Efficiency drive upgrades hundreds of homes

Hundreds of homes across Northumberland and County Durham have been made more energy efficient thanks to a multi-million-pound investment from a North East-based housing association.

Karbon Homes has completed upgrades to 218 properties through a £3.6 million energy improvement programme, supported by the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. 

Delivered in partnership with RE:GEN North East, the works included insulation, roof replacements and solar PV panel installations, making homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Sarah Robson, executive director of development and asset management at Karbon Homes, said: “This is the largest energy improvement programme we have carried out to date, which has significantly improved the efficiency of some of our lowest performing homes, bringing them up from an EPC D & E to a minimum of EPC C. 

“As well as lowering the carbon footprint of the properties, it’s fantastic to hear such positive feedback from residents on what a difference the works have made to them. 

“Lowering bills, improving the comfort of their homes and boosting their pride in where they live, to name a few. 

“We look forward to delivering more programmes like this for more customers across our geography.” 

Jonathan Horner, managing director for RE:GEN North East, added: “It’s been fantastic to work with Karbon on this project—an organisation that shares our commitment to customer care. 

“Hearing such positive feedback from customers is always rewarding; after all, that’s what it’s all about.  

“Ongoing engagement with residents throughout the works played a key role in the programme’s overall success. 

“We’re proud to be the partner of choice for decarbonisation projects like this and look forward to improving many more homes with the Karbon team in the future.” 

With the 2023/24 phase now complete, Karbon is preparing to extend the programme further.

 The housing association has secured an additional £1.8 million as part of a regional consortium led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, under the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

This will contribute to Karbon investing close to £13 million on improving nearly 1000 homes over the next three years, targeting those with the lowest energy performance ratings.

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