A green home improvement scheme will benefit people in at least 21 communities in Wales with £30 million in funding in its first year, Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced.

The arbed scheme, which means "save" in Welsh, will upgrade the energy efficiency of existing housing stock in some of the most deprived parts of the country and also provide a boost to jobs, skills and regeneration. The £30 million funding is for projects that have been successful in the first round of the scheme.

The Welsh Assembly Government energy efficiency and job creation scheme will:

• Improve energy efficiency in 6,000 homes by March 2011 not only saving people money but also lowering carbon emissions in our continuing commitment to tackle climate change
• Kick-start the economy by providing contracts to local companies and boosting an energy efficiency and renewable energy industry in Wales
• Create new green jobs and training opportunities – companies who are successful in bidding for work through Arbed funding are contracted to employ locally and deliver 156 training days for every £1million of Government funding
• Enable small and medium size businesses and contractors to gain extra qualifications where needed
• The ground-breaking approach to greening homes and setting up a new, coordinated sustainable supply chain will deliver economic, educational, social and renewable energy benefits for Wales

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Speaking in the village of Markham in Caerphilly, in Wales' Heads of the Valleys Low Carbon Zone, where work fitting solar panels and external wall insulation has started Ms Davidson said: "Wales is leading the way in the UK with this innovative scheme that focuses on energy efficiency. But it is truly sustainable because we will be reducing fuel costs and helping those most in need who are in fuel poverty, and making local job creation and training a key part of the schemes.

"At the start of Sustainability Week this shows how the Assembly Government can coordinate energy efficiency, economic and social action to have a real impact on people's lives.

"I am committed to tackling climate change and arbed demonstrates the Assembly Government's commitment to take practical action to help Welsh residents. Climate change is the biggest threat facing the world and making homes more energy efficient will reduce Wales' carbon footprint as the direct and indirect consumption of energy from buildings generates approximately 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK. It will also help Wales to meet its target of 3% annual reductions in emissions from 2011 onwards."

(CD/GK)