One year on: Our energy efficiency project upgrades over 200 homes
A year after launching an ambitious multi million project, we are celebrating major progress in making homes across the area warmer, greener, and more energy efficient.
The initiative, part of a wider £6.7 million investment targeting 204 properties, was kickstarted with funding from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
Since then, we have been hard at work retrofitting homes with modern, sustainable technologies and insulation upgrades. To date, the project has delivered:
- External wall insulation to 56 homes, helping to reduce heat loss and cut energy bills.
- Air source heat pumps installed in 88 properties, with 19 more underway,offering a low-carbon alternative to traditional heating.
- Solar panels fitted on 174 homes, harnessing renewable energy to power households.
- Loft insulation upgraded in 171 homes, increasing depth to 300mm for improved thermal efficiency.
- Cavity wall insulation extracted and refilled in 60 homes to eliminate cold spots that can lead to heat loss and mould growth.
- Ventilation and airflow measures Upgraded in 154 properties, ensuring healthier indoor environments and to help prevent condensation.
- New energy-efficient windows installed in 14 home.
- External doors replaced in 11 homes to improve the thermal performance and security.
Marion, one of our tenants said: “We’ve had the attic done, walls rendered, new radiators in and an air source heat pump. I’ll tell you what, it’s brilliant.
“I would recommend it to anybody. Our home was cold and costing us a lot of money to heat. Now we’re saving £135 a month on our bill.”
Graham, another tenant said: “The first thing was solar panels, we had cavity wall insulation, new soffits and cladding, rendering, new extractor fans, increased airflow, new radiators and an air source heat pump. This has benefited me tremendously.
“The reduction in cost has been outstanding with over £200 of savings. This means I can put the heating on when I want, and the heat pump is very easy to use.”
Andrea Morley, Sustainability Manager commented: “These upgrades are not only reducing carbon emissions but also helping tenants save on energy costs, an especially welcome benefit during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
“As the project enters its next phase, we will continue to work closely with our tenants, ensuring that every upgrade not only meets technical standards but also improves comfort, health, and quality of life.”
Equans were appointed lead contractor to carry out this work. Steve Batty their Director of Sustainability said: “Every single property is different, as is every family. That’s why we have dedicated Resident Liaison Officers to sit down and explain exactly what will happen, and at the end making sure residents fully understand what has taken place, they are happy, and they get the maximum benefit.”
Looking ahead, our commitment to sustainability forms part of a wider investment in existing homes through 2026, with data-driven planning guiding a long-term strategy to meet legislative targets and ensure all homes reach at least a C energy rating by 2030.