Thermal map 'to encourage insulation scheme'

Kirklees council has published a thermal map on its website to encourage residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce carbon emissions, it has emerged.

Residents can enter their postcodes into the high-tech map to view a detailed thermal image of their property showing areas where heat energy is wasted due to poor loft and cavity wall insulation.

According to a council statement, the thermal map is part of a wider initiative - the Warm Zone programme - which will include a visit to every house in the region over the next three years to assess other energy-efficient improvements that can be made.

"The images also support our work to tackle fuel poverty and climate change in the borough," stated councillor Martyn Bolt.

According to UK website Down With CO2, adequate home insulation can save between one and 2.5 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

The site recommended that homeowners can make additional low-carbon improvements by purchasing energy efficient appliances and installing low-energy lightbulbs.