Anchor has upgraded the energy performance of 23 properties in Durham after securing funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
Working in partnership with framework contractors Equans, the upgrade follows a successful bid for SHDF funding that Anchor – England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life – submitted as part of the Greener Futures Partnership, a group of like-minded housing associations who have come together to tackle the long-term decarbonisation challenge.
Anchor secured £2.2 million of funding to deliver energy efficiency works to 341 homes that are below an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C, with homes in Hawkshead Court in Newton Aycliffe, Durham one of the first to benefit.
Anchor and Equans completed retrofit assessment surveys to all properties, with works getting underway in January. One of the measures that took place was to replace old storage heaters with new Elnur high heat retention storage heaters, which offer residents much more control of their heating without compromising on warmth and affordability.
Liz Davenport, property sustainability director at Anchor, said: “As part of Anchor’s long term sustainability strategy and in line with Government targets, we need to ensure all our rented properties reach an Energy Performance Certificate of C or above by 2030 whilst also ensuring residents’ homes are comfortable and affordable to live.
“This programme of works plays a key role in delivering on these aims and supporting our longer-term net zero carbon target by reducing carbon emissions.
“We are taking a ‘fabric first’ approach which means making homes more energy efficient by improving the fabric of the building including measures such as windows, wall, and loft insulation, followed by making improvement inside the home with upgrades to heating systems and installing low energy lighting.”
Tim Wood, director of sustainability & innovation at Equans, said: “Equans is committed to making a net zero future happen for our clients across the country. By working closely with Anchor, we’re enabling them to make lasting, positive, change to the carbon footprint of their housing stock, starting with Hawkshead Court in Newton Aycliffe.
“The benefits aren’t just at a corporate level, and it’s rewarding for us to see residents are already benefiting from the works we’ve carried out in their homes. Hopefully, they’ll be feeling the benefits of improved energy efficiency and newer technology.”
