bpha has secured £440,000 in funding via the Local Authority Delivery scheme (LAD), enabling the housing association to undertake retrofit improvements to 88 of its properties. This kickstarts its aim for all its properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above by 2030.
bpha has teamed up with Warmworks, the Managing Agent of the Greater South-East Energy Hub, who will carry out surveys of the 88 properties over the coming weeks. The survey allows Warmworks to assess what retrofit work is needed to achieve the required energy efficiency. The recommended works will be undertaken swiftly: a condition of the funding is that the work is finished by the end of June 2022.
Works carried out as part of the scheme nationally have included:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- External wall insulation
- Air Source Heat Pump heating systems installation.
LAD is a UK Government funded initiative. Its aim is to improve the energy efficiency of homes, helping to reduce fuel poverty and phasing out high carbon fossil fuel heating. Phase two of the LAD Scheme has allocated £300m between five Local Energy Hubs, who are regional points of expertise and coordination on energy issues.
bpha’s Director of Property Services and Compliance, Paul Cook said: “Securing £440k in LAD2 funding means we can immediately get to work improving the energy efficiency in tens of homes between Oxford and Cambridge, so we’re delighted. This will make a real difference to many customers’ homes, helping reduce energy bills as the cost to heat homes increases. The economic and environmental necessity for more energy efficient homes has never been greater and this boost has put us well on the path to creating more sustainable communities.”
Customers in the properties identified for immediate improvements have been sent a letter requesting Warmworks may access their home for a survey. bpha’s Community Engagement Team will now get in touch by phone to tell them more about the process, the benefits the work will bring, and to answer any questions. The aim is to ensure residents are informed about what is happening, why and when, encouraging them to allow access for the survey, and have any work needed undertaken.
