Warmer resident homes that use less energy,  improve air quality and help resolve damp and mould are some of the benefits of Brighter Places’ new energy efficient retrofit scheme.

Our corporate strategy 2022-27 sets out clear targets and one is to improve our existing homes so they are more energy efficient and can help tackle climate change.

As part of this target, we are committed to making sure all our homes have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating C by 2030, where applicable.

What is an EPC?

EPC is a UK rating for the energy efficiency of a home and its impact on the environment.  A home’s energy efficiency is measured on an EPC scale of A-G with A being the most efficient and G the least efficient.  An EPC rating is valid for 10 years.

The Government requires that all social housing properties with an EPC of D or less are upgraded to an EPC C or above, where possible, by 2030.

How this will benefit you

There are several ways we can upgrade your home to EPC C that will bring benefits to you and everyone in your household:

• Adding more insulation to your home will reduce the amount of energy you use to heat your home and help to mitigate against the increasing costs of energy bills.
• Installing extra ventilation in your home will help to resolve issues you may have with damp and mould.  It will also improve the quality of air in your home by removing stale air.

What we are doing

Our specialist Zero Carbon Team is currently identifying homes which need work to upgrade to EPC C.  The team is working with a contractor to carry out home surveys and reviewing the information we hold about our properties.

What happens next?

In autumn 2022 we will apply to the Government for funds as part of its Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.  This has been set up to improve the energy performance of social rented homes.

Once we have secured funding we will contact residents whose homes meet the eligibility for the funding, to provide further information about the works we hope to carry out.  Work to upgrade homes will then begin in Spring 2023 and rolled out to all eligible homes by 2030.

If  your home is identified as suitable for works to improve its efficiency and upgrade to EPC C, we will write to you to let you know.

We are keen to work with residents to deliver these planned upgrades, so that you can benefit from a warmer, more comfortable, and healthier home.

Keep an eye on our website for further updates over the coming months.

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more in the meantime, please email the Zero Carbon Team or call 0117 942 4600.