energy efficiency resident empowerment training package · final report by richard dunning and ian...

Energy Efficiency Resident Empowerment Training Package

Final report

By Richard Dunning and Ian Preston

Presented to: The Energy Saving Trust 21 Dartmouth Street London SW1H 9BP

30th March 2006

Centre for Sustainable Energy The CREATE Centre Smeaton Road Bristol BS1 6XN

Tel: 0117 929 9950 Fax: 0117 929 9114 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cse.org.uk Registered charity no.298740

Energy Efficiency Resident Empowerment Training Package Final report to Energy Saving Trust

CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 2

CONTENTS LIST EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................3 1 BACKGROUND....................................................................................................4 2 DELIVERY............................................................................................................4 2.2 Delivering a pilot course to a group of residents ..............................................6 2.3 Recruiting for and delivering an additional six training courses across the

England ............................................................................................................6 3 ANALYSIS OF FEEDBACK FOR THE TET TRAINING.......................................7 3.1 Question 1 – Do you feel empowered? ............................................................7 3.2 Question 2 – What was your main objective for attending the training?...........8 3.3 Question 3 – Previous knowledge ....................................................................8 3.4 Analysing the sessions .....................................................................................9 3.5 General Comments ........................................................................................14 4 TUTOR FEEDBACK...........................................................................................14 5 TENANT IDEAS .................................................................................................16 6 CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................17 7 RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................................18 8 APPENDIX I – QUALITATIVE RESPONSES AND THEIR SUMMARY

STATISTICS...................................................................................................20 8.1 Question 2 – What was your main objective for attending the training?20 8.2 Question 3 – Previous knowledge ..................................................................22 8.3 Session 1 Potential Improvements ...................................................................1 8.4 Session 2 Potential Improvements ...................................................................2 8.5 Session 3 Potential Improvements ...................................................................2 8.6 Session 4 Potential Improvements ...................................................................3 8.7 Session 5 Potential Improvements ...................................................................3 8.8 Session 6 Potential Improvements ...................................................................4 8.9 Toolkit and Training Course Potential Improvements.......................................4 9 APPENDIX II – PIE CHARTS FOR SESSIONS 1 TO 6.......................................6 9.1 Session 1 – Fundamentals of energy and climate............................................6 9.2 Session 2 – Energy and Housing .....................................................................7 9.3 Session 3 – Are you spending too much on your energy? ...............................8 9.4 Session 4 – Action you can take in your home.................................................9 9.5 Session 5 – Action you can take with your provider .......................................10 9.6 Session 6 – Taking things forward .................................................................11 10 APPENDIX III – PILOT TET FEEDBACK FORM ...........................................12 11 APPENDIX IV – FLIPCHARTS FOR SESSIONS 5 & 6 .................................17



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Energy Saving Trust (EST), in partnership with the Housing Corporation, sought to develop and implement capacity building and skills development of social housing residents with a particular emphasis on energy efficiency. It was requested that training be delivered regionally within England and supported by a toolkit for use by residents in outreach activities within their own communities. Previous experience of tenant training and participation has shown the impact that their empowerment can have in delivering local community action. The objective of the pilot was to develop a training resource which would build the capacity of residents groups and empowered them to take further action. Tenants will be motivated to improve both their own energy efficiency behaviour and to influence other residents and RSL’s to further improve household energy efficiency within social housing. A team consisting of CSE, TPAS and Energy Inform, was contracted to develop a resident empowerment training package and toolkit. Utilising each partner’s expert knowledge and complimentary expertise, the team produced an initial training course, trainer’s notes, toolkit and schedule for the pilot day. This was tested in delivery by the partners and refined accordingly. The resource was tested a further six times (twice by each partner organisation) across the English regions, each time being evaluated and commented upon by trainers and attendees. Following this evaluation and subsequent refinement, the resource has been finalised and prepared for EST. The tenant feedback demonstrated that tenants that attended the training and received a toolkit now felt empowered to take action. When asked over 95% of tenants felt they could take action in their own home, their neighbour’s home and with their landlord to reduce energy use. Indeed all the tenants that attended felt that they would be able to take action in their own homes. All of the tenants had attended the course to gain more knowledge about energy efficiency, saving money or helping to save our planet. The sessions all received high positive feedback with approximately 90% of tenants responding stating that content, delivery and materials were either ‘good’ or ‘very good’. After the pilot delivery, the consensus among both delegates and tutors was that this resource would benefit the sector and that it struck the right balance between a summoning to action and a source of information. However there was a feeling among the delegates that there was a lack of clarity regarding the next steps. Having received the training what support would be available to delegates if they wished to either present the information themselves or invite others to do this on their, or their residents associations behalf. There is currently no budget allocated to a systematic follow up activity or for the financing of future courses, regardless of by whom they are delivered.



1 BACKGROUND The Energy Saving Trust (EST), in partnership with the Housing Corporation, sought to develop and implement capacity building and skills development of social housing residents with a particular emphasis on energy efficiency. It was requested that training be delivered regionally within England and supported by a toolkit for use by residents in outreach activities within their own communities. The objective of the project was to develop a group of residents who are empowered to improve their own energy efficiency behaviour; and have the capacity to influence others to further improve household energy efficiency within social housing. The EST’s CAfE programme, the Housing Corporation’s Innovation and Good Practice Programme and the Tenant Participation Advisory Service’s (TPAS) work have already shown the impact that tenant involvement and empowerment can have in delivering local community action. The CAfE programme’s case studies highlight some of the inspirational work on energy efficiency that tenants have already been involved in. EST, working alongside the Housing Corporation, contracted a team consisting of The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), TPAS and Energy Inform, to develop and test deliver a resident empowerment training package and toolkit. The training package was developed using the complimentary expertise within the three organisations. This resource was then piloted with seven tenants groups (one recruited for the first multi-organisational delivery, two recruited by advertising and four by TPAS using relationships with RSL’s). The resource has been evaluated throughout the pilot and has now been finalised following delivery and evaluation of all feedback. The methodology was designed to ensure that the training builds capacity and empowers tenants and the toolkit utilises the training to enable them to take action in their own homes, inspire actions in the homes of others and inform others of the benefits of energy efficiency. 2 DELIVERY The project team began by performing a brief review of existing resources to identify the training and tools available to facilitate tenant empowerment, tenant action on sustainable energy and community involvement in sustainable energy initiatives. This included:

• CAfE ‘Finding out about Energy’ (FOAE) training – designed to provide community groups and tenants with an introduction to the basic A to Z of energy efficiency and an understanding of the low carbon options for new and refurbishment projects.



• CAfE ‘Tenants FOAE’ bespoke training – designed for TPAS advice and policy staff to give them a broader understanding of the sector, and equip them with the knowledge required to advise tenants on energy efficiency issues.

• NEA ‘Tenant Resource Pack’ (2001) – developed by Julia Green on behalf of NEA.

• CSE’s training for Scottish Local Authorities – designed on behalf of the EST Scotland to in part empower housing, care and other local authority staff dealing with residents and colleagues to take action on practical no and low cost measures for energy saving and combating the effects of fuel poverty

• TPAS’S in-house training featuring a range of courses designed to promote and facilitate tenant involvement and empowerment e.g. 'Being Effective', 'Getting your Point Across', ‘Working as an Effective Group', 'Setting up a Resource Centre', 'Involving Everyone', 'Equality and Diversity' and 'Working effectively with your Landlord'.

• ‘Energy Advice handbook’ - developed by Julia Green in 2004, sponsored by the EST.

In order to exploit the full potential of the resource, it was felt that it had to be built in such a way as to enable:

a) Tenants to understand the different factors that underline the need for them and their communities to take action on sustainable energy (social, environmental and financial drivers)

b) The content of the toolkit to meet tenants aspirations, while in turn capturing their imagination, and providing them with accurate and up to date information

c) The training to meet tenants needs and speak in a language they understand and can relate to.

2.1.1 Resource development – training and toolkit The team and steering committee met in early January to assess the pilots’ direction and what would be required to equip social housing residents with the necessary knowledge and skills to take action on household energy efficiency. CSE then prepared a briefing note outlining the content of existing materials. This not was then used at the next project meeting to focus the development on the actions required to produce the package of resources. This meeting was further used to:



• Review the existing training materials and tools available

• Develop the outline course structure that ensured tenants would understand the measures available, understand those measures they can implement and those that require them to work with their provider, builds capacity i.e. gain the skills and confidence to pass on the energy efficiency message and the knowledge needed to engage in the decision-making process.

• Identify the required content for the resource pack and toolkit that supports the training. This included quick home energy audit checklists and useful tools for residents including presentations for tenants to deliver, key facts on energy saving measures, and a range of tools.

CSE produced a draft training course, trainer’s notes, tenant toolkit and a schedule for the initial pilot day. This was circulated to the EST, Housing Corporation and partners for peer review and feedback, with each partner utilising their expert knowledge to help focus the resource against the remit. 2.2 Delivering a pilot course to a group of residents TPAS identified several active tenant bodies at the project’s inception and then contacted them to promote the training and resources. Recruitment to the courses was separated into various elements – with, in order to give the widest tutor response to the resource, delivery split between three trainers. All three tutors delivered the initial pilot course with the following six courses delivered between the three of them (two courses each, see table 1). TPAS liaised with the target group to organise a date suitable for all parties and an appropriate venue. Tenants attending the courses were asked to complete feedback forms that reviewed each session (each tenant was incentivised by an energy saving kettle for completing their form). The training course is linked to the accompanying toolkits and the tenants were therefore able to provide some initial feedback on the toolkit at the end of the pilot session. The analysis of the feedback in section 3 has tried to gauge if the designed resources will empower tenants and enable them to take action through capacity building. 2.3 Recruiting for and delivering an additional six training courses

across the England 2.3.1 Recruiting tenants groups TPAS began recruiting potential tenants groups and tenant bodies as soon as the contract was awarded. It was planned to recruit one group for the pilot and four groups for the further training courses, with the team using a variety of other routes to help identify potential groups for the remaining two courses:



Recruitment of groups to attend the training was crucial to the project’s success. However, given the short timescale and the critical nature of this task TPAS recruited five groups for seven of the courses, with the remaining two recruited through advertisement (with bookings and administration again handled by TPAS). Although this process generally worked well, it did mean that given the short timescales involved in the project it was difficult to recruit by advertisement alone and that subsequently the two advertised courses had 13 and 2 attendees respectively. 2.3.2 Delivering six training courses in England CSE delivered two courses in the South of England, Energy Inform and TPAS covered the Midlands and the North of England respectively. The team initially hoped to deliver these training courses to groups of approximately 15 tenants. TPAS arranged with the identified tenant groups a suitable date, an appropriate venue for delivery and associated course refreshments. CSE used its in-house team to print and make up the training packs for all seven courses (including pilot). See table 1 for the locations, dates and attendances at the training events. Table 1 – Training Dates and Locations Location Date Attendees Manchester 2nd February 17 Telford 21st February 16 Peterborough 1st March 13 London* 3rd March 13 Wakefield 6th March 9 Liverpool 7th March 11 Bristol* 7th March 2 * - Recruitment by advertisement 3 ANALYSIS OF FEEDBACK FOR THE TET TRAINING In total 81 tenants attended the 7 energy efficiency tenant empowerment training (TET) courses. In total we collected 80 feedback forms with one tenant leaving the pilot early due to prior commitments. 3.1 Question 1 – Do you feel empowered? As a result of this training tenants were asked if they felt able to: a) Take action in your won home to reduce energy use? b) Help your neighbour take action in their home? c) Work with your provider to improve your property? The responses to these questions have been summarised in table 2 below. Over 95% of tenants felt they could take action in their own home, their neighbour’s home and with their landlord to reduce energy use. All the tenants that attended felt that they would be able to take action in their own homes.



Table 2 - Do tenants feel empowered? Question Yes No Blank Yes No Blank Q.1a 80 0 0 100% 0% 0% Q.1b 78 2 0 98% 3% 0% Q.1c 76 1 3 95% 1% 4%

Only three tenants felt that they were not empowered to take action, two with their neighbours and one with their provider. These tenants gave the following responses when asked for any that they may not be able to take action:

• My neighbours are not the type who like to be involved in schemes • Do have enough information to speak with my provider to improve my

property. Interestingly, several tenants that felt empowered to take action also identified reasons that they may not be able to take action. One tenant felt that the housing department probably had their own views on what they intend to do and would maybe think that they were trying to interfere. A second tenant felt that providers have little incentive to improve energy efficiency in older properties and need to make sure that new properties are as efficient as possible. 3.2 Question 2 – What was your main objective for attending the

training? Appendix I contains the full answers for the 75 tenants that responded to this question. All of the tenants had attended the course to gain more knowledge about energy efficiency, saving money or helping to save our planet. In total, 43 mentioned energy or energy efficiency specifically, 17 mentioned saving bills or money and 9 wanted to be greener or help save the planet. The feedback forms show that 19 of the 75 respondents specifically stated an aim to gain information to pass on or disseminate. Those that planned to pass the information on planned to talk to their neighbours, tenants groups, landlord, wider community and work colleagues. Ideas for dissemination included a tenant’s newsletter, talking to the environment forum and approaching the trust’s board. 3.3 Question 3 – Previous knowledge Tenants were asked the extent of their previous knowledge of energy efficiency. Tenant’s responses varied from ‘none at all’ to ‘reasonably good, now better’. In order for the team to quantify the results the responses were assigned a category i.e. little or none, basic knowledge, medium or good to high. Appendix I contains a full list of tenant responses and the category assigned to them.



Table 3 and figure 1 show the findings for the 71 tenants who responded to this question. Nearly half the tenants who attended had little or know knowledge with a further 13% having a basic understanding. In total 16 or 23% of tenants had good or high knowledge, but interestingly several of these tenants stated that they now had a better understanding of the issues. Table 3 - Tenants previous experience Tenants previous experience %s Nos Little or none 46% 33Basic knowledge 13% 9Medium 18% 13Good to high 23% 16Total 100% 71

Figure 1 Tenants previous experience

Tenants previous energy efficiency knowledge

9, 13%

13, 18%

33, 46%16, 23%

Little or none

Basic know ledge

Medium

Good to high

3.4 Analysing the sessions For each of the sessions, tenants were asked to rate the training content, presentation materials (slides) and the exercises and handouts on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being very poor and 5 being excellent). Tenants were also asked if they understood the core objective of the session and if they would make any changes to the content. 3.4.1 Rating results for Sessions 1 to 6 The ratings for each aspect of sessions 1 to 6 are displayed in pie charts in Appendix II. Table 4 summarises the results:



Table 4 - Feedback results for TET sessions Session Training Resource Blank 1 2 3 4 5 Total

1 training content 2 0 1 4 27 46 801 presentation materials (slides) 3 1 0 8 21 47 801 exercises and handouts 4 0 1 6 24 44 792 training content 7 0 0 4 19 50 802 presentation materials (slides) 7 1 0 5 17 50 802 exercises and handouts 9 0 1 5 21 44 803 training content 8 0 0 6 24 42 803 presentation materials (slides) 8 0 0 7 17 48 803 exercises and handouts 10 0 1 6 20 43 804 training content 9 0 0 6 17 48 804 presentation materials (slides) 8 0 0 5 23 44 804 exercises and handouts 10 0 2 4 22 42 805 training content 13 0 1 5 17 44 805 presentation materials (slides) 13 0 0 7 16 44 805 exercises and handouts 13 0 1 8 18 40 806 training content 11 0 2 2 25 40 806 presentation materials (slides) 13 0 0 6 20 41 806 exercises and handouts 14 0 2 5 23 36 80

3.4.2 Percentage rating results for Sessions 1 to 6 Table 5 shows the percentages for the scores for sessions 1 to 6. These percentages do not include the blank responses as the team is unable to use these to judge tenant perception of the materials, delivery or resources. The results for ‘good’ and ‘very good’ have also been combined to enable the team to quantify the number of tenants that responded positively. Table 5 - Percentage scores for TET sessions feedback results Session Training Resource 1 2 3 4 5 Total 4 or 5

1 training content 0% 1% 5% 35% 59% 100% 94%1 presentation materials (slides) 1% 0% 10% 27% 61% 100% 88%1 exercises and handouts 0% 1% 8% 32% 59% 100% 91%2 training content 0% 0% 5% 26% 68% 100% 95%2 presentation materials (slides) 1% 0% 7% 23% 68% 100% 92%2 exercises and handouts 0% 1% 7% 30% 62% 100% 92%3 training content 0% 0% 8% 33% 58% 100% 92%3 presentation materials (slides) 0% 0% 10% 24% 67% 100% 90%3 exercises and handouts 0% 1% 9% 29% 61% 100% 90%4 training content 0% 0% 8% 24% 68% 100% 92%4 presentation materials (slides) 0% 0% 7% 32% 61% 100% 93%4 exercises and handouts 0% 3% 6% 31% 60% 100% 91%5 training content 0% 1% 7% 25% 66% 100% 91%5 presentation materials (slides) 0% 0% 10% 24% 66% 100% 90%5 exercises and handouts 0% 1% 12% 27% 60% 100% 87%6 training content 0% 3% 3% 36% 58% 100% 94%6 presentation materials (slides) 0% 0% 9% 30% 61% 100% 91%6 exercises and handouts 0% 3% 8% 35% 55% 100% 89%



The highest combined percentage for those tenants that responded positively (i.e. 4 and 5) was 95% and the lowest 87%. Thus demonstrating that almost all of the tenants trained felt that the training content, presentation materials and exercise were good or better for all the sessions. Conversely if we examine the percentages for those that felt the session resources were ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’, the highest totals achieved are 3% for session 6 training content and exercises (2 out of 80 tenants). The findings for the individual sessions do not vary greatly, although more people gave blank answers for the last two sessions e.g. 13 for session 5. This may be a reflection of the number of tick boxes themselves or the need for people to leave early. The combined totals for those tenants responding positively (4 or 5) show that the training content generally scored slightly higher than the slides and the exercises e.g. for session 1 94% compared to 91% and 88%. However, the range of 6% is extremely small and thus not significant. Session 6 had the highest percentage of tenants stating that the training content or exercises were ‘poor’ i.e. 3% or 2 tenants. However, this session has subsequently been improved and streamlined as a result of the final trainer development meeting. 3.4.3 Session 1 – Fundamentals of energy and climate Objectives and changes When asked if they now felt they understood the basics of climate change, 76 out of 80 tenants answered yes, 2 answered no and 2 left the question blank. The two tenants that answered no thought the subject was to unpredictable and complex to understand fully. When asked what they would improve about the session, tenants gave a range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 39 tenants made comments with 14 (36%) of these stating they wouldn’t make any changes or that the session was already good. The other comments varied and included:

• Reduced discussion time • More time for group discussion • Two days for the course • The course to be reduced to a half a day course • Visual aids and easier to understand materials • More time on the session • Video footage of effects of climate change

3.4.4 Session 2 – Energy and Housing Objectives and changes When asked if they now felt they understood fuel poverty and its causes, 73 out of 80 tenants answered yes, 2 answered no and 5 left the question blank. When asked what they would improve about the session, tenants gave a



range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 22 tenants made comments with 11 (50%) of these stating they wouldn’t make any changes or that the session was enjoyable. The other comments varied and included:

• Allow more time for the session • Less personal questions • Making the folder easier to follow • Condensing the materials • More practical examples on display

3.4.5 Session 3 – Are you spending too much on energy? Objectives and changes When asked if they now felt they understood how to monitor their energy usage and check their bills, 74 out of 80 tenants answered yes and 6 left the question blank. When asked what they would improve about the session, tenants gave a range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 17 tenants made comments with 10 (59%) of these stating they wouldn’t make any changes or that the session was enjoyable. The other comments varied and included:

• Less personal questions • Have a workshop to show people how to read meters • Condense the materials • Large print and Braille documents • Bring along a example bills and meters • More time to discuss the practical exercise

3.4.6 Session 4 – Action you can take in your home Objectives and changes When asked if they now felt they understood how much energy different appliances use, 72 out of 80 tenants answered yes, 2 answered no and 6 left the question blank. Neither of the tenants that said no commented on a reason for this, although one tenant felt their maths knowledge made it difficult to understand. When asked what they would improve about the session, tenants gave a range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 19 tenants made comments with 9 (47%) of these stating they wouldn’t make any changes or that the session was enjoyable. The other comments varied and included:



• Shorten the session and lighten the materials • Bring in some demonstration materials i.e. types of insulation and

bricks • More time and opportunities for people to ask questions • Condense the session • Large print and Braille (documents)

3.4.7 Session 5 – Keeping your home warm Objectives and changes When asked if they now felt they understood how heat is lost from the home and how insulation can combat this, 74 out of 80 tenants answered yes and 6 left the question blank. When asked what they would improve about the session, tenants gave a range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 20 tenants made comments with 12 (60%) of these stating they wouldn’t make any changes or that the session was enjoyable. The other comments varied and included:

• Increased session time • Shorten session and lighten content • More information on grants for local authorities to introduce renewable

energy in housing • Demonstration materials • Booklet on simple and cost effective products • Large print and Braille (documents)

3.4.8 Session 6 – Taking things forward Objectives and changes When asked if they now felt they now had the knowledge they required to approach their housing provider about installing measures in their homes, 70 out of 80 tenants answered yes, 2 answered no and 8 left the question blank. The 2 tenants that felt unable to take action gave the following reasons, one felt they needed more information and the other didn’t have enough self confidence. When asked what they would improve about the session, tenants gave a range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 17 tenants made comments with 10 (59%) of these stating they wouldn’t make any changes or that the session was enjoyable. The other comments varied and included:

• Too little time for the final session (4 comments) • Opportunities for more training • Setting up a forum will be the hardest thing to do • Large print and Braille (documents)



3.5 General Comments Tenants were asked to rate course delivery, trainer’s knowledge, answers to questions and domestic arrangements on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being very poor and 5 being excellent). Table 6 and 7 show the total scores and percentages for the general questions. Table 6 - General Questions results for TET sessions General Questions Blank 1 2 3 4 5 Total Course delivery 7 0 0 4 17 52 80 Trainers knowledge 6 0 0 1 14 59 80 Answers to questions 9 0 1 2 13 55 80 Domestic arrangements 10 0 2 3 19 46 80

Table 7 - Percentage scores for TET sessions feedback results General Questions 1 2 3 4 5 Total 4 or 5 Course delivery 0% 0% 5% 23% 71% 100% 95% Trainers knowledge 0% 0% 1% 19% 80% 100% 99% Answers to questions 0% 1% 3% 18% 77% 100% 96% Domestic arrangements 0% 3% 4% 27% 66% 100% 93%

Table 7 above shows that 93% or above of tenants that responded felt that the course delivery, trainer’s knowledge, answers to questions and domestic arrangements were ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Trainer’s knowledge achieved the highest score with 80% answering ‘very good’, 99% answering positively (i.e. 4 or 5) and just 1% (1 tenant) neither poor nor good. When asked what they would do to improve the training and toolkit, tenants gave a range of answers which are included in Appendix I. In total 27 tenants made suggestions or comments, which the team has grouped into similar categories:

• No changes or enjoyed the training (9) • More time and / or information (8) • Too much debate or discussion (3) • Diet or venue not adequate (2) • More time for discussion (1) • More practical applications (1) • Don’t agree with wind power as dangerous to bird life (1) • Needs to be rolled out across the country (1) • Materials need to be simplified (1)

4 TUTOR FEEDBACK The first point to note is that all tutors enjoyed delivering the pilot and that participants generally enjoyed being part of the programme. One of the main points raised by tutors was that the pilot identified a pressing need to provide tenants with this information. There is a large gap in knowledge of tenants about many of the topics the course covered.



There was also seen to be a gap between tenant involvement and energy efficiency and it was thought that grant schemes where they existed were not targeted at tenants. Indeed there was a general belief that advice services either concentrated upon or had shifted toward the private sector. The energy efficiency sector was not seen to be working with RSL’s or tenant groups. It had worked closely with local authority housing but as control of stock moved the sector had not kept up with this shift. It was further argued that the change in emphasis by EST toward the able to pay sector may exacerbate this division. Tutors felt that the groups the resource was delivered to had a wide range of abilities and the way the resource was capable of being differentiated to allow for the varying needs of the participants showed the encompassing nature of the materials. The introductory session was seen as slightly too long with a need to simplify the aims and objectives of the course. Tutors found that some tenants knew about climate change mechanisms whilst others had no knowledge. However whatever the level of prior knowledge all tenants wanted to know more and enjoyed the debate in this session. In order to further address the different levels of knowledge, and as a part of a slight simplification of this session, it was further thought that a glossary of terms should be introduced into the resource. It was also felt that the introductions to both the EST and the Housing Corporation were too long, the language was too complex and there was a supposition of both interest and knowledge. In light of comments from delegates and reflecting both the timing of the sessions and the interaction of the groups it was decided that the sessions be simplified in terms of actual delivery rather than content. For example the quiz that started the second session could become a group activity with the answers leading the delegates into the next subject area within the session. It was also thought that the slides on fuel poverty needed greater explanation and so background information should be prepared for rural events which addressed the particular needs of rural communities when addressing this issue. In both of these and other cases, the trainers notes were prepared in order to give tutors suggested approaches or further background information. The immensely practical resource was found by both delegates and tutors to be very useful and a good stimulator of group discussion. Again though, from these group discussions it became increasingly obvious that some areas – especially those dealing with fuel debt and cold weather payment, needed simplification so that delegates felt confident in not the understanding of the information but the ability and willingness to share it with their peers. This was reflected in the way language was used throughout – and indeed the way it is used throughout the sector. An example was the session entitled ‘Actions you can take to save energy’ which concentrated upon heating and whether homes could be classed as hard to treat. From the content, delegate



reaction and the feedback the consensus was that it should be titled ‘keeping the home warm’ – a much more user friendly title. This was seen as indicative of the ‘energy speak’ that the industry uses and this was cited by delegates as a reason why energy is not usually a priority with tenants groups, as were the websites and printed materials of organisations such as EST. It was generally thought that recruitment may be an issue. Recruitment worked best where TPAS had close links with tenants’ organisations or even the RSL itself. Advertising to attract tenants was thought to need a longer lead time than the pilot allowed and is dependant upon the publications, websites, and other notice fora reaching out to tenants that is available in a given geographical area. Four of the six roll-out events took place in either RSL or tenant association venues and these were considered more appropriate as the attention of attendees is focused upon housing issues and it is easier to make energy intrinsic to these. 5 TENANT IDEAS The participation exercises in sessions 5 and 6 showed that tenant’s had some really interesting ideas about working with their landlords and future project activity. Appendix IV contains a summary of the key points that trainers noted on flip charts for these sessions. The key questions that tenants thought they needed to ask their landlord to assess their sustainable energy credentials are perhaps of most interest to the EST’s Managed Housing team and the Housing Corporation. The questions included below show that tenants want to be more involved in their landlords activity on energy efficiency, identified a need for further RSL staff training on energy efficiency, recognised a funding opportunity for their landlord, and are interested in the wider use of energy and its impact on the environment.

1. What is your got an energy efficiency strategy? If you haven’t got one when will you get one?

2. How are you tenants involved in developing that strategy

3. What are you actively doing about global warming?

4. Have you applied for any grants for measures? What organisations are you consulting / developing relationships with?

5. Do you keep a database of improvements made and required?

6. Is your office building energy efficient? Design and development group (Riverside) are looking at energy efficiency. (there are members in this group)

7. How are you going to train your staff?

8. Do you tell suppliers to use energy efficient equipment? (workers know how to deliver advice)



9. Could RSL’s get together to get energy efficient measures more cheaply?

10. What resources are you prepared to provide?

11. What are you doing with your contractors – are you training them to deliver energy advice or spot energy issues i.e. fuel poverty or unhealthy homes?

6 CONCLUSIONS The consensus among both delegates and tutors was that this resource would benefit the sector and that, barring the few and relatively slight changes highlighted above which have now been incorporated into the finished article, it struck the right balance between a summoning to action and a source of information. It was felt that service level agreements in place between some RSL’s and EEAC’s could be used as a method of promoting this resource. From group discussion it became increasingly obvious that there was demand for the resource already in place, indeed several delegates asked if further sessions of the training could be ran for other groups and individuals that they thought would benefit from the training. However there was a feeling among the delegates (and this may be due to the fact that the programme was being piloted) that there was a lack of clarity regarding the next steps. Having received the training what support would be available to delegates if they wished to either present the information themselves or invite others to do this on their behalf. The team signposted tenants to the CAfE programme, however there is currently no budget allocated to a systematic follow up activity. Another and linked pressing issue was the financing of future courses, regardless of by whom they were delivered. All delegates were keen not to allow the momentum to be lost. Some delegates were interested more in the actions they could personally take (within their own homes), others were interested in how they could interact with either others on their tenant groups or neighbours. However, the most interesting groups in terms of the widest possible roll-out of the information (and as a call to action) were those who saw the resource as a way of ‘politicisation’ – a way to encourage tenants to become involved. Energy was seen as good for this process as it was a tool for furthering tenant participation and was a good example of practical involvement with direct benefit to the tenants. Indeed some of the groups attending the pilot programme intended using energy as a way of developing and revitalising their tenant participation groups. In order to complete the user-friendliness of the pack it was also felt that full trainer notes be appended (with both instruction as to using the resource and sources of further information or background knowledge). CSE have designed and written these notes. It was also felt the delegates should leave the course with something friendlier and less intimidating than a ring binder



with lots of loose leaves. Instead a booklet (reminiscent of the NEA booklet designed by Energy Inform) be used. We commend these actions to EST. Given the comments above, and in light of the changes made to the materials, CSE would strongly recommend EST to allow the use of the resource as it currently stands. It should have a period to ‘bed-in’ and time should be given to trainers to familiarise themselves both with the resource and their own delivery mechanisms for using it. If change is made without this ‘bedding-in’ period the resource may end up forever being altered without the experience of usage to shape further improvements. CSE would also recommend;

• There is a great need to ensure clear communication about the content of the course, including contact details of the person co-ordinating the training so that delegates are clear on the suitability of the course to their aims.

• Those experienced in using the resource have found that experience and confidence in using the resource has led to trainers striking the right balance between interaction and providing information and an improved awareness of how much time to spend on the various components of the resource.

• It has been noted that trainers using the resource need the experience of running a few courses in order to correct and refine their delivery. It will be the case that any courses commented upon within the first few deliveries will not have had the benefit of refinement and this should be taken into account when deciding upon any alteration to the resource, who it is delivered to and the delivery method.

• CSE would strongly advise that in order to achieve embedding of the training within the tenants association that the RSL are kept fully informed and involved throughout.

7 RECOMMENDATIONS Apart from the more general recommendations outlined in Conclusions, above, CSE would recommend the following to EST:

1. A course booklet be developed and published. This would alleviate the need for ring binders, give participants a single resource with all course notes, presentations and other materials enclosed. A section at the back of the booklet would allow for the storage of additional materials (such as exercises, hand-outs and leaflets). Candidates would then have no loose leaves to contend with and have an easily kept and stored resource.

2. A series of train the trainers events to roll-out the resource to other organisations wishing to train tenants in energy issues. However it



should be noted that some energy knowledge was a useful pre-requisite of delivery. Where TPAS tutors were involved in delivery they used a secondary tutor with additional sustainability training experience. Conversely the energy efficiency sector tutors felt that they lacked some TP knowledge prior to delivery, but that this was picked up during the course of the pilot.

3. Widening the resource to include a Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland versions. Although this would take some altering of the current resource the amount of work involved would not be onerous.

4. A funded method for rolling out the resource be implemented. We would recommend splitting the country between deliverers (North England, West of England and Wales, Scotland, The Midlands and The South East) with tenant organisations such as TPAS supporting the delivery through recruitment and the arranging of courses.



8 APPENDIX I – QUALITATIVE RESPONSES AND THEIR

SUMMARY STATISTICS 8.1 Question 2 – What was your main objective for attending the

training?

• To gain info on energy saving • find out more info about this vast subject • To increase my knowledge of renewable energy, plus any savings I can

personally take. • I was interested in the aim of the training and wished for further

information • find out more info on energy saving • I thought it would be very interesting, and I found it was extremely

interesting • To learn new ways of increasing energy efficiency in my own home,

workplace and tenant properties • To learn about energy efficiency • To listen and learn • To gain a better understanding of energy efficiency issues • gain knowledge and experience • To add To the residents group knowledge • To learn about energy • To learn more about energy saving • To obtain knowledge and pass on information To others • To save money and energy on all electric equipment used in house.

Information for tenants in houses and flats in Wandsworth council (shelter housing).

• Reduce bills and help the planet. • To gain knowledge on working with landlord to improve energy

efficiency and help reduce energy costs for tenants. • To see what I could do to assist my neighbours to be more energy

efficient and help the housing association. • More information for myself, tenants of the housing association and

maintenance and development staff. • To be able To help myself and impart what I know To people with

mental difficulties within my housing association To be able To do likewise and be able To work in conjunction with my housing association To become more aware in managing housing with a view To saving energy.

• To find out how I can keep a warm house without large gas bills. • To save on fuel bills and reduce draughts • Saving on gas and electric information. To give to a regional

committee (Housing Association) and friends and family. • Improve knowledge and gain information To put into practice • understanding that I can reduce energy bills • To become greener



• To reduce carbon emissions through sensible use of energy and use of insulation.

• To find out where To get information • To learn how I can become more energy efficient in my own home,

thereby doing my part in helping the environment. • energy efficiency • Information. Interested in energy conservation (environment), saving

money on bills. • To learn to save energy which will perhaps help save the planet? • Because it should be interesting. • To learn what else can be done To save energy • To learn how to cut energy bills and help our environment. • To save money and promote awareness through TG newsletter. • To learn and hope to enable Axiom to bring in energy efficient

measures. • To learn more about energy saving. • To find out how To save energy and become more energy efficient • To help save money and the planet as a whole • Help the world survive better for our children’s children etc. • To see if I could improve my energy savings. • saving energy and my money • To become personally energy efficient and help my family and

neighbours and also take various ideas to the trust board. • To reduce energy in my own home. Have learned a lot more. • To learn how to save energy and money for your own use. How to help

people single or married to save for themselves. To try and pass information to others.

• To learn all about energy saving. • We all need to be aware of the need to save our planet. • To learn more regards To energy saving money-wise • To know how To save energy and its impact on the rest of the worlds

climate • To learn to save energy in your home. • To learn how To save energy and money • To learn more about how To save money • To be brought up to date on energy saving. • To find out how To save money • I wanted to learn more about energy efficiency. I thought it was very

good. • To learn more about energy efficiency, To be able To give advice To

local neighbours and help reduce fuel bills • I wanted to know about energy efficiency and recycling and also how to

maintain energy efficiency. • To learn about energy efficiency for my neighbourhood and myself. • Education and practical approach, to meet people and agencies. • To be more energy aware. • Everything • To find out how to save money.



• To help residents in the Granby Regeneration area. We have about 37 languages spoken. Information for new build and existing refurbishments.

• To take information from this and take it into our residents association and present what I have gained. Then from that to the environmental forum and then to our RSL and turn it into positive action.

• To learn more about energy efficiency and to get ideas how this could be passed onto my residents association.

• To learn more about saving the environment and reducing my electric output. To work with my landlord to improve our homes.

• To help to know more about energy saving and how to save energy in my home.

• Mainly To see how I could save energy etc in my own home and possible friends and families.

• To learn things about heating. • To gain information and training on energy efficiency. To be able to

inform as many people as I can on saving energy and money in their home.

• To find out more about energy efficiency • To further improve my knowledge of housing improvements and the

knock on effect of safety. • To learn more on the subject of energy

8.2 Question 3 – Previous knowledge Prior levels of knowledge before attending the event Extent of knowledge just a little Little or none little Little or none Don’t overfill the kettle. Turn thermostat down a degree or 2. turn off computers and TV's on standby Basic fairly basic knowledge Basic I thought I was up to date, but definitely not Little or none none Little or none quite good Good to high medium knowledge Medium quite high Good to high good Good to high very little Little or none not very! Little or none nothing Little or none 45% Medium self taught-not bad. Good to high I had some very limited knowledge Little or none have had a lot of information previously Good to high Basic to non-existent Little or none I know about low energy bulbs and putting curtains up at the windows and switching off TVs and computers. That is only because I heard someone talking about it on TV a week ago. Basic not much at all Little or none a little Little or none



Prior levels of knowledge before attending the event Extent of knowledge general knowledge Medium good Good to high fairly low Little or none 40% Medium moderate Medium vague Little or none moderate Medium medium Medium Pretty good Good to high Mostly common sense, but new ideas welcome-have learned quite a lot. Medium At home I try to save whenever I can, but have picked up "new" ideas. Good to high quite a lot actually Good to high fairly good Good to high about 20% Little or none very little Little or none Good-all A rated appliances-energy light bulbs etc. Basic quite good Good to high Fairly local Little or none fairly good Good to high some Basic quite good Good to high none Little or none none Little or none not as good as I thought Little or none quite a lot Good to high fairly extensive but learned quite a lot especially about grants Good to high poor Little or none very little Little or none reasonably good, now better Good to high it has made me a lot more aware of the power I have been wasting. Basic I have some knowledge Basic I understood that the newer appliances had energy efficiency ratings on them and that you could reduce heating costs by turning down the thermostat by 1 degree. Basic very limited Little or none Some, from other sessions. Medium some knowledge Medium nothing whatsoever Little or none I knew a little Little or none very little Little or none not a lot Little or none moderate Medium Basic e.g. Not to boil too much water in a kettle, to insulate the loft and to put in draught excluders etc. Little or none Fairly general e.g. energy saving lamps and insulation. Basic very little Little or none very little Little or none only really had limited knowledge. Little or none



Prior levels of knowledge before attending the event Extent of knowledge Limited. Little or none Not a lot! Little or none reasonable knowledge Medium Pretty poor Little or none moderate Medium

8.3 Session 1 Potential Improvements

• Not at the moment • Send out information beforehand about needs. Find out what people

know for the future. Who is this aimed at? State level. Would have like to have had more on renewables. Writing size larger

• Good session • None • None • Too much chat and more positive action to keep the sharp on the ball.

Time can be wasted. The program was not fully covered. • More population education • If possible more time - maybe 1 1/2 days for whole course • I would make it a two day course as one day is really not enough time

for questions, case studies and a presentation. • Video footage of effects of climate change • 1/2 day session instead of 1 day • Cut out some of the talking by people on the course in all sessions as

cuts down on learning time. • Improve the session for giving local things such as car emissions. • Separate lecture and participate questions • Difference in housing technology over past 100 years (thermal

qualities) • Simple product and applications that can be carried out individually. • More control over chatter • Take control of those talking out of turn and loudly-not your fault! • None-enjoyed the day • Quite good already • None • Make the folder easier to follow • Allow a longer time • Condense it down as a bit repetitive and needs to be made easier. • None • None • More questions and answers. • None • None • More time is necessary to cover all aspects • Just condense the Q&A Sessions • Give a little longer on the session • Visual aids. Document in large print and Braille • Easier to understand information within the pack. • None • Quite efficiently presented. • Be given more sessions • Have time and more study groups to go through some subjects. • None

Energy Efficiency Resident Empowerment Training Package Report to Energy Saving Trust



• None • Excellent session. Too long on exercise • A bit more time • Less personal questions • Too much chat from start • Again film footage • Less talking by participants • None • Make folder easier to follow • Condense • None • None • Condense but very well • Not much, this was all well presented and quite informative • None • None - very interesting. • None • Efficiently presented. • Not much really • Be given more sessions • More practical examples on display • None


• None • None • Less personal questions • No change, very good • None • Have a workshop to show people how to read meters. • Condense • None • None • Condense • Large print and Braille (documents) • None

• Bring along a paper gas and electricity meter. • None • None • Be given more sessions • More time to discuss some of the pricing. Perhaps in small groups. • None




• None • Shorten session and lighten • None • None • None • Brought in some materials to show. I.e. types of insulation and brick. • Too rushed at the end of the day • None • Condense • None • None • Condense • This was very informative. I feel this could be extended a little more to

give people a chance to ask further questions. • Large print and Braille (documents) • None • None • Be given more sessions • More time to discuss • Yes


• None • Session was running late and was curtailed somewhat • Shorten session and lighten • None • None • Information on grants etc for local authorities to introduce renewable

energy in housing. • Brought in some materials to show. I.e. types of insulation and brick. • Booklet could be provided on simple and cost effective products. • None • Condense • None • None • None • None • Large print and Braille (documents) • None • None • Be given more sessions • None • None




• None • Just need to study the information at further length, afternoon session

too rushed • None • None • More time!! Was very good. Have enjoyed this meeting today. • This was a bit rushed because of Tim. • Rushed through at end of session • None • More training. • Not a lot • None • None • None • Setting up a forum will be the difficult thing • Large print and Braille (documents) • None • None • Be given more sessions • None

8.9 Toolkit and Training Course Potential Improvements

• None • Allowed to ask questions-felt comfortable and relaxed atmosphere • Overall do more sessions in morning, maybe shortening each

presentation, but leaving extra info in training pack. Allow more time for sessions in afternoon

• A very relevant and interesting presentation. Try to keep to timings. Control the meeting - at some times everyone talking and nobody listening

• Too many people talking at once sometimes • I feel that such a large subject should be broken down into 2 sessions.

More group work done • A bit more time. The training day was excellent. I'm really glad I

attended. My community will benefit greatly • No provision for special diet! Basement room causes problems. Need a

longer time i.e. 2 days • The course needs to run over two days • Keep up the good work. Enjoyed the course very much and found it

very informative. • Training room too small for the amount in the group. Lunch-not very

impressed-not nice. • The course was excellent • Too much talking by participants, brilliant information pack, stimulating

facilitator and knowledgeable. Clear and polite, but allowed too much



talking. Need to set the balance right between amount being covered in the course, the open discussion and hours of course.

• Physical applications that individuals can make personally. • I thought it was excellent and an enormous amount of information was

provided. Thanks. • Lots of useful information to share with others. • I do not altogether agree with wind farms as they are detrimental to bird

life. • We need a lot more information on most subjects. • Suggest that a full day is given to present the course, as I feel like the

content deserves more time. Please number pages as we were all in a bit of a dither finding the right places.

• Condense some of the question answer sessions, so more time for discussion.

• I felt that the course could have been split into 2 sessions giving people a chance to get more information which will endeavour them to be able to give better advice to others.

• I thought the training was excellent. It was very well presented and very informative.

• This should be rolled out to as many groups as possible. • Make the reading material simpler as file too complicated. • There was really too much to cover in the time available. • The training was very good and the tutor was very good on all

sessions. • This has been a real eye opener. I am pleased I have attended.



9 APPENDIX II – PIE CHARTS FOR SESSIONS 1 TO 6 9.1 Session 1 – Fundamentals of energy and climate

9.1.1 Training content - 78 tenants responded

Session 1 - Training content

1, 8%

3, 23%

46, 59%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5

9.1.2 Presentation material (slides) – 77 tenants responded

Session 1 - Presentation materials (slides)

1, 1% 8, 10%

47, 62%

21, 27%

Very poor - 1

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5

9.1.3 Exercises and handouts - 75 tenants responded

Session 1 - Exercise and handouts

6, 8%

4, 59%

24, 32%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



9.2 Session 2 – Energy and Housing



4, 5%

19, 26%

50, 69%

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



1, 1% 5, 7%

50, 69%

17, 23%

Very poor - 1

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



21, 30%

44, 62%

5, 7%1, 1%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



9.3 Session 3 – Are you spending too much on your energy?



2, 59%24, 33%

6, 8%

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



48, 66%

7, 10% 17, 24%

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



43, 61%

20, 29%6, 9%1, 1%

Very poor - 1

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



9.4 Session 4 – Action you can take in your home



48, 68%

17, 24%6, 8%

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



44, 61%

5, 7% 23, 32%

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5

9.4.3 Exercises and handouts – 70 tenants responded


2, 3% 4, 6%

42, 60%

22, 31%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



9.5 Session 5 – Action you can take with your provider



1, 1% 5, 7%

17, 25%

44, 67%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



7, 10%

44, 66%

16, 24%

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



1, 1% 8, 12%

40, 60%18, 27%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



9.6 Session 6 – Taking things forward



2, 3%

0, 58%

25, 36%

2, 3%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



6, 9%

41, 61%

20, 30%Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



2, 3% 5, 8%

6, 54%

23, 35%

Poor

Reasonable

Good

Excellent - 5



10 APPENDIX III – PILOT TET FEEDBACK FORM

Feedback form Your feedback is vital to us as we will use it to help develop this course. This is a pilot training course and resource pack, so your comments and feedback will directly influence its content and design. We hope that this will help ensure that tenants are provided with useful information that enables them to take action. As we recognise the importance of your feedback, you will be given a kettle for completing this form. Please take 15 to 20 minutes to complete the form. As a result of this training do you now feel able to? a) Take action in your won home to reduce energy use? Yes □ No □ b) Help your neighbour take action in their home? Yes □ No □ c) Work with your provider to improve your property? Yes □ No □ If you do not feel able to take action on any of these points, please tell us why? What was your main objective for attending the training?



What was the extent of your knowledge of energy efficiency before receiving the training? Please help us by rating each of the sessions and answering our questions about them. Please circle 1-5 as appropriate, 1=very poor 5=excellent. Please help us by giving your ratings on different aspects of this course: Session 1 – Fundamentals of energy and climate Training content 1 2 3 4 5 Presentation material (slides) 1 2 3 4 5 Exercises and handouts 1 2 3 4 5 Do you now feel that you understand the basics of climate change? Yes □ No □ If not, what did you not understand? What changes if any would you make to improve this session?



Session 2 – Energy and Housing Training content 1 2 3 4 5 Presentation material (slides) 1 2 3 4 5 Exercises and handouts 1 2 3 4 5 Do you now feel that you understand what fuel poverty is and why it happens?Yes □ No □ If not, what did you not understand? What changes if any would you make to improve this session? Session 3 – Are you spending too much on your energy? Training content 1 2 3 4 5 Presentation material (slides) 1 2 3 4 5 Exercises and handouts 1 2 3 4 5 Do you now feel that you understand how to monitor your energy use and check your bills? Yes □ No □ If not, what did you not understand? What changes if any would you make to improve this session?



Session 4 – Action you can take in your home Training content 1 2 3 4 5 Presentation material (slides) 1 2 3 4 5 Exercises and handouts 1 2 3 4 5 Do you now feel that you understand how much energy different appliances use? Yes □ No □ If not, what did you not understand? What changes if any would you make to improve this session? Session 5 – Action you can take with your provider Training content 1 2 3 4 5 Presentation material (slides) 1 2 3 4 5 Exercises and handouts 1 2 3 4 5 Do you now feel that you understand how heat is lost from the home and how insulation can combat this? Yes □ No □ If not, what did you not understand? What changes if any would you make to improve this session?



Session 6 – Taking things forward Training content 1 2 3 4 5 Presentation material (slides) 1 2 3 4 5 Exercises and handouts 1 2 3 4 5 Do you now feel that you have the knowledge required to approach your housing provider about installing measures in your home? Yes □ No □ If not, what further information do you need? What changes if any would you make to improve this session? General

Course delivery 1 2 3 4 5 Trainers knowledge 1 2 3 4 5 Answers to questions 1 2 3 4 5 Domestic arrangements 1 2 3 4 5 Please make any general suggestions or recommendations to improve the course, particularly if you have rated anything as 3 or below Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. Name and contact details ___________________________________



11 APPENDIX IV – FLIPCHARTS FOR SESSIONS 5 & 6 Session 5, Activity 6 Case Study 1 – Stay Warm HA – loft insulation

• Clear information about what tenants will go through • TP group to book appointments & identify lofts that needed clearance

o Landlord to then send a conformation letter o Give tenants a 2/3 hr window in the morning or evening –

deliveries never come when you want them to! • Fit and able residents could help with the clearance? • Maintenance officer to help with clearance, OR • Contractors to help with loft clearance • Landlord could raise the rafters to ensure tenants keep some storage

space • Energy company or landlord could finance more TP work • Yard sale to clear out some clutter • Ensure there is a feedback mechanism so tenants know that the

insulated householders are now warmer • Contractors to survey properties and then brief them about what is

likely to happen • Sign off procedures so you know the works been done

Case Study 2 – Heating Works

• Welcome packs with guide book • TP group to receive energy efficiency advice training • Trained TP group members to meet new tenants and explain how their

CH system works • Maintenance and housing officers to have energy efficiency advice

training • Part of the housing officer job is to check and assist at post sign up visit

Session 6, Activity 8 - Key Questions for Landlords

1. What is your got an energy efficiency strategy? If you haven’t got one when will you get one?

2. How are you tenants involved in developing that strategy 3. What are you actively doing about global warming? 4. Have you applied for any grants for measures? What organisations are

you consulting / developing relationships with? 5. Do you keep a database of improvements made and required? 6. Is your office building energy efficient? Design and development group

(Riverside) are looking at energy efficiency. (there are members in this group)

7. How are you going to train your staff?



8. Do you tell suppliers to use energy efficient equipment? (workers know how to deliver advice)

9. Could RSL’s get together to get energy efficient measures more cheaply

10. What resources are you prepared to provide? 11. What are you doing with your contractors – are you training them to

deliver energy advice or spot energy issues i.e. fuel poverty or unhealthy homes?

Question - Where are you going to start to take action?

• All new development and refurbishments need to be more energy efficient – want to know the impact to the resident who will live in the homes

• Go to liaison meetings and TP groups • Find out what other residents want their landlord to do • Publicise at every opportunity – publicise in every meeting, publicise

with other groups and raise this up the agenda • Run an article in the regular tenant newsletter and / or publicise on

landlords website • Feedback to FA • Public don’t know- get them informed • Run a stand or work shop at tenant’s conference • Federation?- lots of small groups • Working towards sustainable communities • Training- broader aspects of energy (transport/ industry) • Campaign- energy efficiency- needs training support- need to raise

awareness • Offer other measures at the same time i.e. smoke alarms, hand rails

etc. TP group may now be able to engage with tenants that want these measures i.e. you can only have these if you insulate

• Welcome packs with 2 light bulbs Session 6, Activity 8 – Group Discussion What can you offer your Landlord so they take Energy Efficiency Seriously

• Encourages TP as energy efficiency is important to them • Active tenants are able to help landlords reach those tenants that are

had to engage • Makes homes more attractive so people are less likely to leave (empty

properties rates) • Good publicity • Promote themselves- energy efficiency • Reduced buildings maintenance cost • Tenants/ residents reps can inform them about energy efficiency • Highlight the opportunities to get funding to help meet their DHS targets • Increased TP



• Happier tenants Session 6, Activity 9, Advice Case Study - Fun Day

• Quiz • Bingo • Raffle • Information stands (EEAC) • Local HA/ Council Officers • Utilities (Mersey River Festival- water conservation) • Material for kids • Capital of culture • Hands on/ face to face advice • Video or PowerPoint presentation on a loop – Monty Python

type humour to it • Two kettles on standard, one efficient the other not with two

energy meters. Compare and contrast • Something scientific for the kids – solar boats (trainer prompt)

How about carry buckets of water on their heads like in Africa! Would appreciate the value of water as a resource then

• Smoothy maker powered by solar • Kids badge making machine and competition for best slogan • Leaflets with scheme details on

energy efficiency resident empowerment training package · final report by richard dunning and ian...

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