Brighouse energy saving experts and Eco roof specialists, Ploughcroft, has completed one of Calderdale’s first Green Deal projects.

The firm has finished an internal solid wall insulation project in Northowram, Halifax.

The £10,000 project saw Ploughcroft install internal wall insulation, to significantly improve the thermal efficiency of a two bedroom apartment at Sinderhill Court in Northowram, Halifax.

Formerly known as Northowram Old Hall, the Grade II listed stone property which dates back to 1297, was converted into apartments several years ago. Due to its solid stone wall construction, the apartment suffered from significant heat loss.

To improve the apartment’s energy efficiency, the owners applied for the Green Deal, an innovative financing mechanism that lets people pay for energy-efficiency improvements through savings on their energy bills.

Following a Green Deal Assessment, Ploughcroft spent just two weeks installing Knauf Thermoshell Internal Insulation system to all external facing walls. Quick and easy to fit, the stud wall system filled in with mineral wool fibre, delivers a high level of thermal performance.

The home-owners will soon see a saving of approximately £499 a year on their energy bills plus a reduction in carbon emissions. Furthermore, the system enables comfortable room temperatures to be achieved quickly and retained.

Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins, who advises the Government on its Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, is a member of the Government’s Green Construction Board and is a qualified Green Deal Advisor and Assessor.

He said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of our first Green Deal project. It marks a significant stage in our plans to grow the business in a new direction.

“Britain’s housing stock includes some of the least efficient buildings in the world, resulting in home owners often facing high energy bills.

“Thanks to its heritage, Calderdale has a large number of solid stone built properties, which would benefit hugely in terms of energy saving and improved thermal efficiency.

“We plan to build on our solid reputation within the region as green energy experts and providers. In fact, we have just secured a large Green Deal project on a farm in Hebden Bridge, which will be self-funding in four years.”

Mr Hopkins started Ploughcroft Building Services Ltd in 1997 as a roofing firm.

Since then he turned it into one of the UK’s biggest names in renewable energy – with a string of awards to its name and high profile backing from the Dragons.

As green issues became more pressing, Ploughcroft introduced solar panel installation training to its roofing college and in 2007 designed the UK’s only NVQ in solar roofing.

In 2008, when the recession hit, Ploughcroft was turning over £1.9m, but made losses of £200,000 as it felt the impact of the downturn on the construction industry.

Mr Hopkins told the Examiner previously that he went without a wage for six months in 2009 to keep the business ticking over and in 2010 his firm made profits of £750,000.

By 2011 Ploughcroft had established itself as a reputable training centre and options to grow the business varied, from setting it up as a Plc to facing the Dragon’s Den.

Chris took to the floor in front of the BBC2 TV show panel in August, 2011, to seek investment from the Dragons.

It catapulted Ploughcroft on to the national stage and secured the backing of Dragons Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden.