Barnet Homes wins £2million for hundreds of greener homes

Friday 21st August 2009

More than 1,500 Barnet households will benefit from improved insulation and lower fuel bills after Barnet Homes was successful in a bid for almost £2million funding.

The £1.992m from the Homes and Communities Agency will enable Barnet Homes to install cavity wall insulation in 1,569 properties across the borough. This will support efforts to tackle climate change at a local level, as well as reduce heating costs for residents.

As part of the project, Barnet Homes will also seek to provide training for at least two local residents, so helping them to find long-term employment. This will be particularly targeted around people with disabilities or young adults leaving care.

The successful funding bid follows Barnet Homes’s success in cutting CO2 emissions from council owned properties by an estimated 1.2 tonnes per property from 2003 to 2007, thanks to its ongoing Decent Homes modernisation programme.

It also comes shortly after the Barnet Eco Home in Berkeley Crescent, East Barnet - developed by Barnet Homes in partnership with Barnet Council and contractor Apollo Housing – was shortlisted for the 2009 Sustainable Housing Awards.

Tracey Lees, Chief Executive of Barnet Homes, said: “This funding award is good news for us, good news for our residents, and good news for everyone who cares about the environment.

“I’m delighted that the Homes and Communities Agency has recognised our record on delivering our ambitious Decent Homes modernisation programme and the energy efficiency improvements we’ve made.

“Residents will be able to benefit from warmer and more comfortable homes, as well as a reduction in their fuel bills.

“We’re also committed to doing all we can to help residents during the economic downturn through our ‘Feeling the Squeeze?’ campaign. This project should enable us to provide training for local people and increase their chances of finding a permanent job.”

The cavity wall insulation programme will be accompanied by increased information on how Barnet Homes residents can save energy and money at home. A range of advice will be sent out in the organisation’s September newsletter for residents, athome.

Posted by Kim for Barnet Homes