A pilot project to improve the energy efficiency of homes in South Gloucestershire has been successfully completed.

The pilot has focussed initially on a selection of traditionally built properties in the Kingswood area which we knew had existing issues with damp and mould. With cavity wall insulation unsuitable for these properties we’ve instead been fitting insulation to the exterior of the properties to improve their heat retention.

Work on the first of the 36 homes began in the autumn and has been extremely well received by customers.

Property surveyor Tim Grimshaw said: “Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a win-win for us and the customer. It helps improve the quality of our property and also means that customers can reduce the amount of money they spend on the heating bills as their homes stay warmer for longer. And at times like these, anything we can do to put some extra money back in our customers’ pockets is obviously going to be welcomed.

“We’ve had some great feedback from customers who were saying how they immediately noticed the difference the insulation has made to their homes. They’ve also commented on what a difference the work has made to the appearance of their home, giving them real kerb-appeal. We’re now in the process of identifying more properties in the area that we can apply this to over the next 12 months.”

We’re committed to improving the energy efficiency of our homes and by March 2020, more than 80% of our properties had a SAP rating of C or above.