A SCHEME increasing awareness of domestic energy use has been launched in Backwell following a �40,000 cash award.

Environmental group, Sustainable Backwell, received the money after successfully bidding for a chunk of the �10million Government initiative, the Local Energy Assessment Fund (LEAF), set up to encourage 200 communities to look at energy issues and opportunities in their area.

Sustainable Backwell, in partnership with local charity The Converging World, is organising a series of events in March, including a household survey, a roadshow giving tips on insulation and economy advice, a Big Green Energy Day and an open doors event looking at reduction measures and renewable energy, called Green Doors.

About 100 residents will be sought to participate in the poll, recording usage and energy saving features employed in each, with some going on to receive professional advice on cost-effective improvements and how to access Government grants.

Sustainable Backwell’s LEAF project manager, Chris Richards, said: “We’ve had fantastic interest and support from the community.

“With rising fuel prices and environmental concerns we really want residents to think about energy in their homes.

“The village has a strong sense of community and we aim to tap into this to spread the word about energy over the next eight weeks of the project.”

The information gathered locally will be used to create a national picture of energy usage and potential for green schemes.