West Yorkshire homes to benefit from energy efficiency improvements

A housing association has secured nearly £400k in funding to make energy efficiency improvements to 31 homes across West Yorkshire.

Stonewater, in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has been awarded £310k from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) to carry out external and internal insulation works needed to bring the homes up to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating C.

The total cost of the work will come to £638k, with Stonewater also securing funding to cover the costs for the project management and PAS 2035 compliance – the retrofit standards framework introduced following the recommendations of the Each Home Counts review – of energy efficiency standards for this type of work.

News of Stonewater’s successful bid to the SHDF follows its announcement of the appointments of Adam Masters as its new Assistant Director of Environment and Sustainability to oversee the provider’s environmental strategy.

On the funding announcement, Adam said: “We’re really pleased to have secured this funding in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to improve the energy efficiency of homes in Calderdale and Kirklees.

“A core focus for us, especially given the current climate, is exploring how we can further reduce the running cost of our homes for our customers, allowing them to sustain their tenancies more easily. This, in conjunction with the cost-of-living worsening.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Tackling the climate emergency gives us an opportunity to invest in projects which really make a difference to peoples’ lives. 

“It’s vital that we ensure no one is left behind in the transition to a net zero economy and that all communities feel the benefit. 

“Improving energy efficiency in homes will not only help our region lower its carbon emissions, but it will also enable people to save money on their ever-increasing bills, tackle fuel poverty and create new skilled jobs.” 

The council-led bid was among 69 projects nationally to secure funds from the £179m made available in the first wave of the SHDF. Overall, the government has allocated £800m to a three-year investment in the decarbonisation of buildings.