HOUSEHOLDERS in Kirklees will be the first to benefit from an innovative eco-homes project cutting domestic fuel bills and carbon emissions.
The Big Energy Upgrade has been launched by MP Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
The scheme’s aims are to take a ‘whole house’ approach to energy conservation in Yorkshire – installing low carbon measures all over the home. And the project will be lead by Kirklees Council.
People in Golcar, Chickenley and Eightlands in Dewsbury are set to benefit from an eco revamp in their homes – with Chris Huhne claiming he is targeting “disadvantaged communities”.
Investment in the programme will be £14.9m – with £7m coming from the European Regional Development Fund.
Kirklees Clr Peter McBride, cabinet member for investment and housing, said: “I’m delighted that people in our region will be the first in the country to benefit from a scheme like this. We are looking forward to working with other local authorities and partners to make a real difference to people’s lives and reduce the impact we’re having on the environment.”
The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions of in excess of 200,000 lifetime tonnes of carbon, saving over 7,000 householders money on their energy bills and alleviating fuel poverty.
Energy saving measures to be offered include innovative combinations of solid wall insulation, solar thermal panels, boiler upgrades toefficient condensing boilers, fuel switching to gas and loft insulation.
The project will run until March 2014.
The launch event took place at the University of Sheffield last week with a key note address from Chris Huhne.
“Energy efficiency is a no brainer because it makes homes warmer and cheaper to run,” he said.
The Big Energy Upgrade partnership is led by Kirklees Council and includes six local authorities, four housing organisations and landlords across Yorkshire.
