Durham County Council is improving the energy efficiency of more than 1,000 homes across the county as part of its commitment to work with partners and communities to achieve a carbon neutral County Durham by 2045.

External wall insulation improvements have been carried out at 500 homes in Chilton, New Kyo, South Moor, Coundon Grange and Dean Bank, and a further 500 new renewable heating systems and other measures have been installed across County Durham.

As well as saving homeowners an average of £250 a year on their energy bills, the measures will reduce carbon emissions by 25 per cent and contribute to the county's quest to become carbon neutral by 2045.

The works have been delivered as part of Durham County Council’s Towns and Villages programme, which is enhancing the vibrancy of County Durham communities.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: "These improvements will not only save residents money but will reduce carbon emissions, which is something we take very seriously.

"The project also reflects our commitment to place-based regeneration through our Towns and Villages programme and housing strategy. Good quality, energy efficient homes play a crucial role in eliminating fuel poverty and will help to ensure the vibrancy of our communities both now and in the future."

Lord Callanan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Business, Energy and Corporate Responsibility), visited some of the first people to benefit from the multi-million-pound scheme in June 2021.

Lord Callanan said: "With more than £10 million of Government investment in County Durham, we are ensuring households across the area feel the long-term benefits of greener, cheaper, energy efficient homes, as well as the creation of permanent green jobs across the North East."

The project has been made possible thanks to grants from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) Local Authority Delivery Plan and North East Energy Hub. Durham County Council also committed £850,000 from its Towns and Villages Fund, and a further £750,000 was received from the Warm Homes Fund and Chilton Community Energy Company.

Read more about Durham County Council’s work to tackle climate change.

Durham County Council is just one of hundreds of organisations helping the North East reach its net zero targets and make a difference on a global scale. 

If you’ve a story to share or would like to find out more how you can start your decarbonisation journey, please email [email protected].