Cumbria faces some specific challenges. Such as old buildings that aren’t energy efficient and many rural properties that are off-grid and rely on fossil fuels like heating oil to keep warm.

To cut emissions from existing properties we need to make big improvements in how efficiently they use energy. We will also need to adopt new ways of heating and cooling our homes and work spaces.

These changes will need to include using more low-carbon technologies. From smart, energy efficient appliances to generating renewable energy to power our homes and communities.

As the projected number of new properties in Cumbria continues to rise, it’s vital that they are designed for the future, to be energy efficient and using renewable energy.

Although the huge challenges of improving the environmental performance of our buildings in Cumbria may seem daunting, acting now can have multiple benefits.

By establishing robust supply chains that can retrofit and build the high-performance buildings we need, quickly and on a large scale, the county stands to benefit from a positive economic opportunity.

Making these improvements can also help address fuel poverty, lower business running costs, and promote better health and well-being.