Member Article

Region gets thermal energy boost

The regions status as an eco-friendly area has taken a boost from a project to improve thermal efficient in over 300 homes.

South Tyneside Homes and Homes for Northumberland have joined forces with the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) to make energy improvements to homes in Blyth, Jarrow and South Shields.

Over 80 small and medium enterprises in the North East are also due to benefit from the scheme, and will be provided with European Union funding to help expand or diversify their business in recognition of the growing demand for low carbon and renewable products.

Mark Pearson, Energy and Environment Manager at One North East said: “The European Regional Development Fund supported project is one of many backed by the Agency over the years to support the development and delivery of low carbon technologies.

“This project is unique and will undoubtedly attract interest for the North East. We are the first region in the country to take on such an ambitious project, giving our construction and installation sector a competitive advantage which will be beneficial in the short, medium and long term.”

It is hoped that this project will make an enormous difference to local authorities and social housing providers to help make a difference to the build environment, and address the issue of fuel poverty for the vulnerable.

Ray Boycott, managing director at Homes for Northumberland, which manages and maintains the Council’s housing stock said: “Securing this funding will make a real difference for a number of the councils tenants to make their homes more energy efficient, and will allow them to monitor the electricity usage in their home.

“This will help tenants to cut their fuel bills while making a positive contribution to the environment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .