Leading housing association, LiveWest, has launched a pilot project to improve the energy efficiency of its homes as part of its plans to beat government targets.
The home improvement Trailblazer project, 鈥楥reating Greener Futures Together鈥, is a 拢2m investment which will see more than 300 homes become more energy efficient over the next year.
It is part of a 拢40m LiveWest investment which aims to bring 9,000 properties up to EPC Band C over the next seven years 鈥 two years ahead of the government deadline.
Owning more than 38,000 homes and supporting 80,000 customers, the housing provider鈥檚 fabric first approach has already resulted in installation projects taking place and an upgrade to doors and windows amongst homes across the South West.
LiveWest is also introducing solar panels and installing new heating systems as part of its drive to future-proof its homes.
Tackle fuel poverty and meet climate targets
The new measures will help to tackle fuel poverty and meet the Committee on Climate Change鈥檚 target to have 29 million existing homes in the 海角视频 to become low carbon by 2050.
Glynnis Poole, planning technical and sustainability director for LiveWest, said: 鈥淪ustainable homes, neighbourhoods and communities are at the heart of our commitment to deliver a home for everyone.
鈥淭he effects of climate change and global warming impact the way we live and work.
鈥淎s the largest housing association in the South West, we recognise our business activities impact the environment and we have launched our environmental strategy through a genuine belief we have a collective responsibility to protect the environment.
鈥淭hrough the delivery of our strategy and collaborating with others, we are taking decisive steps to provide considerable benefits for our customers, colleagues, and communities as we strive towards net zero.
鈥淥ur principal focus is around increasing the energy efficiency of our homes, reducing our carbon footprint and improving our customers鈥 lives.
鈥淭he Trailblazer project is already making a huge difference to the energy performance of our customers鈥 homes and we hope that they soon see the benefits in their fuel bills.鈥
Ambitious plans for new homes
As well as improving its existing stock, LiveWest has also developed ambitious plans for its new homes.
A new homes energy specification means its homes will achieve above building regulations through fabric first principles and PV systems and future proofing the heating and hot water systems for later retrofit.
A 350-home development in Bristol called Jessop Park will benefit from ground source heat pumps (GSHP), a pollinator park and community orchard. LiveWest is also delivering homes as part of the Cranbrook District Heating network in Exeter.
Glynnis added: 鈥淲e are keen to ensure we use the scale of our retrofit challenge to both test emerging technologies and support growth within the market, particularly from companies within the South West.
鈥淲e are currently investigating a number of new innovation-led projects including the use of hybrid hydrogen boilers and energy storage in homes.
鈥淥ur dedicated renewables technologies team are fully qualified in all areas of the latest green technology able to install, maintain, service and repair, meaning customers鈥 needs are dealt with quicker and we are up to date with the latest developments.鈥
With plans to build more than 7,000 homes in the next five years, LiveWest鈥檚 growth strategy will not only contribute to economic growth in the South West, but sustain up to 7,000 jobs in the building industry.
For more information on LiveWest鈥檚 environmental credentials, visit .
