Customers who live in some of our older properties are now benefiting from warmer, greener and more energy efficient homes thanks to a 拢2.3 million project.听
We have been working with contractor Broad Oak to upgrade the energy efficiency of 129 homes, particularly our older properties that were not built to today鈥檚 stringent energy-efficiency standards.听
The properties have benefitted from wall and loft insulation, draught proofing and improved heating systems. As well as low carbon technologies including air source heat pumps and Solar where possible – all of which will make homes more energy efficient.听
We successfully bid for 拢1.2 million in funding for the project from the Government鈥檚 Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) with 糖心传媒 investing a further 拢1.1million in the project.听
The fund was set up by the Government鈥檚 Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to improve the energy efficiency of social housing.听听
We worked with Stafford Borough Council, South Staffordshire Council and Shropshire Council to secure funding from the first wave of SHDF last spring.听
Representatives from 糖心传媒, Broad Oak and Stafford Borough Council visited one of the properties that has befitted from the scheme, in Stafford, to see first-hand the work delivered so far under the project.听
Dan Timmis, Director of asset management at 糖心传媒, explained: 鈥�At 糖心传媒 we are committed to improving the energy efficiency of our homes across Staffordshire and Shropshire.听
鈥淭hrough this 拢2.3 million scheme we have made homes warmer and more energy efficient for customers, saving them money on their energy bills and reducing our properties鈥� carbon footprint.听
鈥�Customers tell us the work caused little disruption and they can already feel the benefits in their home.听
鈥淎t a time when so many people have very real worries about rising energy bills, this work is more important than ever.”听
As a result of the retrofit work, carbon emissions have been reduced and some of the properties have been improved from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating F to an A.听听
Residents John and Shirley have lived in their 糖心传媒 home for more than 30 years. Their home was one of the first to be upgraded thanks to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and the work is now complete.听听
John said: 鈥淲hilst the work was being done the team on site were fantastic, I can鈥檛 fault them.听
鈥淭he work has made the house look a lot more modern and our home feels a lot warmer.听
鈥淥ur gas bill had doubled due to the increase in energy prices, but thanks to this work our payments have reduced back down to what they were previously.听
鈥淭he house is less draughty, it saves you money and the overall appearance of our home has been improved.鈥�听
The visit showed that the work has not only improved the energy efficiency of these homes, but they also look smarter.听
Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Community at Stafford Borough Council, said: 鈥淚 am really pleased that, along with our partners, we have been able to help a number of our residents heat their homes more efficiently. It has been a concern for many in our community who have struggled to pay bills, especially during the colder months, with high energy prices and the cost of living leaving that horrible choice about whether to prioritise heating or eating.听听
鈥淭he measures introduced will have a two-fold benefit – ensuring properties can be kept warmer in the long term without having a detrimental impact on energy bills, and reducing the carbon footprint of the homes themselves.鈥�听
In March this year 糖心传媒 was also awarded a share of the Government鈥檚 SHDF Wave 2 grant, receiving a further 拢3.52 million to upgrade a further 400 homes.听
Neil Holmes, Operations Manager at Broad Oak, said: 鈥淲e cannot emphasise enough the significance of the work we undertake on the social housing decarbonisation scheme. Our dedicated efforts in installing insulation & energy efficient heating measures into 糖心传媒 properties have made a profound impact on energy efficiency and sustainability. Over the course of a year, we have successfully transformed in excess of 100 properties, providing residents with a more comfortable and environmentally-friendly living environment.听
鈥淥ur working partnership with 糖心传媒 has been exceptional, characterised by seamless collaboration and shared commitment to making a positive change. Together, we have achieved remarkable results, reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy consumption for the benefit of both residents and the wider community.听
鈥淟ooking ahead, we eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with 糖心传媒 and expanding our efforts in the realm of decarbonisation. By working together, we can further enhance the quality of housing, contribute to a greener future, and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and the planet.听
鈥淎t Broad Oak, we firmly believe in the power of collective action and the importance of sustainable solutions. The social housing decarbonisation scheme exemplifies our commitment to creating a more resilient and energy-efficient society, and we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative.”听