Over 2,000 Coventry social homes upgraded with insulation, solar panels and heat pumps

More than 2,000 social houses in Coventry have received energy-efficiency upgrades as part of a large-scale retrofit programme.

The works, which include external wall insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and ventilation fans, aim to make homes warmer, reduce heating costs and lessen environmental impact. Funding totals £67.6 million, with £23.8 million supplied by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and £44 million contributed by Citizen housing association.

Citizen delivered the scheme in partnership with Coventry City Council, Westdale Midlands and Sustainable Building Services. Westdale Midlands carried out work on 1,195 properties, while Sustainable Building Services completed upgrades on 741 homes, together reaching the total of over two thousand improved dwellings.

He reported that his electricity bill fell by roughly two thirds, describing the reduction as “instant” and saying it leaves more money for shopping as winter approaches.

Another tenant, George Hargreaves, received external wall insulation from Westdale Midlands. He noted that his bills are lower and the house feels considerably warmer since the work was completed.

Official response

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, visited both homes and said the feedback from local people was positive and the improvements were delivering practical benefits. She added that the scheme helps raise housing standards and hopes further funding opportunities can be secured.

Bridget Guilfoyle, Director of Asset Management at Citizen, said the organisation was thrilled to hear the immediate benefits for customers and that the programme has helped create warmer, more energy-efficient homes while supporting tenants with their energy costs.

Steve Roberts, Regional Director at Sustainable Building Services, described the delivery of more than 2,000 improved homes as a significant achievement for all partners involved, highlighting the collaborative effort of clients, contractors and the supply chain.

Adrian Bishop, Managing Director of Westdale Midlands, called the project a landmark initiative that not only improves homes but also creates new training and employment opportunities through the External Wall Insulation Training Academy.

Gareth Keith of GJK consultants, which assisted the council and Citizen with bid applications, said it was fantastic to see the large-scale retrofit programme’s positive impact on Coventry residents.