Developed to improve the energy efficiency of up to 60,000 households across Birmingham, together with schools and other council properties, BES is set to make a huge difference to peoples' lives by making heating more affordable.
As the first large scale example of a local authority delivering the Government's Green Deal it will also act as pathfinder for others.
BES will offer a range of efficiency measures, such as insulation and new boilers - and crucially the funding arrangements will make the work affordable and accessible to all.
In partnership with Citysave and other local community groups its will also channel help specifically to vulnerable households who may be struggling with rising energy bills.
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Commenting on the scheme Cllr James McKay, Cabinet Member for a Green, Safe and Smart city at Birmingham City Council, said: "This programme represents a major milestone in Birmingham's green ambitions, and demonstrates that the social justice and environmental agendas go hand-in-hand with each other.
"There are not many times when what we do helps change the world but this is one of them.
"It will reduce energy bills for citizens by up to £300 per year - taking up to 40,000 people out of fuel poverty by 2015 - create jobs in the technology supply chain and ensure that there are less carbon emissions from the city."
Roy Wallington, from Carillion added: "We are extremely enthusiastic about working in partnership with Citysave to promote BES and the opportunities from Green Deal. Their expertise at helping vulnerable households at a street, neighbourhood and community level has many crossovers with the aims of BES, especially around helping tackle the plight of fuel poverty.
"We can also look to support specific initiatives with Citysave such as their 'Jam Jar' accounts to make budgeting easier and more affordable. This really is just the start and we look forward to a strong relationship with Citysave going forward that will help those in Birmingham with the most need."
(CD/GK)
