Energy and regeneration specialist Equans has been appointed by social housing provider 54North Homes to make 98 flats in Leeds more energy efficient.
St Mary’s Court and St Mary’s Close in Chapeltown, as well as Wood Lane Court in Headingley, will undergo significant energy improvement work to make the homes warmer and more affordable to heat.
Each building will be fitted with new external wall insulation to trap in heat and keep out cold air in winter. The insulation will also help to keep out hot air as temperatures rise over the summer months, keeping the flats cool. This highly efficient insulation will be topped with a modern rendered finish, giving the buildings a stylish look.
Each of the one-bedroom flats will also have upgraded ventilation systems installed to allow air to circulate and to help reduce the likelihood of damp and mould occurring.
New smart heating systems will be fitted to give residents better control over the temperature in their homes and to help them keep track of how much they are spending on energy.
New doors will be added at both schemes, which will also help to control the temperature inside the homes.
It is estimated that the project will reduce 54North Homes residents’ energy bills by up to £400 per property annually, whilst yearly carbon emissions will be reduced by up to a tonne in each home – enough to fill an Olympic size swimming pool five times over.
As a result of the improvements, Energy Performance Certificate ratings in the flats will increase from as low as E to at least C.
Sean Corcoran, Regional Director at Equans, commented: “Much of the carbon produced nationally comes from our existing homes, so projects like this are vitally important when it comes to meeting the UK’s net zero ambitions. “This improvement work will also bring huge benefits for the residents living in these homes by helping to ease the strain of paying expensive energy bills, whilst also making sure their home is a comfortable environment to live in.”
