Brightwell cum Sotwell Environment Group THERMAL IMAGING STUDY

 

The Environment Group's meeting on "Sustainable Energy for the Home" by Ian Bacon of Thames Valley Energy, in April 2007 created interest in mounting a village project which would raise awareness about climate change and help to alleviate it. Improving home energy efficiency appeared to be the most effective proposition, based on the proposal to use a thermal imaging camera to identify where homes could be losing heat.

  In November 2007 a "Thermal Imaging Proposal" was made to the South Oxfordshire District Council for the purchase of a suitable camera, coupled with an operational programme for its use amongst the 600 or so houses in the village. Following trials of several types of camera, SODC purchased one of them and supporting software which was delivered on 3 January 2008 for loan to the Group. Six members of the Group were trained to use it and three mounted the imaging software on their home computers.

  Since the second week in January a Pilot Phase of the study has been underway. Several hundred images have been captured from nearly 50 village dwellings of different ages and types together with the primary school and a survey form has been completed for each building to record information on its walls, windows and roof, their insulation and other details. This imaging has been undertaken from dusk when there is at least a 10 degrees difference between inside and outside temperatures. Because of the variety of methods of construction, differences in age, materials used and other factors, interpretation of the images requires considerable thought.

  Each householder is to be given a report on his or her property containing pictures from the camera to show where heat is being lost, where insulation may be improved and a possible explanation of the findings. They will also receive a "Brief Guide to Energy Saving" which sets out practical steps to take to save energy and reduce household costs.

 

With the permission of each householder surveyed, a public display of the results of the Pilot Phase will be made in the Village Hall in March and reactions gathered to the results of the Pilot Phase. The interpretation of the images of the school is to be made at the school's Ecoday on 29 February.

  From an appreciation of the results of the Pilot Phase, the next phase of the study is planned to be launched in November when many more village properties will be imaged.

  Contact John Rodda: jandarodda@waitrose.com