Three Hertfordshire-based housing associations have launched their first joint sustainability initiative to boost their homes’ energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
The ‘Greener Herts’ partnership of B3Living, settle and Watford Community Housing have just started surveying all their 20,000 homes to find out which properties need extra insulation. Their findings will help the housing providers plan where they need to invest in installing additional loft and wall insulation, to maximise their homes’ energy efficiency and save residents money on their fuel bills.
They have teamed up with energy-saving specialists WarmFront to survey the homes, using thermal imaging equipment to show the heat used in each property and how much is lost through external walls. The survey, which will be carried out over the next few weeks, is the first major project by Greener Herts since the partnership was formed at the end of last year.
The partnership with Warmfront will also allow the housing associations to access ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funding to help pay for energy efficiency improvements to their homes.
Tina Barnard, Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing, commented: “We are pleased to have launched this important project, which will benefit residents across Hertfordshire. We know that people across the country are concerned about rising energy prices, and this scheme will help all three organisations to ensure that our homes are as cost-effective and energy-efficient as possible.
“It also supports our joint commitment to reducing our impact on the planet, helping us on our journey to net zero carbon by 2050.”
Alex Hearn, Director of WarmFront, said: “We are delighted to be working with B3 Living, settle and Watford Community Housing through the Greener Herts partnership, to improve the thermal efficiency of their homes across Hertfordshire.
This is a fantastic partnership and we look forward to working together to help keep homes as warm and cost-effective as possible.”
The three housing providers appointed a joint sustainability lead, John Swinney, last November to continue their collaborative approach and drive forward their commitment to reducing their overall carbon footprint.
As well as improving their homes’ energy efficiency, their plans include using more environmentally friendly construction techniques and adopting more sustainable ways of working.
