Energy-Saving Retrofit Project Leads the Charge on Net Zero

BATH-BASED housing association Curo has completed its first energy-saving retrofit 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 improvements mean that the homes will emit much less carbon – around 96,200kg less a year. That’s the equivalent amount of carbon produced by driving around the world more than 10 times, or leaving a 100W lightbulb turned on for 275 years.

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.”

Energy-Saving Retrofit Project

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 in Compton Dando, North East Somerset. This initiative introduced several renewable and building fabric measures that have significantly enhanced property efficiency and positively impacted residents’ lives.

“Our project management team joined residents and senior Curo representatives on Wednesday to celebrate the successful completion of this project under sunny skies. This Compton Dando project marks the beginning of our ongoing partnership with Curo, with further retrofit projects planned for 2024/25.”

(L-R) Simon Spencer, Low Carbon Exchange; Victor da Cunha, Curo CEO; Mark Phillips, Low Carbon Exchange; Julie Evans, Curo’s Chief Property Officer; Chris Spinks, Low Carbon Exchange; Marion Britton, WECA; Ruth Delaney, WECA; Matt Steele, Curo Director of Asset Management & Procurement

To mark the completion of the project, an event was held at Fairy Hill, with customers invited to join representatives from Curo, Low Carbon Exchange and the West of England Combined Authority.

Work is already underway on Curo’s second retrofit project, which will see improvements to 77 properties in and around Bath and Bristol.

>> Read about more retrofit projects in the news