Thermal imaging loan service rolled out in the Forest of Dean!

We’ve been chatting with Forest of Dean District Council (FoDDC)’s Retrofit Engagement Officer, Sam Clarke, who has been rolling the scheme out across the district.

Here is what he has said about the rollout:

What has been the impact of the scheme so far?

Receiving thirty thermal imaging cameras from the AURORA project has been amazing, it makes this one of the largest thermal loan schemes run by a district in the country.

Even with the scheme launching in the spring and limited time for residents to loan cameras out before the weather became too hot for use (with a 10°C difference in temperature needed for the best results), we have already had some great feedback from residents, schools and business users.

To build on the Sling pilot, I’d like to help users understand how to interpret the images once they’ve captured them. Therefore, within my role, I have been meeting with residents, schools and community centres after they use the cameras to identify the priority areas for retrofit.

The cameras are great for picking up gaps in insulation, such as slumping cavity wall insulation, and also for helping people understand where their house heats up and cools down the most. Many of these measures can be low-cost, such as draughtproofing strips around windows and doors, and will save the user money on their energy bills.

Is your advice centred around retrofit measures?

No, I’m also hoping to encourage residents of the Forest of Dean to rethink how they heat their homes, and consider how different building types retain warmth. With so much heritage housing stock in the Forest, I want to ensure residents are using energy most effectively. For instance, encouraging users to maintain a low-level constant heat will make the best use of those thick stone walls, reduce heat loss and improve the ambient heat of the house. Collectively, this can combat damp and mould.

Community hub hosts

Forest of Dean residents can borrow a FLIR C3-X camera from community hubs, schools and libraries from across the district. So far, the list includes:

Libraries:
Coleford Library
Cinderford Library
Newent Library
Lydney Library

Schools:

Primrose C of E Academy
Tutshill CofE Primary School
Woolaston Primary School

Community Hubs:

Clearwell Memorial Hall, Newland Village Room, Redbrook Village Hall (managed by Newland Parish Council)

Rudford and Highleadon Village Hall (managed by Rudford and Highleadon Parish Council)

West Dean Centre (managed by West Dean Parish Council)

And of course, the Sling & District Recreation Club, where the scheme began.

Find out more about the scheme here.