How retrofit is transforming social housing in Gloucestershire - RISE Case Study

How retrofit is transforming social housing in Gloucestershire

Funded through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), the project targeted homes with an EPC rating of D or below, introducing measures such as external wall insulation, air and ground source heat pumps, loft insulation, solar photovoltaics, battery storage, upgraded windows and doors, and remote monitoring equipment.

Smarter ways to stay warm

John, 87, has lived in Blakeney in the Forest of Dean for over 20 years. His home was selected for the retrofit demonstrator project by Two Rivers Housing, and the impact has been remarkable. 

John was thrilled when he received the letter confirming his home would be included, saying: “I was absolutely delighted!” The work, which included an air source heat pump, external wall insulation, and triple-glazed windows and doors, has made a real difference to John’s home.

As a former property manager, John has kept his energy usage records for 22 years. Thanks to the retrofit, his energy bills are cheaper, and his home is now running more efficiently than ever. John explains: "I haven’t done a whole year, but I’ve already given around 2,000 kilowatt hours to the National Grid – that’s £660. All in all, at the end of the year, I will end up at zero, including the government grants. Even if I don’t include the grants, I’m still cheaper than I would have been.”

The improvements have taken a little getting used to. John’s home previously had night storage heaters, and he’s the first to admit that he’s had to change the way he thinks. "You have to take a totally different attitude towards heating your home. But it’s lovely and warm – every room is the same, which is why I leave all the doors open."

Some of John’s neighbours weren’t interested in having the work done at first, but he says that now that they can see the results, most of them have changed their minds. “This is the best heating system I’ve ever experienced, and the cheapest. I can even watch my energy usage with my smart meter.”

Questions and concerns around insulation and upgrade works are to be expected, so to address some of these the RISE Quick Guide: Insulation has been designed to help Local Authorities and registered providers advise residents, with information, top tips and best practice.

Cosier homes in Stroud

At Ham Fallow Court, an independent living scheme in Stroud, Sheila, 68, and Betty, 89, are among the residents experiencing the benefits of retrofitting firsthand.

Sheila, who lives in a bedsit, recalls the struggle with outdated night storage heaters. “They only come on at night. To me that’s a waste of time, so I didn’t put mine on and I was cold in my place.” Betty, who lives in the main building, agreed. “The heaters were installed in the 1970s, they were rubbish!”

Sheila resorted to borrowing an electric heater to get through winter. Now, with the new central heating system, both women have complete control over the temperature in their homes. "You just turn a dial, and it comes on – lovely!" Sheila said. "Mine’s timed to come on three times a day and, because I’ve only got the one room, and it gets properly warm now.”

Betty also appreciates the ease of the new system. "There’s a real difference. It’s much better, and I can’t fault them at all.”

Their advice to others considering similar upgrades is to have it done. “It’s much better, more economical – now that’s a big word for me!" Sheila laughed.

Delivering energy efficient homes

For Ashley Heal, Heating and Electrical Manager at Stroud District Council, the SHDF project has been a career highlight. A former plumbing and heating engineer, Ashley is a great believer in net zero and committed to delivering the best possible results for residents. Since joining the project in 2020, Ashley has seen firsthand how government-backed initiatives can make a tangible difference. “It's great that the government is involved and listening to operational delivery, not just providing money to tick a box.

Ashley believes the bespoke approach is important to the positive impact that these retrofit projects have on people’s lives. “There’s no one-size-fits-all. There's a need to have solutions through different measures to be able to fit that home properly.”

And he’s also fully aware of the impact: “Most people are telling me, ‘My energy bills are lower, I’m warm, and I hardly ever need to put the heating on’. It’s satisfying to see the results for the end user and finding out that someone's got a zero bill for a period. It's phenomenal!”

All the ways that retrofit can improve residents’ lives – from better health, to reduced bills, economic prosperity and safer, stronger communities – can be found in the RISE Masterclass-on-demand: The social benefits of retrofit.

The future of energy efficiency

The Gloucestershire retrofit project has transformed homes, cut carbon emissions and significantly reduced energy costs for residents. As Sam Batt, who led the retrofit demonstrator, explains: “It has deepened our understanding of the work needed and the challenges to overcome when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of our homes and reducing our carbon footprint. Without the funding from the SHDF, this would not have been possible.”

Once your retrofit project is complete, residents need to understand how to use any new equipment, and what it means for the way in which they live in their home. An effective handover means residents will gain the full benefits of living in a warmer, healthier home, with reduced energy bills. Check out the RISE advice on Handover to residents, which takes you through the handover step-by-step and makes sure residents feel comfortable with all the changes.