CURO, the Bath-based housing association, has recently completed its first energy-saving upgrade project.
Twenty-two homes in Compton Dando and Pensford have been fitted with solar panels, new heating systems, improved insulation and new windows and doors, making them more sustainable and cheaper to run for residents.
The homes had been rated as EPC D, but are now all either EPC A or B, making them among Curo’s most energy-efficient homes.
The improvements mean that the homes will emit much less carbon – around 96,200 kg less a year. That’s the equivalent amount of carbon produced by driving around the world more than 10 times, or leaving a 100W light bulb turned on for 275 years.
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Curo’s Director of Procurement and Asset Management, Matt Steele, said: “We’ve undertaken a whole raft of improvements to improve the energy efficiency of these properties. Programs of work like this are really important to Curo. There is a climate crisis, and this will help reduce our CO2 emissions. It also means that our customers will benefit from reduced fuel bills, and have warmer, more comfortable homes.”
Curo customers are already seeing the benefits. “Our home feels warmer, and our bills have halved,” said Fairy Hill resident Michael Parsons.
“It’s brilliant that we have got warmer, cheaper homes,” added neighbour Elizabeth Hutchinson.
The project was funded by a £250,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), matched by £250,000 from Curo.
West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “It’s fantastic to see Curo retrofitting homes in Compton Dando and Pensford. These improvements will reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for residents, making their homes more comfortable and cheaper to run. This initiative is a great example of how, at the West of England, we are working with partner organisations and leading the charge on net zero.
“We are proud to have collaborated with Curo on an exciting retrofit project. This initiative introduced several renewable and building fabric measures that have significantly enhanced property efficiency and positively impacted residents' lives. This Compton Dando project marks the beginning of our ongoing partnership with Curo, with further retrofit projects planned for 2024/25.”
Work is already underway on Curo’s second retrofit project, which will see improvements to 77 properties in and around Bath and Bristol. This is part of Curo’s commitment to ensure all its homes are EPC C or above by 2030.