Governments pledge to invest in energy efficiency measures

The Welsh and UK governments have both launched stimulus programmes this year that aim to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, boost the economy and open the door to new green industries.

The Welsh government is giving a further £10m to a programme launched in August 2020 that aims to transform social housing across Wales while the Green Homes Grant in England is part of a wider coronavirus stimulus package announced in recent months.

Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP)

Backed with £19.5m, the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) is a key part of the Welsh government’s plans for a green recovery – as set out in the recently-published Covid Reconstruction: Challenges and Priorities report.

In the first year of the programme, ORP will bring together housing associations and councils on projects that will help upgrade at least 1,000 existing social homes through a mixture of new energy efficient materials and technologies.

Some of the upgrades that are to be trialled in upcoming ORP projects will include the installation of new heat pumps, intelligent energy systems and solar panels. Off gas grid properties which can be difficult and expensive to heat are also a focus of this programme. 

These measures are intended to help tenants and the environment by reducing the amount of carbon produced in powering and heating homes as well as help reduce fuel poverty and develop the skills and opportunities available Welsh small businesses.

To support innovation in the ORP, social landlords were invited to apply for funding of up to £0.5m for research and innovation projects. Applications were invited to address a range of challenges from consumer acceptance to improving the impact of retrofit. It is hoped that successful projects will improve the pipeline of innovative ideas to accelerate decarbonisation and help grow supply chains in Wales.

The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: "This is an approach that could create a sustainable, long-term retrofit industry that supports thousands of local jobs and training opportunities as we act to meet our 2050 carbon targets."

Green Homes Grant

In a similar vein, the UK government launched the Green Homes Grant in England earlier this year with £2bn pledged to help upgrade homes. A further £1bn has been made available to insulate public buildings including hospitals and schools. As well as offering a helping hand to tradespeople, the measures are also aimed at helping the UK meet its ambitious 2050 target for net zero carbon emissions.

Homeowners and landlords (including social housing landlords) in England can make their properties more energy efficient with a grant of up to £5,000 (up to £10,000 for low income households) to pay part of the cost of energy saving measures like insulation, heat pumps and solar thermal panels.

Advice from LABC

Consult with your local building control team at the planning stage as any building regulations-related work carried out needs to comply with those regulations. We would also advise that you seek expert advice to ensure that your home is suitable for the work proposed.

Further information

Find out about the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP)

Find out more about the Green Homes Grant