More than 100 council homes in East Devon are now more eco-friendly after upgrades to their insulation, heating systems, and more.
The district council says the project has also allowed residents on low incomes to save energy and ‘significantly’ cut their utility bills.
Work has included installing air source heat pumps, solar panels, new radiators and pipework, upgraded insulation and smart controls.
Intelligent hot water cylinders that harvest surplus energy generated by solar panels and store it as hot water have also been utilised.
East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) Green Homes Grant programme has been running since 2020.
The government scheme aims to help councils fund the cost of reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of its housing.
Councillor Megan Armstrong, portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities, said:
“The health and wellbeing of residents is one of EDDC’s top priorities and this additional funding has helped EDDC to ensure their homes are the lowest EPC [energy efficiency grade]rated homes.
“This grant has improved the lives of many of our residents in East Devon, by lowering energy bills and keeping costs down in the long-term, which is one of our aims in the council’s Poverty Strategy.
“Not only has it helped our residents in their homes, it has also allowed EDDC to keep on lowering the district’s carbon emissions, ultimately reducing our environmental impact alongside our climate change agenda.”
One resident from Whitford told the council: “I now have a problem – I have too many jumpers! My house is lovely and warm, thank you.”
A vulnerable Uplyme householder added: “Thank you so much, the new heating has helped us so much, we are so comfortable and we have already seen a reduction in our electric bill.”
The project has been planned and carried out thanks to the help of PH Jones with the support of engineers, electricians and managers from British Gas.
