Andrew Ellis

Home Energy Conservation Officer, Harrogate Borough Council

Stoking solid fuel boilers or using expensive storage heaters became a thing of the past for council residents as eight old peoples' bungalows in Copt Hewick (a village with no gas supply) were the first to be provided with ground source heat pumps (GSHPs); sourcing heat from underground saw bills go down and homes become warmer. Andrew has pioneered the use of GSHPs in council homes, working with colleagues and supported by industry funding partners. This groundbreaking scheme resulted in 35-50% running cost reductions and the initial properties reduced CO2 emissions by 25.6 tonnes pa, a 64% reduction. Andrew's determination to see more properties provided with this green/cheaper energy has seen him attract external funding, including Government grant, to support his council's contribution to fit GSHPs in a further 85 properties. Andrew's achievements have been recognised and his peers have sought him out; he has held learning days for government, council and industry representatives from all over the country.