Plans to turn council house stock into super energy efficient home

Published: 14 February 2020

A pioneering approach to retrofit energy measures to existing council properties is being piloted in Exeter.

The on-going pilot in Chestnut Avenue, Wonford, will deliver a retrofit solution known as Energiesprong to six properties. The whole house refurbishment performance standard upgrades properties to the very highest energy standards.

Included is a ground source heat pump heating system, insulated wall and roof panels, and photovoltaic roof panels with battery storage facility.

The aim of the project is to create net-zero energy properties that are warm and comfortable for tenants to live in, and deliver reduced energy bills.

The outcomes of the pilot will be evaluated with the intention of looking at strategies that would work for the wider council housing stock.

It is hoped the move would help contribute to Exeter’s ambitious target of becoming a Net Zero Carbon city by 2030.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “I really welcome this pilot project. Energy bills for residents will be hugely reduced, and that is fantastic. In terms of ending fuel poverty, this is a major step forward.

“Residents living in these houses will have a much better insulated, energy efficient home, and that is exactly what we all need.”

Amal Ghusain, Lead Councillor for Equalities, Diversity & Communities, said: “This project will create much better conditions inside the house. Things like mould and humidity problems will be taken away, so the atmosphere inside the house will be amazing and healthy.

“So it is about an improvement in health and not just a saving in the pocket and a saving in energy that this work will produce.”