Zero Carbon Harrogate Celebrates Successful Conclusion of the LEAD and Retrofit Programmes
- Zero Carbon Harrogate
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Zero Carbon Harrogate is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its LEAD and Retrofit Programmes on 31st March, marking nearly three years of groundbreaking work in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable building practices across North Yorkshire.
Initially launched with funding from Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme and most recently supported by DESNZ – with key partnerships including North Yorkshire Council and Align Property Partners – the initiatives have exceeded performance targets and significantly advanced the regional house retrofit movement.
Driving a Retrofit Revolution
From the outset, the Retrofit Programme focused on funding retrofit and renewables training for trade professionals, while empowering householders to make their homes cheaper to heat, healthier to live in, and more sustainable.
Courses were designed to train individuals as retrofit assessors and coordinators, as well as upskill building trades in high-performance building practices. Plumbers and heat engineers received specialised qualifications for installing air source heat pumps, ensuring that both the supply and demand sides of the retrofit market were addressed.
In parallel, Zero Carbon Harrogate supported householders through events and workshops, working with community centres to boost the sustainability of their essential services.
This comprehensive approach not only laid the foundation for a burgeoning retrofit economy across North Yorkshire but also inspired initiatives such as Rethink Retrofit – a pioneering community interest company based in Harrogate offering a one-stop-shop retrofit service.
The LEAD Programme: Expanding Impact
Building on this success, the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) Programme, sponsored by the Department of Energy Security Net Zero, was introduced to further expand training opportunities. This ambitious initiative broadened the scope of professional development by welcoming new entrants into the retrofit industry and delivering whole-house retrofit plans in selected test areas.
Over the course of both funded programmes, more than 166 courses were delivered – ranging from Retrofit Assessors to Building Airtightness – demonstrating a measurable positive impact on energy efficiency and environmental performance in the region.
Celebrating Achievements Amid Funding Challenges
"Working on these programmes has been a remarkable journey," said John Kerr, Retrofit Programme Manager at Zero Carbon Harrogate. "Our workshops, training sessions, and collaborative projects have sparked positive change among local trades and householders alike. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts translate into measurable progress in the retrofit movement. Although we were unable to secure bridging funding to continue the programmes, our achievements have laid a strong foundation for future initiatives."
John continued, “The programme has delivered far more than our initial objectives. We have inspired, encouraged, and forged partnerships across many sectors and industries. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved – from partners and volunteers to industry professionals. Without your passion for making a difference, none of this would have been possible.”
Zero Carbon Harrogate's Chair, Jemima Parker has commented John's efforts: "We are indebted to Joh Kerr, ZCH Retrofit Project Manager, who has led on our retrofit project for nearly three years. John has creatively navigated the many challenges to bringing change in the local building industry, successfully enabling retrofit training for local practitioners and raising awareness for homeowners and landlords. His work leaves the Harrogate area better equipped to make our homes warmer and cut carbon emissions."
Looking to the Future
While current funding has ceased, Zero Carbon Harrogate remains committed to driving forward the region’s sustainability agenda. The charity is actively exploring future funding opportunities and innovative ideas to continue supporting householders in making their homes more energy efficient, healthier, and lower carbon. In the meantime, Zero Carbon Harrogate will continue to provide guidance and support to those dedicated to creating a positive impact in their communities.
For further information on Zero Carbon Harrogate and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.zerocarbonharrogate.org.uk or contact the team at hello@zerocarbonharrogate.org.uk.
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