Better Homes
Our energy efficiency programme making your home warmer, greener, and more affordable.
Project Overview
Welcome to our Better Homes Programme – an exciting initiative to improve energy efficiency in our homes! This project will deliver upgrades to homes below an EPC C over the next three years, helping to:
- Make heating your home more affordable.
- Improve warmth and comfort.
- Reduce carbon emissions.
- Future-proof homes.
What’s Happening?
We’re rolling out this programme in phases between now and 2028 making improvements such as:
- Better insulation (walls, roofs, and floors) to keep your home warm.
- Low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps to replace older boilers.
- Ventilation upgrades to help prevent damp and improve air quality.
- Renewable energy options such as solar panels where suitable.
- Windows & Doors to reduce heat loss.
We will carry out a survey on homes before making any decisions on what upgrades to carry out.
Project Timeline
- January 2025 – Project planning begins.
- February 2025 – Funding announced.
- March 2025 – Initial surveys on a rolling basis to properties with opportunities for resident input.
- May 2025 – Begin delivery starting with priority properties. What we do to each property will be informed by the survey.
- March 2028 – All works completed.
We are working in phases, meaning not all homes will be upgraded at the same time. We will contact you if and when your home is scheduled for improvements.
FAQs
If your home has been selected, you will have received an introductory letter from us. You don’t need to do anything; we’ll be in touch when it’s your turn.
If your home is not included then it is already at an EPC C, which means it’s in line with current government expectations on energy efficiency. We might be able to make further improvements after 2030 but not this time round.
No! The work is fully funded, so there is no cost to you.
Maybe! We can’t promise that these measures will save you money, but we do know that the improvements will make your home more comfortable and affordable to heat, keeping your home warmer for less. This might mean you save money or it might mean you spend the same but have a warmer home.
We are working through homes in phases over the next three years. We will contact you directly when it’s your turn to arrange surveys and installation. We will ask you what we can do to help make the process as smooth as possible for you.
We will ensure the work is planned and carried out to the best standard meaning that in some cases there will be a gap between carrying out the first survey and us beginning work in your home while we get everything in place.
The upgrades depend on your home’s current energy efficiency. A survey will determine what’s needed, but it could include insulation, new heating systems, windows, doors, ventilation improvements, or solar panels.
Most improvements will be completed within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the work required. We will give you a clear schedule before starting and we will communicate with you about how we can make it happen smoothly and with minimal disruption.
No, in most cases you will stay in your home while the work takes place. However, we’ll work around your schedule to minimise disruption and discuss any special requirements with you.
We will work closely with you to make sure the process is safe and comfortable. Let us know about any medical conditions, accessibility requirements, or special arrangements when we get in touch.
We are working with Equans and their trusted, certified contractors who are PAS 2035 and TrustMark approved; this just means they are qualified to carry out these improvements to the highest quality and safety standards. They will work with you to make sure the work takes place at a time that suits you where possible. Our Tenant Liaison Officers will always be on hand to talk to you.
Your comfort is our priority! We know this work is a disruption to your life so if you have any concerns at any stage, please contact us. If you have received a letter from us to let you know your home is next, then you’ll have an opportunity to speak to one of our friendly and helpful TLOs.
We’ll be sharing regular updates on progress, resident success stories, and important dates. Keep an eye on our website for the latest news.
We will send you updates individually by your preferred method once your home has been selected for upcoming work.