400 homes in the Liverpool 8 area will soon benefit from a range of energy improvement works starting this week.
In August, Plus Dane secured over £4m from the second wave of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund in partnership with Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. This funding has been matched by Plus Dane to create a new retrofit energy improvement works programme for more than 400 homes across Liverpool 8.
The aim of the programme is to improve the energy performance rating of homes ranging between bands D-G and improving these homes to a C energy rating or better.
Plus Dane homes identified in the Dickens Streets, Welsh Streets and Camelot Streets, have been energy assessed and the eligible homes will now be offered a detailed property survey, which will lead to energy improvement works over the coming months.
The retrofit energy assessment survey, and delivery of the improvement works will all be completed by Plus Dane’s contracting partner Next Energy.
The improvement works will vary in each home, depending on the outcome of the survey, and includes improvements such as: loft insulation; solar panels; underfloor insulation; smart controls; cavity wall insulation; low energy lights; internal wall insulation; triple glazed windows; and external wall insulation.
Plus Dane Chief Executive, Ian Reed, said: “Funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund will really make a difference to what we can achieve when looking to improve the energy efficiency of our homes in L8. We are grateful to the Combined Authority for helping us to do more with our money and improve the homes of even more customers.”
“Making our homes more energy efficient is a key goal for us. With the cost of living crisis dragging on, these improvements will make sure more than 400 of our customers won’t need to use as much energy to keep their homes warm and cosy. And, of course it has a big impact on our journey towards net zero.”
Councillor David Baines, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Net Zero and Clean Air, said: “We know that if we are to successfully reach our target of becoming net zero carbon by 2040, we need to halve our energy use in the city region. The situation in our homes is even more challenging, as we will have to cut energy use by 60%. We are working really hard with our local authorities and housing associations to retrofit energy saving measures to as many houses as possible, to save people money on their bills, tackle fuel poverty and help the environment, but there is a limit to how much we can do on our own.”
“Making our housing stock energy efficient is a huge challenge but with the right support from government we already have the technology to do this, while creating good quality jobs in the process.”
Next Energy Director, Lee McNally, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Plus Dane Housing to deliver energy efficiency improvements in their customers’ homes. These improvements not only benefit properties, but it also helps people live happier, healthier lives.”
“Next Energy have been working tirelessly to deliver decarbonisation and we are committed to both Plus Dane Housing and the Liverpool City Region to reach the Government’s target of zero carbon by 2050.”
Plus Dane has also secured the top rating from Government following completion of the
retrofit maturity assessment survey. The survey is used by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero to help shape future retrofit funding and Plus Dane secured a Maturity Rating of ‘Optimised’.
This is the highest possible rating and means Plus Dane is considered as a retrofit leader. We are early adopters of technology and new processes, which are business standard. Highly receptive to change and promote benefits internally and to wider industry. Retrofit delivery is central to all decision making, with clear and well-established governance. Transparent internal and external reporting. Ambitious goals are being achieved and change is accelerated.
Plus Dane previously received £1m from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund’s first Wave, allocated through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to help 10,000 low-income homes save money on their energy bills. Previous Plus Dane retrofit projects have included extensive cavity wall, external wall, and roof insulation, plus a pilot scheme installation of a ground source heat pump at a development in Wirral.
For more information on Next Energy and SHDF click HERE
