Older homes become the most efficient thanks to retrofit programme

Work to retrofit 400 of our older and least energy efficient homes has now seen them become amongst the most sustainable and environmentally friendly of our entire stock.

Over the last 18 months a Government grant of £2.7 million has helped us to retrofit 400 homes in areas such as Easingwold, Bedale, Northallerton and Ripon, as well as smaller rural communities such as Great Broughton, Osmotherley and Helperby.

The improvements included the installation of renewable energy technology such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, as well as other energy efficiency measures like better loft insulation and smart air bricks, which reduce drafts.

Since work started in April 2023 this has led to:

• solar panels being installed in 400 homes
• air-source heat pumps being installed in 52 homes
• loft insulation being fitted in 156 homes
• floor insulation being fitted in 15 homes

Prior to the work, all the homes in the retrofit programme had an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D, E or F, but now most have achieved a B rating and some have even reached the maximum A rating.

This means the homes are now amongst the most energy efficient of our entire 7,000 homes across North Yorkshire and surrounding areas.

Among those who recently had work completed to their home is Julie Sadler, who lives in the village of Thormanby, between Thirsk and Easingwold.

Julie lives in a bungalow with her dog Polly and says after the work to install solar panels, air-source heat pump and larger radiators in October 2024 she has already noticed the difference as autumn turned to winter.

“I have lived here for almost 20 years and until now I had oil-fired heating which was expensive, and I often found myself switching it off regularly in order to save money,” she says.

“I put off getting the solar panels and heat pumps for a while because I was unsure about making the change, but my neighbour got them, and he told me what a difference they had made to his home, so I decided the time was right and now I just wish I done it sooner.

“The disruption during the installation process was kept to a minimum and the workmen were so clean, tidy and polite and it was a pleasure to have them in my home.

“My home is now at a lovely temperature throughout the day, and I am going to be saving money on my heating. I couldn’t be happier.”

In addition to the retrofit work, we have also installed new triple glazed windows in 350 homes, and replacement A-rated gas boilers in a further 350 homes, contributing to improved energy efficiency in many homes.

We have applied for funding from the next round of the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund, which will be announced early in 2025.

Helen Ball, Broadacres’ Senior Sustainability Manager, said: “We are very pleased with the progress we have made in 2024 and it’s heartening to receive such positive feedback from customers like Julie who have had their homes made more energy efficient.

“We know the combination of air-source heat pumps and solar panels can really help to reduce customers’ energy bills and along with other measures like better insulated windows, doors, and lofts, we are keeping their homes warm and comfortable.

“This work will continue in 2025 and beyond and ultimately contribute to Broadacres achieving its net zero carbon status by 2050.”