South Lanarkshire Council has launched a new Energy and Retrofit Support service to help residents make their homes warmer, more energy-efficient and affordable to run, while supporting the transition to net zero.
The innovative end-to-end service is delivered in partnership with social enterprise Changeworks, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
As a place-based pilot, Energy and Retrofit Support will ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to net zero. Polling from Changeworks shows that 71%* of people in South Lanarkshire support sustainable home energy, such as solar panels and heat pumps, but many face barriers to making changes.
The service is designed to help residents overcome those barriers with free, trusted advice and practical support. Energy and Retrofit Support incorporates different resources for residents to use; the Green Energy Helpline, an advice line from Changeworks; access to an online retrofit planning tool, myEcoCosi; as well as a schedule of events across the area.
By calling the Green Energy Helpline from Changeworks, South Lanarkshire residents can access advice on energy use, home retrofit, and sustainable technologies. For households struggling with energy bills, the service provides expert guidance on cutting costs, managing energy debt and keeping homes affordably warm.
The service also supports those looking to invest in long-term improvements.
Residents can use Changeworks’ myEcoCosi – a free online planning tool – to explore personalised retrofit options, costs and savings, and then progress to EcoCosi, a tailored service for delivering home upgrades. This means every resident, whatever their circumstances, can get the support they need for a more comfortable and sustainable home.
As part of the pilot, Changeworks will work in partnership with Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) to strengthen local supply chain capacity.
Trade workshops and engagement events will bring installers, suppliers and contractors together to build the skills, knowledge and networks needed to deliver retrofit at scale. Having a trusted, well-prepared local supply chain is vital to ensuring residents can access the improvements they want and need.
Councillor Davie McLachlan, Chair of Housing and Technical Resources at the Council, said: “We are delighted to launch this service with Changeworks, which can help people across South Lanarkshire to save money on energy bills, improve comfort, and reduce carbon emissions. By working closely with Changeworks and community partners, we’ll provide trusted, accessible support for every household, whatever their circumstances.”
Liam Kidd, Service Manager at Changeworks said, “Our Green Energy Helpline is at the heart of this Energy and Retrofit Support service. From first contact, our expert advisors guide residents through the right pathway for their needs – whether that’s funding support, energy-saving advice, or a full home retrofit plan. We’re here to make energy efficiency simple and achievable for everyone.”
Residents will be able to meet the team at upcoming community events across Clydesdale, Cambuslang & Rutherglen, East Kilbride Area and Hamilton Area. Changeworks will deliver locally focused, accessible, and effective support to ensure every resident can benefit from the service.
If you live in South Lanarkshire and would like to improve your home’s energy efficiency or need support to manage your home energy, call the Green Energy Helpline today on 0800 008 7766.
