A project completed by Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd in collaboration with Together Housing in Illingworth, West Yorkshire, has been showcased in the House of Commons as an example to the rest of the country of the change retrofit decarbonisation can make.
The £1m project was funded in part through the first wave of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), provided by the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formally BEIS). Now complete, almost 70 properties have had their energy efficiency values improved considerably, raising their EPC ratings of D to at least a rating of C. The improvements are estimated to save the occupiers up to £169 a year each.
Gary Lawson, Managing Director at Sustainable Building Services, said: “The energy efficiency upgrades to more than 60 homes in Illingworth is a shining example of what is possible through targeted retrofit investment.
“The decarbonisation of 26 million UK homes is critical to meeting net zero targets and we’re pleased to be using our expertise alongside conscientious organisations like Together Housing to enhance the living conditions for thousands of people every year.”
The work completed in Illingworth, near Halifax, included the installation of both PermaRock external wall insulation system, incorporating non-combustible mineral fibre insulation, and loft insulation.
Patrick Berry, Director of Together Net Zero, commented: “It’s great to see this first wave now complete and residents benefitting from the work that has been undertaken.
“Low carbon homes mean a lower cost to our residents, which is extremely important in the current world we live in. What’s more, we’ve been able to prepare these homes for more renewable technology when the time is right.
“And we’re delighted to be able to continue this work into the second wave of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, doing the same as we’ve done in Illingworth to a further 154 properties and making improvements to more than 2,000 other homes in the area.”
Together Housing has already begun work in Sowerby Bridge, undertaking improvements similar to the Illingworth project.
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, said: “Projects like this are really important, and this level of investment from Together Housing is very impressive as we attempt to tackle the effects of climate change. Having met residents and seen the houses, it’s clear the work undertaken will benefit the community for years to come.”
