DDC scoops National Green Deal and Eco award

Dover District Council's work to reduce fuel poverty and improve the energy efficiency of homes in the district has been recognised at the National Green Deal & Eco Awards 2015. DDC was runner-up in the Council of the Year category for its Aylesham External Wall Insulation Project and delivery of the 'Warm Homes Scheme'. DDC had already been awarded Project of the Year in the South East Region for the Aylesham Project.

The innovative project involved installing external wall insulation and weather-proof render to 72 council homes and five private 'Dorlonco' properties in Aylesham. Popular in the post-War period, Dorlonco properties were built from a pre-fabricated kit around a steel frame. This type of construction is thermally inefficient, and particularly challenging to insulate.

Dover District Council worked with contractor Ecologistics, and East Kent Housing who manage DDC's housing stock to deliver the Aylesham project. Funding from the Department for Energy & Climate Change 'Green Deal' programme contributed towards the costs of installation.

The 'Warm Homes' scheme is a countywide partnership that supports residents to save energy in the home through energy efficiency measures and advice. Insulating solid walls can save householders up to £455 a year on their fuel bills.