Wear Valley green homes initiative recognised

A scheme which brings green energy to homes in Wear Valley has been recognised at a national award ceremony.

The scheme, which helps people install renewable energy technologies, has been named as runner up in the Renewable Energy Association’s awards.

In the past two to three years more than 100 council-owned homes in the area which are not connected to a mains gas supply have been helped to install a range of technologies.

These vary from solar water heating and wind turbines to solar electricity generation and ground source heat pumps, which use the heat stored in the ground to provide energy to the house.

More than 100 schemes from around the UK were nominated for the award for Best Renewable Energy Region, which was won by Community Energy Scotland.

The Wear Valley scheme is a partnership between housing management company Dale & Valley Homes and Durham County Council, formerly Wear Valley District Council. The work is carried out by several contractors depending on the technology being installed.

Peter Chaffer, chief executive of Dale & Valley Homes, said: “These awards are very prestigious and we were competing against the best in the country.
“We are delighted to have been singled out from among so much competition. Dale & Valley Homes is committed to helping our customers be as environmentally friendly as possible, and these technologies are ideal for people living in remote areas.”