Energy-saving project to target deprived areas

DEPRIVED communities across the region are set to benefit from £14.9m of funding that has been given to Sheffield University for a new energy-saving project.

The “Big Energy Upgrade” will pioneer low-carbon measures being installed throughout whole houses.

Sheffield University researchers will monitor the performance of the installed measures, look at behavioural issues linked with energy consumption and monitor energy consumption in selected households.

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It is hoped that 114 jobs will be created through the project, which will focus on Golcar, Huddersfield; Chickenley and Eightlands in Dewsbury; Athersley in Barnsley; two areas of Wheatley in Doncaster; Lower Wortley in Leeds, Frodingham in north Lincolnshire; and East Marsh and Guildford in north east Lincolnshire.

Selected households will see a package of energy-saving measures installed so that homes can achieve the “best energy efficiency performance”.

Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council, which covers Huddersfield and Dewsbury, said: “I’m delighted that people in our region will be the first in the country to benefit from a scheme like this.

“We are looking forward to working with other local authorities and partners to make a real difference to people’s lives and reduce the impact we’re having on the environment.”

The project will run until March 2014 and it is hoped it will act as a catalyst for further energy-efficiency projects.