First published: 05/05/2023 -
Last updated: 21/03/2024 -
Verified by our Editorial Panel
Saving money and energy with the Optimised Retrofit Programme
With home heating accounting for a major part of people's carbon footprint, and with energy bills on the rise, insulating homes is one of the best steps to address both climate and energy costs. And those on the lowest incomes need this help most of all.
The Optimised Retrofit Programme helps registered social landlords improve the affordable warmth and reduce the carbon footprint of social homes. This is achieved by looking into the materials different homes are made from, how energy reaches them and is stored, and the way they’re heated; all to ensure the right energy efficiency plan is chosen for every home. £60m has already been committed by the Welsh Government between 2022 and 2023.
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How is the Optimised Retrofit Programme helping to make Wales’ homes greener?
The Optimised Retrofit Programme helps make retrofitting easy and cost effective, for both landlords and tenants.
One tenant who has benefitted from the Optimised Retrofit Programme is full-time carer, Jayne Martin from Pontardawe. Jayne had external wall and roof insulation installed in her home by Tai Tarian – one of 27 social housing providers delivering the Optimised Retrofit Programme with energy tech company, Sero. As a result, she has reported having a more comfortable home and lower energy bills, saying:
My home is noticeably warmer and cosier. I don’t even need to put on my heating that much because the insulation is helping retain the warmth. As a result, I am using far less energy, which is great for my pocket and the environment.
Nick Cope, head of capital investment at Tai Tarian, said:
Decarbonising homes is a real challenge, as every home has a completely different pathway to net zero. Some, like Jayne’s, require a lot of work on the general structure of the home to help retain the heat, while others are ready for the installation of ‘green’ technologies to take them to the next level of energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
Tai Tarian owns over 9000 properties in the Neath Port Talbot County Borough. Back in 2019, the social home provider made a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, and while being involved in the Optimised Retrofit Programme, is also the only housing association in the UK to build 100% of new homes to the EPC rating A.
Nick added:
We have installed external wall insulation to thousands of homes over the last eight years, which has helped lots of our tenants not only with their energy bills but also improving the comfort of their home.
Why take action?
Retrofit measures like insulation can help make homes more energy efficient which can reduce utility bills and even increase the value of your property. Before taking action, it’s important to consider the fabric or materials your home is made from, how energy reaches your home and the way in which your home is heated and stores energy. This is to ensure you choose the right energy efficiency measures for your home and needs.
What is Wales doing?
The Welsh Government is prioritising retrofit in homes where support is most needed, beginning with the provision of affordable warmth within social homes. This aligns with the Welsh Government's commitment to ensuring it puts the support where it is needed most to help realise the vision for a fairer Wales.
The Optimised Retrofit Programme is part of the Net Zero Plan, the Welsh Government’s second emissions reduction plan that lays the foundations to make Wales net zero by 2050. It includes 123 policies and proposals for action on climate change. Earlier this year it was announced that nearly £2bn of targeted green investment will be used to strengthen Wales’ response to the climate and nature emergencies over the next three years.
Julie James, Minister for Climate Change, said:
Climate change is a global issue with local consequences for the people of Wales. Making small adaptations to both our homes and day-to-day routines will play a pivotal role in reaching our goal of achieving net zero by 2050.
The Optimised Retrofit Programme is now entering its third phase and with £60m already committed, we are aiming to have installed ‘greener’ measures to reduce heat loss in 148,000 homes across Wales by 2025.
