We have started works to improve the energy efficiency of around 170 of our homes between 2022 and 2024. The programme, worth £5.8 million, has been boosted by government grants worth £2 million.
Investment is being made in external wall cladding and ventilation upgrades to help cut carbon emissions and improve the health and wellbeing of tenants. The upgrades will see homes being warmer in winter, whilst the added insulation will also keep them cooler in the summer.
Recently competed work at Silver Close in Tuffley has moved homes from an EPC E rating to EPC rating B – offering a reduction in carbon emissions by 40% and energy consumption by 47%.
“It’s been estimated that, on average, every full step up the EPC ladder is equivalent to an energy saving of £250 each time. So taking homes from a EPC rating E to EPC rating B could potentially save our customers £750 per year at this time when energy prices remain high.”
A further six bungalows across White City and Coney Hill have also received a mixture of new heating and insulation upgrades and solar panels.
Further insulation work is nearing completion on four blocks in Matson and work will begin shortly on a further 15 blocks – three in the Linden area and twelve in Matson.
Alongside these works, GCH has set aside up to £16.7million to ensure all its properties achieve at least an EPC rating of C by 2030.