THE OWNER of a North-East firm which gives advice on how to improve a home’s energy efficiency has demonstrated how he has reduced his own cottage’s carbon footprint.

Colin Robinson, managing director of Energy Friend, made improvements to his terraced cottage in Esh Winning, near Durham City, through the Government-backed scheme Green Deal - converting it to the highest possible standard in energy efficiency.

The Gateshead-based firm is the first in the region accredited to carry out Green Deal assessments.

His home was originally built in the 1870’s for a miner and his family, but poor insulation meant he had high energy bills, as well as drafts and condensation.

Under the Green Deal, he transformed his home with new floor insulation, solid wall insulation, under-floor heating, pitched roof insulation.

An innovative heating system harnesses biomass and solar energy and is backed up by mains gas, hardwood windows and solar PV panels. The Green Deal covered two thirds of the costs of the work.

Mr Robinson said: “Through previous government schemes cavity wall and loft insulation were available free.

“However this would not benefit my house which lacked a cavity wall and has a pitched ceiling, meaning loft insulation could not be installed.

“The Green Deal enables bespoke improvements that will also have energy saving benefits – this is why we were able to put together such a creative package – every improvement we have made contributes to lowering our bills.”

He added: “Many customers of mine and others have had green deal assessments and until now have not been able to use them to get the improvements they want.”

For more information about the Green Deal visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.