Zero Carbon Consett

Zero Carbon Communities Consett aims to support whole communities, organisations and households in the Consett area to transition to net zero status by 2050.

Zero Carbon Communities Consett supports Housing Associations, Local Authorities, businesses and community organisations to deliver sustainable energy generation retrofit, new build and Green infrastructure improvement including sustainable urban drainage, net zero area regeneration, community engagement and training.

Projects

Consett Energy Friends

Consett Green Corridor

Consett Hospital

Housing Energy Efficiency

Consett Energy Friends Consett Green Corridor Consett Hospital Housing Energy Efficiency

Consett Energy Friends

Energy Friends were established in 2017 to provide energy efficiency, fuel debt advice and support to households in target communities across County Durham through a network of trained volunteer community ‘Energy Friends’.

If you are a householder interested in installing new energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar panels or a new renewable heating and hot water system Durham Energy Friends can provide expert advice and guidance on any grants you may be entitled to. Our trained energy friends can also provide expert fuel debt advice for households struggling with their energy bills.

Since 2017 Durham Energy Friends have provided advice and support to hundreds of households across County Durham helping them make energy efficiency improvements to their homes and saving thousands of pounds on household energy bills

The best way to contact your local energy friend is to email the team and someone will contact you directly to provide the advice and support you need. Don’t delay email today!

info@energyfriend.co.uk if you don’t have an email address you can also call our Durham Energy Friends coordinator telephone 07860907354

Consett Green Corridor

The Consett Green Corridor is a significant environmental and recreational initiative that transforms the industrial heritage of Consett, a town historically dominated by the steel industry, into a green, vibrant space for community use and wildlife. The corridor follows the former Derwent Valley Railway line, stretching from Consett to the Tyne, offering a continuous green pathway that serves as a haven for both people and nature.

The primary aim of the Consett Green Corridor project is to repurpose disused industrial land, enhancing it for ecological purposes while providing recreational opportunities. This initiative not only reclaims the industrial past but also contributes to the health and well-being of the local community by offering a space for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, it serves as a wildlife corridor, linking habitats and allowing for the movement and proliferation of flora and fauna.

The corridor is characterised by a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and open green spaces. Notable features include restored railway bridges, interpretive signage that narrates the area’s industrial history, and seating areas for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. The pathway is well-maintained, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, including cyclists, walkers, and those with mobility issues.

Consett Hospital

The outdated Shotley Bridge Hospital is due to be replaced by a new facility in Consett.

It was part of Boris Johnson’s pledge to build 40 new hospitals across the UK by 2030, with planning permission granted in March.

However, its planned opening in 2025 has been delayed and fears have been voiced the project will be scrapped.

Speaking at a meeting of Durham County Council’s Adult Health Committee, Richard Morris, associate director of operations at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said the design process was in the “advanced stages”.

But he added: “We’re many, many millions above what was expected.

“We have had very detailed discussions with the new hospital’s senior team and found the scheme was still viable and it’s expected it goes ahead, but we need to make changes.”

The new hospital is set to be smaller than the current site, which is in poor condition.

Current plans include a 16-bed in-patient rehabilitation ward, an urgent treatment centre, an expanded chemotherapy suite and diagnostic provision.

Housing Energy Efficiency

Housing energy efficiency is a critical aspect of modern living, impacting not only the environment but also household costs and comfort. Improving energy efficiency in homes involves a combination of design, technology, and behaviour changes aimed at reducing energy consumption and minimising waste.

Implementing energy efficiency measures can involve upfront costs, but many improvements pay for themselves over time through reduced energy bills. Government incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants, can help offset these initial expenses. Challenges may include the need for significant investment, especially in older homes, and the complexity of some retrofit projects. However, the long-term benefits include not only cost savings but also increased comfort, improved indoor air quality, and a lower environmental impact.

Transforming Consett

The closure of Consett Steelworks in 1980 marked the end of an era for the town, casting a shadow over its future with the loss of thousands of jobs and a proud industrial heritage. Yet, Consett refused to be defined by its past. The town embarked on a transformative journey, repurposing the industrial wasteland into a beacon of regeneration and innovation.

Today, Consett is a testament to resilience and renewal. The steelworks site, once the heart of the town’s economy, is now a thriving hub for businesses, education, and green spaces, breathing new life into the community. Efforts to diversify the economy have led to the growth of sectors such as technology, retail, and healthcare, offering new employment opportunities and driving economic revival.

Environmental sustainability has been a cornerstone of Consett’s transformation. Green initiatives and the development of public parks where steel once dominated underline the town’s commitment to a sustainable future. The proposed Community Hospital is a flagship project, symbolising Consett’s dedication to health, well-being, and eco-friendly development.

Zero Carbon Consett

Zero Carbon Consett

Zero Carbon Consett

Projects

Consett Energy Friends

Consett Green Corridor

Consett Hospital

Housing Energy Efficiency

Consett Energy Friends

Consett Green Corridor

Consett Hospital

Housing Energy Efficiency

Transforming Consett

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