York Council outlines plans to improve energy-efficiency for more than 400 homes

Four-hundred-and-forty council tenants in York could benefit from newly installed energy-efficiency measures over the next two years, according to new plans outlined by the council.These measures will reduce residents’ energy bills, make their home warmer, and reduce carbon emissions.Future plans to retrofit energy-efficiency measures will include solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, and improved insulation.The council has outlined its plans for introducing further energy-efficiency measures in its Retrofit Action Plan, which is open to consultation.This financial year, 73 council homes have already been improved, according to the council.Energy-generating solar panels have been fitted to 45 council homes in Bishopthorpe, Heworth, and Tang Hall after levels of loft insulation were topped up and roof improvements carried out.The panels generate free electricity for tenants, and the insulation ensure their homes stay warmer for longer.These are in addition to over 500 council homes which are already benefitting from photovoltaic panels and the free electricity they generate.The council is also fitting a range of energy-efficiency measures to 28 council homes in Acomb and Tang Hall.These works are being supported by grant funding from government, alongside the council’s own investment.Work to a further 367 homes is being proposed for the next two years.This is subject to a successful application for £1m government funding, to be matched by £1m from the council’s retrofit budget.This work would aim to improve EPC ratings to at least C standard.A further £60,000 is being proposed to carry out draught proofing and other insulation work in the homes of around 250 vulnerable council tenants this winter.To help boost energy efficiency, reduce energy costs for more residents, and to further reduce carbon emissions in line with the council’s Climate Change Strategy, a Retrofit Action Plan has been drafted.The plan aims to reduce emissions and energy bills across all tenures and will be considered by the executive later this year.Businesses, organisations, and residents are being invited to comment on the plan.Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, York Council, said: “We are committed to accelerating retrofit works to improve the quality of our housing while reducing emissions and energy bills in York – they’re good for residents and good for the planet.“To support our work to install energy efficiencies in homes across York, please comment on the proposed Retrofit Action Plan.“We’d also be interested to hear about your experiences with installing or running home-energy improvements.”Read next: Government’s attitude toward housing will deliver more homes – but less levelling-upAre you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.