We're working to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and reduce our environmental impact. This includes investing in improvements that help make homes more comfortable, affordable to heat and better for the environment.
Energy efficiency and net zero
We're committed to improving the energy efficiency of our homes to help residents reduce energy usage and make homes more comfortable to live in. We continue to invest in improvements such as new windows, doors and roofs, helping to improve thermal efficiency, ventilation and overall home performance.
We are working towards our target of all homes achieving an EPC rating of C or above by 2028 and will continue to explore opportunities to secure external funding to support this work.
2025/26 highlights:
- 401 homes improved to EPC Band C or above through planned investment works
- 91.7% of our homes are now EPC Band C or above
- Ongoing investment in energy efficiency improvements and retrofit works
You can find our energy efficiency and net zero information on page 30 of our Residents' Voice Report
You can also read more about our approach to energy efficiency and net zero ambitions on pages 7-10 of our Asset Strategy
Retrofit and home improvements
We continue to improve the energy performance of our homes through planned investment programmes and by exploring external funding opportunities. This includes improvements such as insulation, replacement windows and doors, heating system upgrades and other works designed to improve energy efficiency and support our environmental ambitions.
Our Asset Management Strategy also outlines how we will work towards government energy efficiency targets and consider future retrofit solutions to improve homes for residents.
Read more about retrofit and energy improvements on pages 8-11 of our Asset Management Strategy
New homes and future investment
Alongside investing in existing homes, we're continuing to develop new affordable homes across our communities. Our new homes are designed to be energy efficient, helping residents reduce energy costs while providing modern, comfortable living spaces.
Many of our new homes achieve high energy efficiency ratings and include features such as improved insulation, photovoltaic panels and smart energy technology.
2025/26 highlights:
- 47 new affordable homes delivered
- New homes built across Cumbria and the North East
- Most new homes achieved an EPC rating of A or high B
- Further developments planned across Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham and South Tyneside