Esh Construction has been appointed by Gateshead Council to deliver a £2.5 million contract to improve the energy efficiency of 82 homes across the borough.  

Energy efficiency upgrades will be carried out through a six-month works programme, which will see 70 bungalows receive photovoltaic (PV) panels and associated ventilation measures, while 12 flats will receive insulated flat roof upgrades. 

The homes are located across Penrith Grove, Florence Avenue, Hillside Place, Kells Lane, Causeway, Malton Green and Carlisle Place. The project was procured through the NEPO233 Retrofit and Decarbonisation Works framework. 

Lisa Stafford, Head of Retrofit Solutions at Esh Construction, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Gateshead Council to deliver this important programme of energy efficiency improvements for residents across the borough. 

"The detailed assessment and design work completed ahead of construction has enabled us to develop tailored retrofit solutions for each home. Through a combination of insulated flat roofs, solar PV systems and ventilation measures, the scheme will help improve energy performance, reduce heat loss and create warmer, more comfortable homes for residents." 

Ahead of construction, retrofit assessments, updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings and pre-design technical surveys have been completed to inform the retrofit designs for each property. Esh has commissioned Storm Tempest to provide retrofit assessment, design and coordination services for the programme, ensuring all measures are delivered in line with PAS standards and retrofit requirements. 

The contract forms part of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 programme and supports Gateshead Council's ambitions to improve the energy efficiency of its housing stock through a fabric-first approach. 

The Warmer Homes initiative was designed to help improve the comfort and energy efficiency of lower income homes and follows on from the previous Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) projects funded by the Department for Energy and Net Zero. 

When allocating the funding, the Government has asked local authorities to prioritise the households in more deprived areas. Other priority criteria include: 

  • properties with the lowest energy performance certificates of E, F and G, 
  • households with a total income of less than £36,000 
  • households in receipt of a means tested benefit 

A spokesperson for Gateshead Council said: “This programme will help improve the energy efficiency of 82 homes across Gateshead, making them warmer and more comfortable for residents while helping to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. 

“Esh Construction was appointed through a competitive procurement process which identified the company as the highest-ranked supplier. The appointment reflects the requirements of the funding programme and the need to deliver the works within the available timescales. 

“All properties will be brought to a minimum EPC C rating, improving their energy performance from their previous ratings, which were predominantly D. We will continue to work with Esh and its supply chain to ensure the works are delivered in line with the required retrofit standards and provide lasting benefits for residents.” 

Esh Construction is a TrustMark-accredited contractor and partners with a PAS 2030, PAS 2035 and MCS-compliant supply chain. 

To find out more about Esh Retrofit Solutions visit https://www.eshgroup.co.uk/esh-retrofit-solutions/