A partnership scheme between Age Concern Isle of Man and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has won an international gold-category environmental award. The Energy Doctor scheme delivered by Age Concern Isle of Man and funded by the Isle of Man Government’s Energy Initiative Capital Fund is this year’s only Isle of Man recipient of a Green Apple award from the Green Organisation, an independent environmental group that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice. The scheme has also been recognised locally, with DEFA receiving an Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence finalist’s award for corporate social responsibility, sponsored by Thomas Miller. Based on the Green Doctor project in Leicester launched in 2002 to reduce domestic energy costs, the Energy Doctor initiative began in 2009 and is a free service offering practical energy conservation advice to consumers, in particular to those more vulnerable households who may be at risk of falling into fuel poverty. Additionally the Energy Doctor helps reduce households’ energy costs and carbon emissions by providing basic energy efficiency improvements free of charge such as low-energy light bulbs and radiator reflector panels. DEFA director of environment Martin Hall said: ‘Not only does the Energy Doctor home consultation service identify potential energy savings for consumers, but also as fuel prices rise, the energy conservation advice has the potential to generate year-on-year benefits. Equally important is the social and community value of those consultations. Time spent with some customers - when the Energy Doctor explains and demonstrates what householders themselves can do to stop wasting energy - can be as valuable as the potential cost savings. One unforeseen benefit has been that through making these visits there have been occasions when the Energy Doctor has been able to identify vulnerable, often elderly, people whose circumstances have been revealed to require the intervention of other government and/or third sector agencies. ‘In summary the Energy Doctor Scheme ticks all the corporate social responsibility “boxes” and I am delighted that this partnership with such a trusted local body as Age Concern Isle of Man has been recognised internationally and at home.’ Age Concern Isle of Man chief executive George Quayle said: ‘Many elderly people have very real fears about how they’re going to be able to afford to heat their homes. We’re therefore pleased to be working in partnership with government and through consultation with the MEA to allay those fears, offer practical solutions for helping reduce fuel bills and minimise the number of vulnerable people who may be facing fuel poverty. ‘To have received an international award for a scheme launched a little under two years ago is a major achievement and a tribute not only to the strength of this partnership but also to the tremendous work of our Energy Doctor, Gary Stevens who, in March 2010, received a special commendation in the Energy Champions Awards from the then Department of Trade and Industry.’ A home consultation from the Energy Doctor includes an energy rating assessment, practical advice and providing households with four energy-saving light bulbs. To date Energy Doctor Gary Stevens has completed 530 visits, covered around 11,000 miles in the Energy Doctor van, given away more than 2000 low-energy bulbs and identified potential annual savings of ?385,000. Energy Doctor visits can be arranged through Age Concern and are available to any householder in private, private rented or public sector accommodation. Priority is given to the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, low-income households and single parent families. For more details, telephone 613044, email energydoctor@ageconcerniom.com or call in to Age Concern Isle of Man, 19 Drinkwater Street, Douglas. www.ageconcerniom.com Ends