Kier has been appointed by Blackpool Coastal Housing to conduct an in-depth energy usage survey of more than 1,100 social housing properties to identify areas where consumption could be reduced.

Over the next 10 to 12 weeks, in conjunction with E.ON, Kier operatives will carry out the surveys on the social housing stock as part of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) funding model. CERT came into effect in April 2008, obliging electricity and gas suppliers in Great Britain to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from homes.

An initial survey and inspection will be conducted at each individual property to determine the scope and extent of work required. Kier will then recruit local labour to install loft insulation, together with the provision of fire stopping party walls, in accordance with the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA). HECA requires every UK local authority with housing responsibilities to submit an annual energy conservation report identifying practical and cost effective ways to reduce the energy efficiency of residential accommodation, and to report on progress made in implementing the measures.

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Kier senior operations manager for maintenance, Andrew Kenny, said: "Kier works across the country on carbon emission reducing projects making recommendations to ensure social housing stock is correctly maintained in the most energy saving manner. Our team has recently worked in Stoke-on-Trent fitting photovoltaic panels to homes, as part of a joint project between E.ON and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, to develop renewable technology and promote energy efficiency across the city.

"At Kier we pride ourselves on providing green solutions to not just save money but to positively impact the environment in the long term too."

(CD/GK)