Retrofit Devolution Scheme helps District Council tenants to save thousands

Completed in summer 2024, the project aimed to enhance energy efficiency while ensuring a smooth experience for residents.

Energy solution company Westville and Wrights Renewable Heating were contracted by the District Council to make improvements to the homes and included insulation, new windows, air source heat pumps (ASHP), and solar panels. Four properties received external wall insulation with a brick-effect render to meet planning requirements, while one had cavity wall insulation.

The project has been met with positive responses from residents, highlighting enhancements in warmth, energy savings, and overall comfort:

• "Our house looks and feels so much better now. It’s lovely and warm! - Miss P, Station Road
• "Brilliant job, looks amazing. The installers were prompt and polite. It’s made such a big difference, particularly in the bad weather. We’re warm all the time and saving money on our bills." - Mrs R, School Lane
• "Couldn’t fault the workmen, very hard working and cleaned up after themselves. My house looks very posh now, but still fits in with the street by having the brick effect render. I don’t need to put the heating on until the evening now and the house retains the heat throughout the night and next day." - Mrs P, School Lane
• "The insulation has made a lot of difference, even when the heating isn’t on I can feel the house is warmer, which is saving money on my energy bills." - Miss C, Norwell Road

Following the retrofit, the total estimated annual energy bill savings amount to an incredible £7,640. This Devolution Scheme will save over 33,425kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year, equivalent to stopping the emissions from 17,098 litres of petrol being burned every year.

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:, said: “This has been an excellent initiative and it’s great we’ve managed to support tenants to have more money in their pockets by reducing the cost on their energy bills as well as make their homes more energy efficient.”

“Now more than ever it’s important that we take action to reduce carbon emissions and take steps to protect our planet. As a District Council, we’re committed to reaching our carbon net zero target by 2035 on sites we own such as Newark Sports and Fitness Centre and our Castle House offices. Projects like the Devolution Scheme are an added bonus and we’re pleased some of our tenants were able to benefit from it.”

Lee Rolfe, Managing Director and Wright Renewables said: “Working with Newark and Sherwood District Council over the last two years, delivering well over 100 installations of Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels, has been a thoroughly enjoyable and beneficial joint endeavour which has improved the living conditions of every tenant we have been able to help.

“Working with the Council has demonstrated what can be achieved with first class communication, shared values and standards and a commitment to always putting the customer first.”