Curo residents are celebrating warmer and cheaper homes as the Bath-based housing association completes 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 96,200kg 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.”
Curo customers are already seeing the benefits. “Our home feels warmer, and our bills have halved,” said Fairy Hill resident Michael Parsons.
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.”
Low Carbon Exchange – specialists in decarbonising homes – carried out much of the work.
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. This is part of Curo’s commitment to ensure all its homes are EPC C or above by 2030.
