Retrofit scheme targets Durham households

A County Durham housing retrofit programme is set to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions in dozens of homes following a new Government-backed investment.

Up to 140 properties across the county will receive energy efficiency upgrades after Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction was appointed to deliver a £2 million retrofit project funded through Durham County Council and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Delivered over the next three years, the Warmer Homes project will focus on owner-occupied and private rented homes that are off the gas grid. 

Each property will receive a tailored package of improvements designed to boost comfort, reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.

Works are being procured through the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) and will include measures such as improved ventilation, loft and cavity wall insulation, air source heat pumps, smart heating controls and photovoltaic panels. 

Retrofit assessments, design and coordination are being carried out by Storm Tempest to help bring homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate C rating.

Lisa Stafford, head of retrofit solutions at Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Durham County Council through the Warmer Homes:Local Government Grant scheme. 

“Building on the success of our previous retrofit projects, Esh remains committed to helping residents benefit from warmer and more comfortable homes. 

“By taking a fabric first approach and introducing the latest low carbon technologies, we are supporting the council’s drive to decarbonise housing and improve living standards for communities in the region.”

The scheme, which builds on earlier Home Upgrade Grant programmes, with Esh having completed upgrades to 21 homes in County Durham during 2024, prioritises households in more deprived areas, particularly those with low energy performance ratings or incomes below £36,000, as well as residents receiving means-tested benefits.

Demand for the scheme is expected to be high, with the council exploring alternative funding routes for households that are not successful in the initial allocation.

Councillor Nicola Lyons, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, added: “We want all County Durham residents to live in warm, safe and comfortable homes and are committed to doing as much as we can to ensure people have access to good quality housing. 

“Whether that be delivering new council homes or schemes such as this, which support people to upgrade their homes.

“Securing this funding from the Warmer Homes initiative will allow up to 140 eligible households to benefit from improvements that will not only make their homes more comfortable but will save them money on their energy bills.”

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