£24 million in green technologies for Leeds council homes

Thousands of council tenants across Leeds are to benefit from significantly cheaper energy bills as part of a transformational new programme to improve council housing and cut the city’s carbon footprint.

As part of Leeds City Council’s commitments to invest in green technologies it has gone out to tender for a provider to design, develop and deliver six new district heating networks that will reduce carbon emissions, help residents save money and improve the wellbeing and comfort of those living in council properties.

The local authority is exploring a range of green technologies to power the six new networks, including the potential use of ground and air source heat pumps or biomass systems, to provide residents with more sustainable and affordable heat.

In Leeds, around a quarter of the city’s carbon emissions come from the energy used to provide heat and hot water in our homes. By connecting residents in 1,485 properties to greener technologies, the programme is expected save around 950 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year while also helping tenants save a typical 10 per cent on their energy bills. The £24 million investment follows the success of Leeds’ first district heating network, which will provide low carbon waste-powered heat to 1,983 homes by the end of 2020.

Debra Coupar, deputy leader and executive member for Communities, said: “Earlier this year, I met with council tenants already experiencing the benefits of being connected to Leeds’ first low carbon district heating network. Thanks to this major new investment in six new district heating networks thousands more residents will soon be able to stay warm for less too, which we know can make a real difference to our physical and financial wellbeing.

“Not only will this investment directly benefit many residents for years to come, it will also help decarbonise more of the city’s homes—and cut the council’s own carbon footprint—as we lead by example and work towards becoming a carbon neutral city.”