08 June 2011
Residents of just over 280 houses at Middlesbrough’s Easterside housing estate are now cosying up in warmer homes thanks to a free insulation project delivered by Middlesbrough Environment City and funded by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
This insulation was project managed by tadea as part of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge Fund awarded to Easterside.
Eco-Easterside originally commissioned the work to insulate 200 homes, but tadea were able to help residents from another 82 homes benefit from the scheme without the need for any further investments. This has helped the community make another leap towards achieving its carbon reduction ambitions.
As a joint partnership project between Middlesbrough Council, Middlesbrough Environment City and the local community, Eco-Easterside was set up to tackle the effects of climate change. They deliver an integrated package of carbon saving activities.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from existing housing stock and public buildings is one of a number of key results the community is seeking to achieve. Assistance had previously been given to residents in receipt of benefits or over the age of 70. However, this latest phase is designed to cover properties where the residents are in fuel poverty, but because they are not in receipt of benefits, fall outside the previous scheme eligibility criteria.
Dr Mark Fishpool, Director of Middlesbrough Environment City, said: “We know that many homes in Middlesbrough suffer from fuel poverty, but price can be a real barrier to carrying out energy efficiency work.
The Eco-Easterside project is all about involving communities in the carbon reduction process, the 282 homes that have had insulation installed are a great example of residents benefitting from the ambitious Eco Easterside renewable energy and energy saving programme.”
Installing cavity wall insulation can typically save residents of an average three-bedroom semi-detached property warmer around £110 per year on fuel bills. A further saving of around £140 per year could be made by insulating the loft too.
Paul Jackson, CEO of tadea and a former Easterside resident, said: “It is a delight that tadea have played a role with the partners in the scheme to exceed expectations, without the need for more money.
This is a great example of real community benefit and positive action. We look forward to using the learning and partnerships we develop to do the same or more elsewhere.”