ENERGY-BUSTING measures have been installed in 60 homes in a Solihull street.
Privately owned homes and those managed by Solihull Community Housing on Alston Road have benefited from various upgrades as part of a West Midlands-wide plan to help local people cut their energy bills and carbon emissions.
The works to install external wall insulation (EWI) and loft insulation has been achieved thanks to Government funding secured by Solihull Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Solihull Community Housing, and was delivered by Sustainable Building Solutions.
The work has been targeted at homes with an energy performance rating of D or below, supporting residents with the cost-of-living pressures and to help tackle the climate emergency.
Solihull Council say the measures will also improve ventilation, helping to reduce the likelihood of damp and mould, leading to better health outcomes.
Catherine, a homeowner on Alston Road, said: “We were delighted to receive funding to improve the insulation in our home.
“Like everyone, our energy bills have shot up in recent years and these improvements should really help retain heat and warmth.
“The external wall insulation looks great visually and it’s nice to know the positive impact it will have on the environment.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “What stands out about this scheme is the upgrades have been completed on both privately owned and socially rented homes, helping to make it a more inclusive, place based retrofit project.
“However, we know time is of the essence and we’ll continue to work closely with the WMCA to secure additional funding for schemes like this that make such a difference to the local community.”
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “In Solihull, over half of households on Alston Road are set to benefit from homes that are both warmer and cheaper to heat.
“This is proof of the power of taking a place-based approach to retrofit – hence the importance of our Net Zero Neighbourhoods initiative and why we will continue to press ahead with retrofit.
“The WMCA has already secured £70million of Government funding and match funding from housing providers. This cash injection is helping to get homes retrofitted as well as building up a retrofit workforce.”
For more about the retrofit program visit the Your Future Solihull website.
