A KEIGHLEY housing group is implementing energy efficiency upgrades to more than 100 of its homes.

Manningham Housing Association, which manages properties in Keighley and Bradford, says the £2 million-plus investment will help residents and boost a drive within the sector towards 'net zero'.

The group was supported in a successful bid for funding, from the Government's Wave 2.1 Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, by Novus Property Solutions.

Novus – through its Sustain service, a 'one-stop-shop' initiative launched in 2021 to help the housing sector achieve zero carbon targets across its property portfolios – will work closely with Manningham Housing Association on the project, including carrying out the works.

The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund cash will enable a range of measures to be implemented, including cavity wall and loft insulation and the provision of solar panels.

Properties will be upgraded to an Energy Performance Certificate Band C rating.

The scheme is being managed on behalf of Manningham Housing Association by Michael Dyson Associates, which is also providing assessment, co-ordination and design services.

John Dale, head of operations at Novus Property Solutions, says: "Our vast experience in the execution of decarbonisation retrofit works, as well as our long-standing reputation for putting people at the heart of everything we do, makes us the ideal contractor to work on Manningham Housing Association’s latest investment into its housing stock.

"We’re delighted to have played a significant role in the successful application for funding and look forward to continued collaboration with the housing association, Michael Dyson Associates and the community over the coming months."

Tom Finch, head of property services at Manningham Housing Association, welcomed the project partnership and says the investment "will support our customers by improving the thermal efficiency of their homes and advance the wider drive to net zero across the housing sector".

Paul Tyrer, director at Michael Dyson Associates, said the company had successfully worked with Manningham Housing Association for many years and was "happy to continue that long-standing relationship".

He added: "We look forward to bringing our multi-disciplinary retrofit expertise to the project, working collaboratively alongside Novus, Manningham Housing Association and the residents to ensure delivery of the project in line with Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund criteria."

Novus Property Solutions was incorporated in 2013 following a restructuring of Seddon Property Services Ltd, a division of the Seddon group formed in 1897.

The business is recognised as a leading specialist in planned property maintenance, building refurbishments and decarbonisation services. In addition to social housing, it works in sectors including education and healthcare.