6 October 2023

We take further action towards housing sustainability

We have taken one step closer to retrofitting 8,000 of our least energy-efficient homes to help the environment and reduce energy costs. 
Tom Kingdom smiling outside of his home with new solar panels.

As part of our Cby28 retrofit project, we have made eco-friendly improvements to our homes with lower Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings to reduce the carbon footprint of our properties. 

To improve the energy performance of our homes, we have fitted a range of new solar panels, efficient insulation, heaters and easy-to-read smart meters to help with costs in time for the winter.  

Our residents, Tom and Patricia Kingdom have recently had their bungalow retrofitted. 

Tom said: “We haven’t put the heaters on yet because we haven’t needed to. We have noticed a difference in the electricity bill already!

“LiveWest has been excellent in supporting us with all the work.” 

His wife also praised the retrofit works that have been done to their home.

She said: “We just feel very privileged that the people that have been here have been very kind. They’ve had cups of tea and had very nice chats with them. They were very helpful. We haven’t had any problems with the work at all.

“South Hams is quite expensive to live in, but we are lucky, we have affordable housing, and we appreciate what we have.”

Tom and Patricia have lived in their property for 16 years and expressed their delight with their retrofit transformation after having new solar panels, insulation, extractor fans and heaters fitted. 

“During the day, we have been using the washing machines and cutting the grass because of our new solar panels,” he added. 

Mr and Mrs Kingdom outside of their home.

By Creating Greener Futures Together, our Cby28 project is part of our journey to be Net Zero by 2050 and helps our residents reduce the carbon footprint of their homes whilst saving money on energy bills. 

Sophie Hughes, our Senior Commissioning Manager for our retrofit program, said: “We are delighted to hear that Mr and Mrs Kingdom are pleased with their solar panels, insulation, extractor fans and new heating that we have installed at their home. 

“It is fantastic that Mr and Mrs Kingdom have already noticed a difference in their electricity bills.

“We recognise our collective responsibility to reduce our emissions and contribute to a sustainable future. To do this, it is important we reduce our environmental impact across our existing and new homes we build.

“The Cby28 programme underlines our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of our homes.”