Energy Agency
The Energy Agency is a charitable organisation based in Ayr, South Ayrshire. Our primary function is to reduce carbon emissions through various campaigns, initiatives and projects by promoting energy efficiency, renewables and behaviour change. We specialise in the delivery of energy efficiency projects and many of our activities help reduce fuel poverty in our poorest communities by improving residents homes and providing expert advice. We have been appointed by South Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council to deliver their Area Based Schemes.
Area Based Schemes (ABS) are domestic energy efficiency programmes that are funded by Scottish Government and delivered locally through Local Authorities. The schemes primarily focus on improving the thermal performance of some of the regions older, inefficient housing stock. The most common energy efficiency measure installed through ABS is External Wall Insulation which significantly reduces heat loss through the building fabric, and therefore reduces the propertys heat demand. This in turn means that residents use less fuel to heat their home, reducing carbon emissions and heating costs.
We have an experienced, award winning team delivering ABS on behalf of each Local Authority.
The team includes:
All of our team are happy to help with any queries you may have and can be contacted on 01292 525 535 or via abs@energyagency.org.uk
What is it?
As the name suggests, External Wall Insulation or ‘EWI’ is a term used to describe an insulation system that is applied to the external walls of the building.
How is it installed?
The insulant (typically formed in 120cm x 60cm boards) is fixed to the external walls of the property. Depending on the system being used, this could be a mechanical fix (specialised fixing pins) or an adhesive fix (specialised bonding agent) or a combination of both. The insulant is then covered with a reinforced render base coat and top coat, and finally a decorative finish such as dry dash chip is applied.
How long does it take to install?
The application of the system has elements that are temperature and moisture dependant and therefore the weather can play a big part in the duration of the installation. Typically, an installation will take several weeks to complete.
What is included in the offer of works?
Any householder invited to participate in an Area Based Scheme will receive a pack explaining what is included.
The offer will include all aspects of the installation starting at the level of your Damp Proof Course (this is normally near the level of your internal floor), right up to the eaves. The work does not include any works to your roof, fascia, soffits or gutters unless otherwise specified. Modern extensions (that are already insulated), garages, outbuildings and external stairs are not part of the works.
Overview…
Some energy efficiency measures can be cost prohibitive. For example, a typical External Wall Insulation system costs around £10,000 to £14,000. As such, the Scottish Government provides grant funding to the Local Authority to assist homeowners with the cost of works.
Grant funding…
The grant funding available is determined by the Local Authority within parameters set by Scottish Government. The funding will typically cover around 75% of the cost of installation. There is additional grant available for households experiencing extreme fuel poverty which can cover up to 100% of the cost.
Your contribution…
In most cases, the cost of the installation will exceed the grant funding available and therefore to participate in the project, you will be asked to make a contribution.
Interest free loans…
The Scottish Government also offers an interest free loan to finance your contribution so you can spread the cost of the works if you prefer.
Who will install the system?
Insulation Contractor’s are employed by the Energy Agency following a public procurement process. The procurement process sets a standard in which installers must meet to be able to bid for the work and takes into account a balance of price and quality. You will be notified which contractor has been appointed as part of the initial information pack.
Who is my contract with?
You will enter into a Works Contract with the appointed installer just as you would if you were commissioning your own building works such as an extension. You will also enter into an Agreement with the Energy Agency which allows us to administer the grant and act on your behalf (with limitations), and also give access to our quality inspection team to ensure the measures are being installed correctly.
The ‘Sign Up’ Phase
Once the Energy Agency has appointed an installer, we will contact you with information about the project. You will be required to complete an application form so that we can confirm which level of grant is applicable to you. There are two levels of grant: A) Core Grant (which is available to everyone participating in an Area Based Scheme); B) Enhanced Grant (which is a higher rate of grant for those living in extreme fuel poverty).
The ‘Design’ Phase
During this phase, the contractor will be in touch to survey your property and compile all of the necessary information required to apply for a building warrant.
The ‘Installation’ Phase
The contractor will take the lead on the installation phase and be in contact with you directly, before and during the works. However, the Energy Agency will be available throughout the whole process to address any concerns you may have. Our quality inspectors will also be monitoring the installations as the project progresses.
The ‘Handover’ Phase
On completion, and when our quality inspectors have agreed that the work has been installed to a satisfactory standard, the Energy Agency will be back in touch to ensure you are satisfied and give you the opportunity to report any final snagging that you feel is still outstanding. We will also ask you to provide us with feedback to help inform future programmes. As part of the handover phase, you will receive an information pack about the measure that has been installed and the installer will apply for the appropriate guarantees.
Health and Safety
Our contractors are required to ensure the safety of everyone on site at all times whether this be their employees, sub-contractors, residents, neighbours or general public. If you have any concerns, please notify the Energy Agency immediately.
Fire Safety
Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2016, there has been a lot of media coverage regarding fire safety and perhaps at times some confusing and conflicting information has been released into the public domain. Rest assured that all systems installed under these schemes meet the requirements of Building Regulations (Scotland) Act and all systems are tested and certified by the British Board of Agrement. We are happy to provide more information on this if required.
Energy Agency
The Energy Agency is a registered charity established in 1999. We provide free and impartial advice to households, businesses and communities in south west Scotland on:
The Energy Agency is a “data controller” and this document explains how we process your information.
We manage a number of schemes. Please read the scheme below that applies to you.
For all of the schemes we gather your personal information which may include name, address, telephone numbers, email address, date of birth, age, sex, employment status, tenure, benefits, income, savings bracket, bank details, fuel expenditure, fuel type, how you pay your energy bills, third party details, number of dependent children under 18, signature.
Please read below to find out what other information we may collect for each scheme.
*some data is shared anonymously
If we process your information based on your ‘Consent’, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawing your consent may mean that we cannot provide a service to you.
For the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland Area Based Schemes (HEEPS: ABS) we process your information based on ‘Contract’. You will enter into a contract with the Energy Agency in terms of which the Energy Agency will employ and manage a contractor on your behalf. Either party can withdraw from the contract with one months’ written notice.
If you apply for an Energy Agency loan for HEEPS:ABS we process your information based on ‘Contract’. This agreement is between the Energy Agency (lender) and householder (borrower). The agreement is a standard Fixed Sum Loan Agreement regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You have the right to withdraw under the terms of the above Act.
We take information security seriously and regularly review the systems, policies and procedures we have in place to protect your information and ensure these are implemented.
We will not process your information without your consent. If your data includes “special category data” we will not process this without your explicit consent.
Where we pass information on to a third party, we ensure that this is passed securely and that they have adequate security measures in place to store your data.
We do not share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes.
We will keep your information for:
Schemes – 7 years
Monitoring - 1 year
Financial - 7 years
You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. A request can be made verbally or in writing to Liz Marquis, Director, Energy Agency, Watson Peat Building, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5HW
Proof of identity must be established before we supply a copy of your personal information. We will respond to your request within one calendar month of receiving it.
If you are asking about information relating to another person, a relative for example, we need to be sure you have the authority to act on that person’s behalf. Normally this can be done through evidence of a ‘Power of Attorney’ or similar document.
You also have the right to ask us to rectify, erase, restrict, object or withdraw your consent to processing the personal information we hold about you. You can also ask us to provide data in a suitable format to transfer to another organisation – portability. If applicable, we will comply within one calendar month.
If you would like to make a complaint contact:
Information Commissioner's Office
45 Melville Street
Edinburgh, EH3 7HL
Tel: 0303 123 1115
www.ico.org.uk
Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet information and visitor behaviour information. This information is used to track visits to our website.
For further information visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org
Our website contains link to other websites. This Privacy Notice only applies to this website so when you link to other websites you should read their own Privacy Notices.
We regularly review our Privacy Notice to ensure it is up-to-date. This Notice was last updated on 31/8/20.
Energy Agency
Your use of the Energy Agency Web Site is subject to these terms and by using the Site you show your agreement to such terms. If you do not accept our terms, please do not use the Web Site.
Ownership of Web Site
This Web Site belongs to Energy Agency, Watson Peat Building, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5HW
Headings
Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.
Trademarks
The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Energy Agency or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Energy Agency and/or the relevant third parties. Nothing contained in this Web Site shall be deemed to confer on any person any license or right on the part of Energy Agency or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.
Alterations
Energy Agency reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to remove or cease to supply any product or service contained on this Web Site. In the event that such removal takes place we shall not be liable to you in any way whatsoever for such removal.
Phone Calls and Emails
Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Energy Agency at the email addresses accessible through, or discernible from, this Web Site may be recorded or monitored. By using such communication methods you are consenting to the recording or monitoring of the same.
Telephone charges
The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.
WEBSITE POLICIES
Commercial use
This Web Site is for non-commercial, personal use only. The services contained on this Web Site may be supplied on a commercial basis on payment to Energy Agency or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time. Please contact us on Tel: 01292 521896 | Email: energyagency@energyagency.org.uk
In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Energy Agency shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.
Copyright
The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Energy Agency or its licensed source. Any person may copy any part of this material, subject to the following conditions:
the material may not be used for commercial purposes;
the copies must retain any copyrights or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;
the products and technology or processes described in this Web Site may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Energy Agency or by other third parties with no license granted in respect of those intellectual property rights); images on this Web Site are protected by copyright as its text by IPR and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s).
Changes to Terms and Records of Agreements
We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time by posting changes on the Web Site. It is your responsibility to review the Web Site terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of the latest terms and conditions. Your use of this Web Site after a change has been posted will be deemed to signify your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions. We recommend that you print off and retain for your records a copy of these terms and conditions from time to time and a copy of any terms and conditions relating to any product or service which you apply for online, together with any related application form completed and submitted.
Any amendment to terms and conditions must be agreed in writing by us, or, if appropriate, by the relevant company or individual supplier with whom you contract.
Disclaimers
Whilst Energy Agency has taken due care and attention in the preparation of the contents of this Web Site, this Web Site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos, icons regarding or relating to Energy Agency or our products and services marketed on the site (or to third party products and services), are provided on an 'as is' basis without any representation or endorsement being made and without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.
To the extent permitted by law, all such terms and warranties are hereby excluded. In no event will Energy Agency be liable, whether in contract or tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any losses sustained and arising out of or in connection with use of this Web Site including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data or loss of goodwill (in all these cases whether direct or indirect) nor any indirect, economic, consequential or special loss.
Energy Agency does not represent that the information contained in this Web Site is accurate, comprehensive, verified or complete, and shall accept no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Web Site or for any reliance placed by any person on the information.
Energy Agency does not warrant that the functions or materials accessible from or contained in this Web Site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that this Web Site or the server that makes it available are virus or bug free or represent the full functionality, accuracy, reliability of the materials.
If any of these Terms and Conditions (or any terms and conditions relating to a product or service referred to in this Web Site) should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which such terms and conditions are intended to be effective, then to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and in relation to such state or country only, such terms or condition shall be deleted and severed from the rest of the relevant terms and conditions and the remaining terms and conditions shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Energy Agency's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Energy Agency.
Intellectual Property Rights
All Intellectual Property Rights (including, without limitation, all database rights, rights in designs, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction) in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or to this Web Site belong to Energy Agency or its licensed source. All rights of Energy Agency in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.
Jurisdiction and Law
Energy Agency makes no representation that any product or service referred to on or through the Web Site is appropriate for use, or available in other locations. The information and other materials contained in this Web Site may not satisfy the laws of any other country and those who choose to access this Site from other locations are responsible for compliance with local laws if and to the extent local laws are applicable.
These Terms and Conditions and any terms and conditions relating to products or services described in this Web Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland. Disputes arising in relation to the same shall, unless otherwise expressly agreed, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.
Links to other Web Sites
Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Energy Agency. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Energy Agency Web Site by opening a new window and we have no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of the material on any such other Web Site. By allowing links with third party Web Sites Energy Agency does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.
Force Majeure
Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Energy Agency or to such variation as we may find necessary as a result of inability to secure labour, materials or supplies or as a result of any act of God, War, Strike, Lockout or other labour dispute, Fire, Flood, Drought, Legislation, or other cause (whether of the foregoing class or not) beyond the sellers control.
Energy Agency
We have tried to make this website as accessible as possible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of circumstance or ability.
All our page templates comply with the WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints as a minimum requirement. And we make every effort to ensure that all the content on our site meets this standard too. We are making every effort to ensure that we don't exclude any users. For example:
We try to publish all our text content as accessible HTML rather than in other formats such as PDF. Where we do publish PDFs or other formats our policy is to make them as accessible as we can.
