Everything Energy event comes to Cumbrae to help the island achieve carbon neutrality goals

RESIDENTS of Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae had the chance to find out how to make their homes greener when they received a visit from energy efficiency experts including the Duracell Bunny.

The event at Garrison House was organised by Green Home Systems, a company that specialises in installing energy-saving devices.

They were joined by their energy partners Duracell Energy, who were on hand to discuss battery storage, and Vaillant Group, who specialise in air-to-air heat pumps.

Representatives from the Carbon Neutral Islands Project for Cumbrae, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, were also on hand to raise awareness of the project’s aims and promote the benefits of improving the energy efficiency of homes on the island.

Green Home Systems is no stranger to Millport, having worked with the Carbon Neutral Islands Project on a number of initiatives including the completion of work at Millport Bowling Club and Cumbrae Parish Church.

The company has already completed projects for numerous households, installing products such as solar panels and batteries, air-source heat pumps and insulation that will help reduce energy bills and reduce carbon footprints.

One customer and long-time Millport community member, Luigi Giorgetti, said: “Since installing my solar panel and battery storage system, I haven’t looked back. It’s been a godsend, especially in the current economic climate – finding ways to save money is on everyone’s mind.

“My electricity bills have gone from £10-15 a day to just two or three pence a day.”

Gordon McDill, Director of Private Sales at Green Home Systems, welcomed the opportunity to speak to members of the local community and answer their questions.

He said: “It was a pleasure to meet the residents of Millport and advise them on how they can improve the energy efficiency of their homes, as well as informing them about the government-funded grants they may be eligible for.

“We can help them navigate the financing market and choose the right products for their homes.

“We have worked closely with the Carbon Neutral Islands Project on several installations and look forward to continuing to help the island achieve its goals.”

The Neutral Coal Islands project is supported by the Scottish Government and Cumbrae is one of six Scottish islands participating in the project.

Scott Watson, Community Development Officer (Cumbrae) at the Carbon Neutral Islands Project, added: “As many residents know, getting mainland suppliers to get involved in projects on Cumbrae can be difficult, so it was great that Green Home Systems took the time to meet with people who wanted to find out more about how to make their homes energy efficient.

“The support of the people of Cumbrae is crucial to us achieving our goals. Given that many of the homes in Millport were built in the early 20th century, there is still much work to be done to make them energy efficient.

“Events like this really help us spread the message that everyone in the community can take a look at their carbon footprint.”