Carmarthenshire council has said it plans to drive forward its plans for affordable housing as part of its housing decarbonisation agenda.

It comes as the local authority launched a new campaign Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr to coincide with COP26 – a global summit for climate action - which shines a spotlight on efforts being made to become completely carbon neutral.

This includes the installation of high levels of fabric insulation that help minimise heat loss from homes. It also includes the installation of renewable technology including solar panels, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and battery storage.

The Council has adopted this approach in all its new build developments including homes that will be available soon in Ammanford, Llandybie, Burry Port, Llanelli and Pembrey.

All these measures help lower energy bills for tenants and create homes that can produce and store their own electricity.

Work is also underway on a retro-fit programme for seven empty properties which will undergo a range of energy measures that will reduce carbon emissions. These include high levels of thermal insulation, triple glazed windows, solar PV with battery storage, MVHR, LED lighting and hybrid or air source heat pumps.

Cllr Ann Davies, Cabinet Member for climate change said building new energy-efficient homes and transforming existing buildings plays a significant part in the authority’s efforts to tackle climate change.

Adding: “We have to look at our whole approach, so supporting out tenants to live sustainably forms a massive part of our net carbon zero agenda. As well as helping them live in eco-friendly homes, we are making their homes warmer and more comfortable, and cheaper to run by reducing their energy use and therefore their bills.

“We have achieved so much already but recognise that we have much more to do – that’s why we have launched Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr to galvanise our efforts and ensure everyone plays a part in helping us achieve net carbon zero.”

Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr shines a spotlight on every effort that continues to be made as Carmarthenshire County Council works towards being completely carbon neutral by 2030.

It hopes to inspire and encourage everyone to play their part in tackling climate change by reducing Carmarthenshire’s carbon footprint, involving thousands of council staff, local schoolchildren, businesses and residents. It calls on people to make changes, share ideas, and start conversations at home, in shops and offices, in classrooms and on social media to encourage everyone to work together to tackle climate change.

Play a part in reducing Carmarthenshire’s carbon footprint by getting involved with Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr - find out what the council is doing, and ideas for what you can do by visiting www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/ProsiectZeroSirGar