Tamar Energy Community, said: “We’re delighted to be working with West Devon Borough Council on this project again, and are looking forward to helping communities across West Devon understand what can be done to help make properties more energy efficient.

“Retrofitting a property is a journey. Using a thermal imaging camera is just one diagnostic tool we can use to look at a home and find where we can make efficiencies; we’re always happy to help anyone in West Devon and the Tamar Valley take the first step in that journey.”

Each participating community will be supported to identify a local “energy champion” who will lead the use of the thermal imaging camera in their area.

Tamar Energy Community will provide an introductory session on retrofitting, offering practical advice and signposting to further support.

A follow-up event will also be held to share findings and discuss next steps.

Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis. Tamar Energy Community will only be able to support two to three communities at a time, so dates for using the cameras and the introductory and follow up sessions will depend on availability.

To apply and find out more, visit: www.westdevon.gov.uk/thermal-camera-hire