Making buildings retro-fit for a greener future
As part of its work to tackle climate change and move toward a carbon neutral future, the council is improving the energy efficiency of the buildings it manages and maintains.
A council-run hostel in Chessington is undergoing an environmental makeover which will see it have two Air Source Heat Pumps installed.
These heat pumps allow homes and buildings to be kept warm with much lower carbon emissions than the traditional gas boilers that depend on fossil fuels.
The new pumps are expected to help the council avoid 15 tonnes of emissions each year and reduce fuel bills by up to 80%, allowing the council to provide essential services while protecting the planet and saving money.
Councillor Emily Davey, Portfolio Holder for Housing said:
Reducing carbon emissions from buildings the council maintains is a priority - not only will this lead to lower fuel bills and running costs, it will also help to tackle climate change.
This is especially important given the increase in fuel prices and the cost of living crisis.
Work is also underway to refresh the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for the entirety of the council’s housing stock. These certificates will help provide a detailed understanding of what can be done to improve the energy efficiency of each property.
Complementing this, money has been secured from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, which will see 66 of the council’s least energy efficient homes have a range of measures installed, such as improved insulation and solar panels, which could save up to £600 a year on energy bills for each household.
More information about the council’s work to decarbonise its buildings will be released in the coming months as new projects get underway.
You can find out about energy efficiency measures which may be suitable for your home on the Government’s website and sign up to Kingston’s second Efficient Homes Show once tickets are available later in the year.