Customers to benefit from energy efficiency improvements
As cost of living increases continue, the timing of the funding award is especially significant. This energy efficiency programme means our customers will see benefits in fuel bills for many years to come.
Coastline Housing has secured £1.2m from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), kickstarting £2.77m of energy efficiency improvements for 151 homes across Cornwall.
Louise Beard, Deputy CEO with responsibility for Housing, Assets & Communities, said: “Making sure our customers live in warm and sustainable homes are two of Coastline’s key commitments. As cost of living increases continue, the timing of the funding award is especially significant. This energy efficiency programme means our customers will see benefits in fuel bills for many years to come. It also allows us to maintain these homes to the highest standards so they can continue to be strong foundations supporting great local communities.”
This is a significant step forward in the housing association's energy efficiency and environmental objectives, enabling projects to be completed three years ahead of schedule, with work focussed on homes that will see the most benefit.
The money was awarded as part of a joint bid by the South West Net Zero Hub to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, on behalf of two consortia of social landlords and councils. The hub works across the wider area to deliver net zero energy projects and is hosted by the West of England Combined Authority.
Jon Rattenbury, Programme Manager for the South West Net Zero Hub said: “This is fantastic news for households in the South West and it takes us a step closer to achieving the region’s net zero targets. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver sustainable home upgrades that will make homes warmer and address fuel poverty.”
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “This investment will help thousands of households to heat their homes for less, keep them warm for longer and could save hundreds on their annual energy bill. The green energy sector is growing, and this funding will support green jobs and provide the training needed to deliver these vital upgrades to homes.”
A mix of new double glazing along with enhanced cavity wall and loft insulation, plus installation of ground and air source heat pumps, will bring energy efficiency levels up to EPC C in the selected homes. Coastline will also pilot a full retrofit scheme on four properties to add external wall insulation, solar panels, and new windows and doors with the aim of achieving EPC A.
The initial phase of the project will commence with 44 properties identified in the Mullion area and the retrofit works are anticipated to commence on site from September 2023.