How retrofit is transforming social housing in Gloucestershire

Introduction

Funded through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), the project targeted homes with an EPC rating of D or below, introducing measures such as external wall insulation, air and ground source heat pumps, loft insulation, solar photovoltaics, battery storage, upgraded windows and doors, and remote monitoring equipment.

Smarter ways to stay warm

John, 87, has lived in Blakeney in the Forest of Dean for over 20 years. His home was selected for the retrofit demonstrator project by Two Rivers Housing, and the impact has been remarkable. 

John was thrilled when he received the letter confirming his home would be included, saying: “I was absolutely delighted!” The work, which included an air source heat pump, external wall insulation, and triple-glazed windows and doors, has made a real difference to John’s home.

As a former property manager, John has kept his energy usage records for 22 years. Thanks to the retrofit, his energy bills are cheaper, and his home is now running more efficiently than ever. John explains:

“I haven’t done a whole year, but I’ve already given around 2,000 kilowatt hours to the National Grid – that’s £660. All in all, at the end of the year, I will end up at zero, including the government grants. Even if I don’t include the grants, I’m still cheaper than I would have been.”

“You have to take a totally different attitude”

The improvements have taken a little getting used to. John’s home previously had night storage heaters, and he’s the first to admit that he’s had to change the way he thinks.

“You have to take a totally different attitude towards heating your home. But it’s lovely and warm – every room is the same, which is why I leave all the doors open.“

Some of John’s neighbours weren’t interested in having the work done at first, but he says that now that they can see the results, most of them have changed their minds. “This is the best heating system I’ve ever experienced, and the cheapest. I can even watch my energy usage with my smart meter.”

The future of energy efficiency

The Gloucestershire retrofit project has transformed homes, cut carbon emissions and significantly reduced energy costs for residents. As Sam Batt, who led the retrofit demonstrator, explains:

“It has deepened our understanding of the work needed and the challenges to overcome when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of our homes and reducing our carbon footprint. Without the funding from the SHDF, this would not have been possible.”