Windowsills in council properties across the borough will be fitted with Thermocill , an eco-friendly device designed to enable a room to heat up quicker and , at the same time , reduce energy use . News about the introduction comes as forward-thinking Wigan Council celebrates its first Go Green Fest in the run up to UN climate change conference COP26 .

The device , which is independently verified by the Energy Saving Trust , is set to be installed in 2,000 homes every year and will assist the forward-thinking council in reaching its goal to be net carbon neutral by 2035 .

Wigan Council has taken delivery of its first batch of the innovative product from Thermocill Limited , based in Altrincham , and said the benefits made it a “ no-brainer ”.

Paul Barton , director of environment at Wigan Council , said : “ It was important for us to find a solution that would help us work towards our carbon reduction targets , while also bringing benefits to our tenants .

“ Thermocill was a really good fit for us and our tenants , bringing the potential to reduce a tenant ’ s heating bill by 8 %, which is significant given the pending rises in energy costs .

“ There are huge benefits to the fabric of the property , the environment and the individual tenant so we feel it ’ s a no-brainer for us .”

About 2,000 of Wigan Council ’ s 22,000 houses become vacant every year . Thermocill , which is made from recycled materials , will be fitted in these properties

as part of usual refurbishment work carried out before new tenants move in .

The device , which is passive , requiring no input from the householder , is fitted beneath any windowsill located above a radiator and designed to create a wall of warm air in front of the window .

The wall of warm air created by the Thermocill reduces both the amount of cold air entering the house and the amount of warm air leaking out via the windows , warming up a room 19 % quicker . Reducing condensation and moisture on windows means less damp and improved air quality , safeguarding the health

of residents and protecting the condition of the property .

Thermocill is working with Wigan Council to train its inhouse teams in fitting the device , which will be installed in every window situated above a radiator . The council is also exploring a link-up with Wigan and Leigh College to potentially incorporate the training into its existing apprenticeships .

Mr Barton said : “ The many benefits of Thermocill , the fact that it is made of recycled materials and the lack of disruption to the tenant when balanced with the affordability of the product really impressed us . Although we are starting with 2,000 homes in the first year , we ’ d like to see it installed in every one of our properties – that ’ s our aspiration .

“ We ’ re a very pro-active council that has prioritised addressing the effects of climate change and

Thermocill is a welcome boost to us ultimately achieving our targets .”

Keith Rimmer , inventor , founder and chief executive of Thermocill , said the partnership with Wigan Council was a key step in Thermocill ’ s journey and a recognition of the benefits .

Thermocill is scientifically proven by the scientists and engineers at Salford Energy House and University of Manchester .

He said : “ We are delighted to announce our work with Wigan Council , which will see thousands of people benefit from warmer homes for lower energy costs . We have worked closely with the council to deliver this landmark order , which will contribute to the Wigan borough fulfilling its climate change strategy .

“ We are now interested in linking up with other councils to help them explore the benefits of installing Thermocill in their properties .”

Wigan Council ’ s Go Green Fest , also took place 11-15 October ; an online festival highlighting the council ’ s progress and actions taken by businesses and residents across the Borough to help tackle climate change .

www . thermocill . com