A team of Green Doctors are travelling around Sheffield checking its homes for energy efficiency.
Residents have welcomed the energy health check, which has given them advice on how to save money as well as how to save the environment.
The scheme is being organised by Sheffield Homes and Groundwork Sheffield and aims to help tenants cut fuel bills and keep warm during cold winters.
The Green Doctors carry out an energy survey to see how efficiently energy is being used in the home, give advice on changing habits, and offer advice on other services available.
Tenant Susan Rutherford gave the scheme the thumbs-up. She said: “They did a full assessment of my home, explained the energy efficiency ratings on kitchen appliances, and used the energy monitor to show me how much electricity I use. Now I only boil the amount of water I need in my kettle and I don’t leave equipment on standby. They also gave me some information about how to switch energy suppliers when my current deal comes to an end. I would definitely recommend a Green Doctor visit.”
Wendy Bussey, from Groundwork Sheffield, said: “A home survey is like a health check for your house. It identifies ways to save both energy and money, starting at the top of the house and working down. With over four million UK households in fuel poverty, projects like this provide a much needed service to local people.”
Jonathan Shaw, director of services at Sheffield Homes, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this scheme to our tenants. Not only does it help tenants save money by being more energy efficient, but it also means everyone is doing their bit to help protect the environment.”
Four clubs and shields made by Aborigines in the 1830s have been borrowed by the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
The objects were given to the museum by 19th century surveyor John Helder Wedge.