Birmingham City Council is making impressive strides in its mission to transform social housing, creating greener, warmer, and more energy-efficient homes. The ambitious project, which aims to retrofit over 2,000 council homes by September 2025, is already seeing substantial progress, with around 550 homes improved so far. This initiative, part-funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, is not just about upgrading properties—it’s about improving lives and cutting down energy costs for residents.
Retrofitting for a Greener Future
Energy and regeneration expert Equans is partnering with the council to retrofit 1,600 of the 2,000 homes in the scheme. Each home receives a tailored combination of energy-saving improvements based on its specific needs.
- Solar Panels: Some properties are getting solar panels to help residents generate their own electricity, lowering energy bills.
- Insulation: Walls and lofts are being insulated to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round, reducing the reliance on costly heating.
- Ventilation Systems: New ventilation systems ensure proper airflow, keeping temperatures comfortable while also preventing damp and mould, which are common issues in older homes.
Major Energy Savings for Residents
The results speak for themselves. Homes that have undergone retrofitting now boast an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least a C, with some reaching the top rating of A—the most energy-efficient standard available. The retrofitted homes are proving to be a game-changer for residents, especially when it comes to saving on energy bills.
Susan Leicester, a council tenant, shared her positive experience:
“Since the work was completed, my energy bills have dropped significantly. I used to pay around £70 a month, but now it’s only £30. That’s a huge saving for me!”
Not only has Susan seen her bills reduced, but she’s also using her savings to improve her garden. “I’m excited to use the extra money to sort out my garden—I’ve got plenty of grandchildren, and I’m looking forward to hosting BBQs,” she said.
A Win for the Environment and the Community
The benefits of this retrofit project go beyond individual savings. Councillor Jayne Francis, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, emphasized the wider impact:
“Having energy-efficient homes is crucial in reducing energy bills and supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis. On average, tenants in these retrofitted homes will save £1,100 a year on energy bills. But these improvements also play a critical role in our efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions.”
These retrofitted homes are expected to save an estimated 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per property annually, contributing to a reduction of around 315 tonnes of CO2 every year for the entire project. It’s a significant move towards achieving the city’s net-zero goals.
Looking to the Future: More Homes, More Savings
This retrofit project is just the beginning. Birmingham City Council has committed to investing £1.4 billion over the next eight years to ensure that all council homes meet decent home standards. This investment is not only about making homes more energy-efficient but also about providing safer, more sustainable living spaces for all tenants.
Dave Parry, Operations Director at Equans, reflected on the impact:
“It’s fantastic to see how these improvements are making a real difference in people’s lives. The energy savings are significant, and residents are enjoying more comfortable homes. This project demonstrates how a comprehensive approach to retrofitting can transform homes—boosting energy performance and improving the overall living experience.”
A Greener, Warmer Future for All
This project is a shining example of how retrofitting can positively impact communities by making homes more sustainable, energy-efficient, and affordable. As Birmingham continues its retrofit journey, it’s clear that these improvements are not just about reducing carbon emissions but about enhancing quality of life for residents—making their homes more comfortable, more affordable, and more future-proof.
Stay tuned for more updates on how this ambitious project will continue to reshape Birmingham’s social housing and bring energy-efficient homes to even more families in need.
