Retrofit of council homes takes huge step forward

A pioneering project that will transform the lives of vulnerable families in Haringey by making 15,000 council homes warmer and cheaper to run has taken a huge step forward with agreement to launch the first phase.

Last night (7 November), Cabinet approved a detailed design for an energy efficiency and decarbonisation retrofit of almost 300 street properties as part of the Housing Energy Action Plan, agreed by councillors in January this year.

It marks the start of a programme that will see the installation of measures such as external wall and loft insulation, energy efficient doors and windows, heat pumps and solar panels as part of a retrofit of all 15,000 council homes.

On a mission to become a net zero carbon borough by 2041, the ambitious project predicts a 98 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from council homes by 2038.

As well as dramatically reducing each households’ carbon footprint, average heating bills could be reduced by 28 per cent – tackling ever increasing energy costs caused by the cost-of-living crisis and offering tenants more financial freedom. 

Cllr Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, said:

Retrofitting council homes is a big step forward in our efforts to tackle fuel poverty and fantastic news for residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Our ambitious programme will transform the lives of thousands of vulnerable Haringey families by providing a secure future in a warm, healthy, comfortable and affordable home.

Cllr Mike Hakata, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport said:

This project will have a significant impact on reducing housing emissions and is critical in achieving our ambition of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2041.
 
As with all our programmes aimed at tackling climate change, retrofitting council homes will have multiple benefits ranging from reducing energy bills for low-income families and improving indoor air quality to creating highly skilled local jobs and investing in a green economy.

The programme aims to improve the overall Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings from C and below to B.    

The council owns about 17 per cent of the borough’s total housing stock, with council homes amounting to approximately 7-8 per cent of Haringey’s carbon emissions.