West Devon Council relaunches thermal imaging project to help residents cut heat loss

Following the success of last year’s pilot scheme, West Devon Borough Council is once again inviting communities to take part in a project that helps households identify where their homes are losing heat.

The initiative, which will run through autumn and winter, offers communities across West Devon the opportunity to borrow thermal imaging cameras to detect heat loss in homes and community buildings.

The project forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling fuel poverty, improving wellbeing, and reducing carbon emissions. By showing residents where heat escapes from their properties, the scheme encourages practical improvements that can make homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run; particularly valuable during the continuing cost of living crisis.

Up to eight communities will be selected to take part this season. Applicants will need to show they have several local households committed to participating. Using the cameras, residents can identify areas where heat is lost, such as through poor insulation, lofts, walls, roofs, windows, and doors, and take simple steps to improve energy efficiency.

The findings can guide cost-effective upgrades that reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and create healthier living environments, especially for vulnerable residents affected by cold, damp, or mould-related health issues.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Tamar Energy Community (TEC), a not-for-profit organisation offering independent energy and retrofit advice. TEC worked with the Council on last year’s successful pilot, which received positive feedback from participating communities. The organisation may also support energy efficiency reviews for community buildings.

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, Director of Tamar Energy Community, added:

“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 identify a local “energy champion” to lead the use of the thermal imaging camera in their area. TEC will deliver an introductory workshop on retrofitting, offering advice and signposting to further support, followed by a community event to share results and discuss next steps.

Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, with TEC supporting two to three communities at a time. Session dates will depend on camera availability.

For details and to apply, visit www.westdevon.gov.uk/thermal-camera-hire