A programme of home improvements aimed at reducing energy bills for our council tenants is underway in the Epping Forest district.
Help reduce fuel bills
The £16million housing energy efficiency retrofit programme will enhance the comfort and affordability of council housing. It will primarily help tenants significantly reduce their fuel bills but will also support the council in achieving government targets on greenhouse gas emissions. The programme will be supported by grant funding from the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund.
Epping Forest District Council has 6,400 council homes across the district, with 2,374 homes rated in SAP (standard assessment procedure) band D or lower, reflecting an urgent need for improvement.
However, the current average SAP score for housing in Epping Forest district is 69.4, which is slightly above the average for social housing in England and Wales at 68.4 but highlights the potential for enhancement.
Collaborative project for 132 homes
Work has already begun as part of a collaborative project with E.ON to introduce energy efficiency retrofit measures for 132 homes, predominantly targeting rural areas where many properties are off the gas grid.
By the end of 2030/2031, the goal is to ensure that all council housing is in SAP band C or above. We will be installing retrofit measures to bring all homes to this standard. The selection of measures will be specific to each home. They may range from loft insulation top-ups to external wall insulation and solar panels.
In recognizing the potential for damp and mould, the programme will also focus on improving property ventilation – to maintain healthy indoor air quality – ensuring a comfortable living environment for all tenants.
Reduced energy costs and improved living conditions
Councillor Nigel Bedford, Cabinet Member for Housing said:
While the programme will achieve carbon savings our focus is on reducing energy bills for our tenants. A rough estimate of energy savings is predicted to be somewhere in the region of £400 a year.
We recognise that successful delivery of our programme relies on positive customer engagement. We understand that the installation process can be disruptive, but we are committed to making it as seamless and beneficial as possible for our tenants.
To maximize the impact of this initiative, we will integrate energy efficiency improvements into planned work programmes, taking advantage of opportunities such as component replacements, for example windows, roofs, and heating, to enhance energy performance.
Tenants can look forward to the substantial benefits of reduced energy costs and improved living conditions as we embark on this transformative journey.
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