The total cost of these works will be around £230,000 and has been part funded by the Energy Savings Trust, EDF Energy Green Fund and Bioenergy Technology Ltd. The first phase consisted of three main projects; replacing gas heating with bio-mass heating alternatives, insulating cavity walls and introducing solar hot water heating systems. “This is the first time in the country that an existing whole street has been refitted using sustainable energy”, said Gail Bamford, co-op member and the co-ordinator of the C60 Project Team.

In addition to the main project the co-op, with the assistance of CDS Co-operatives’ support officer – Mark Langford, is also introducing other green measures such as training and awareness programmes, replacement of all light bulbs for more energy efficient ones, changing traditional extractor fans to humidistat ones, use of eco paints, rainwater collection and renewal of dormer windows with automatically controlled ventilation.

The co-op has also installed monitors to show how much energy each household uses so they can compete in reducing energy use. All together the schemes are expected to reduce the street's carbon dioxide emissions by 136 tonnes annually.

The C60 Project is an impressive and innovative scheme from which other housing co-ops can learn. For information, free consultancy advice, practical support and training on how your co-op can reduce carbon emissions see The Co-operative Carbon Challenge at www.cooperatives-uk.coop, the website of Co-operatives UK – umbrella body for all co-ops in the UK.