The investment in renewable heating technology was announced during the first ever Green GB Week – an annual week highlighting UK clean growth and means to tackle climate change.

Claire Perry, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, said: “The UK has led the world in cutting emissions whilst growing our economy - with clean growth driving incredible innovation and creating hundreds of thousands of high quality jobs. Ten years on from the Climate Change Act, the first ever Green GB week is a time to build on our successes and explain the huge opportunities for business and young people of a cleaner economy. I’m delighted to see how many more businesses and organisations, such as Kensa and Together, are seizing this multi-billion pound opportunity to energize their communities to tackle the very serious threat of climate change.”

As part of Together Housing Group, Together Energy aims to improve the lives of residents through investment into low carbon energy efficiency programmes.

As one of the largest landlords in the North of England, Together Housing’s property portfolio has a variety of heating options. Night storage heaters are one example of the systems in place which are  thought to be impractical, expensive and environmentally unfriendly.

Together Energy has taken the decision to remove the expensive systems in 709 of its properties in a planned programme of change. This sets to benefit the back pockets of those customers through the supply of green energy via shared loop Kensa ground source heat pumps.

These systems are said to be up to three times more efficient than the storage heaters. Not only will this investment save the residents of Together Housing on average £195 per year on heat and hot water, it provides the organisation with an income through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Together Energy has taken a Triple Bottom Line approach to renewable energy, Patrick Berry, managing director, says: “The GSHP investment forms part of a strategic energy plan that seeks to improve affordability of stock for tenants, reduce carbon and take advantage of existing incentives and emerging energy markets.'

The investment follows a successful pilot scheme with Kensa in Halifax, featuring the upgrade of two blocks of 60 flats.

Simon Lomax, managing director of the Kensa Group says: “We are delighted to remain involved with Together Housing's programme and look forward to providing low cost and low carbon heating to many more residents.”

Sarah Newton, Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth, and Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions says: 'I have been working with Kensa for some time and am delighted that they have secured this investment which will sustain high-tech green jobs in my constituency for years to come.”

Jon Schofield, the delivery manager (Energy) is looking forward to seeing the programme fully rolled out commenting: “Ground source heat pumps will give greater comfort and ease of use for Together Housing customers. After a successful pilot, I am excited to see a full programme roll out, making residents lives easier”.

Together Energy foresees a huge potential for growth as other properties are deemed suitable for the investment.