Over 135 Social Homes to Benefit Through Improved Insulation
A programme has been delivered in Watford to upgrade some of the worst-performing homes in the area by installing external wall insulation.
The programme saw Watford Borough Council work in partnership with Watford Community Housing, Three Rivers District Council, and Thrive Homes.
As part of the first phase of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), 57 of Watford Community Housing’s properties have benefitted from improved insulation, helping tenants feel warmer in their homes and reducing the amount of energy needed to keep homes comfortable.
Implementing insulation will help to significantly reduce carbon emissions
In total, as a result of the insulation installed, 139 homes combined were improved to an EPC C rating, which has reduced the carbon emissions from these properties by approximately 173.4 tonnes per year – equivalent to an average of 1.25 tonnes of carbon saved per home every year.
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder of Sustainability and Transport, explained that the programme will help support the local community: “As a partner in this project, Watford Borough Council is delighted to have collaborated with Three Rivers District Council, Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes to deliver impactful energy-saving improvements to a substantial number of local residences.”
Continuing, the Cllr highlighted that it could bring several benefits to the area: “These upgrades have not only contributed significantly to reducing carbon emissions, supporting the district’s journey towards net zero, but they will also help residents heat their homes efficiently and help save bills and prevent other issues like damp and mould.”
“Watford Council is fully committed to further support the decarbonisation of homes across the district.”
Collaboration is key to seeing sustainability efforts in the area boosted
The £1.6m partnered project, managed by OVO Energy Solutions, was partially funded by a government grant that supported the investment from the housing associations.
The SHDF is not over yet. Under Wave 2, Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing have said they will improve another 285 of its properties as part of the Greener Herts consortium.
Watford Council is also partnering with Better Housing Better Health (BHBH). BHBH is an independent national charity focusing on improving the use of energy in buildings, helping householders to save energy and money by providing impartial advice, and helping tackle fuel poverty.
Tina Barnard, Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing, added that boosting the overall sustainability efforts of the area is the focus: “We are thrilled to have participated in this project, which has significantly improved the energy efficiency and comfort of our homes in Three Rivers and Watford.
“The installation of new insulation has helped to reduce residents’ energy bills, create a healthier indoor environment, and contribute to our community’s overall sustainability efforts. We are proud to partner with Watford Borough Council, Thrive Homes, and Three Rivers District Council to make our homes warmer, healthier, and greener for the benefit of our residents.”
Programmes like this focusing on the people at the heart of the community are key to meeting the UK’s sustainability targets, helping to reduce communities’ energy bills, and meeting the current housing demand.
