First wave of Park South homes benefit from energy improvements programme

Thirty-six properties out of 114 have so far received energy efficient improvements including solar panels, replacement windows with UPVC and new doors to improve energy retention. A further four homes will be completed by the end of October.

Alongside these improvements, the properties are also receiving external wall insulation and draught proofing to reduce heat loss, making them easier and cheaper to keep warm. This will help tenants maintain a comfortable living temperature throughout the year.

In line with the Council’s missions to Build a Greener and Better Swindon, the homes are being refurbished so they achieve an improved Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘C’ or better, compared to their current rating of ‘D’ or lower. The programme is part-funded by £1.4m from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

The improvements to Park South homes form part of an overall council-led programme delivering £30m of energy efficiency improvements to hundreds of council-owned homes across Swindon, which was announced in March.

The works are being delivered by Equans, whose in-house Sustainability Team has also supported the Council with retrofit upskilling, including an employability skills workshop and the delivery of a two-day retrofit academy bootcamp for council staff.

Heather, a council tenant who recently moved into one of the upgraded homes, said: “I was matched with this property recently and I’m extremely excited about what’s being done to my house. The benefit of the energy measures will mean that my energy bills will be lower and, as a single parent, this will help greatly. Being moved here has really taken the stress off.”

Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “As we head towards winter, these energy efficiency improvements will make it easier and cheaper for tenants to keep their homes warm.

“Once the whole programme is completed, 114 homes in Park South will have benefitted, at no cost to services funded through Council Tax.

“Meanwhile over the next five years, hundreds more council-owned properties across the Borough will receive a total of £30m of energy efficiency improvements including UPVC window and door upgrades, roof replacements and upgraded gas central heating systems.”

Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader and Ambassador for a Greener Swindon, said: “Up to 75 per cent of a building's energy is lost through the walls, roof, floors, windows and doors. So the delivery of this programme will improve the environmental performance of these homes, making them more energy efficient. It’s one example of how we are progressing our long-term mission to ‘Build a Greener Swindon’.”

Cole Turner, Regional Director at Equans, said: “It’s a big milestone for the project, and we’re proud of the improvements made to each home. Not only are they warmer and more energy-efficient, but the whole estate is looking better too.

“Working closely with Swindon Borough Council has helped us move things forward, and we’re also delivering extra support for the community, like job workshops, training, and help with things like youth safety and fuel costs.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the work and bringing even more benefits to local residents.”