Decarbonising the Council’s housing stock to help meet net zero ambitions
To help meet the Council’s ambition of being net zero by 2030 as an organisation, and by 2045 as a borough, plans are being progressed to tackle the carbon emissions produced by the Council’s housing stock.
The Council owns 5,382 properties across the borough which are managed by ForHousing, our local social housing provider. A challenging target has been set which will see all properties reach Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band C by 2028, ahead of a net zero target by 2045. At present 77% of properties have an EPC rating of Band C and above thanks to an ongoing investment in energy efficiency upgrades in these properties.
To reach the EPC Band C target for all properties, ForHousing will continue to deliver planned upgrade works such as replacement windows and doors, loft insulation top-up and cavity wall insulation. These measures will improve the energy efficiency of the buildings, helping to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat them, and in turn, helping to reduce both fuel bills and carbon emissions.
ForHousing also work closely with Council officers to take advantage of external funding opportunities such as the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).
The SHDF supports the installation of energy performance measures in social homes in England and aims to deliver warm, energy-efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, tackle fuel poverty, and support green jobs.
The Council is submitting a bid for the latest phase of the scheme which, if successful, could see over 600 properties benefit from a range of energy efficiency upgrades. The most energy inefficient properties, with the lowest EPC ratings, will be addressed first. Residents whose properties have been identified as eligible for the scheme will be contacted directly by ForHousing.
Regular updates will be provided for all ForHousing tenants via the website, ezine and letters to directly affected households to ensure tenants have the opportunity to learn more about the activity taking place on the Council’s journey to net zero for its housing stock.
Decarbonising social housing is part of the Council's commitment to creating a long-term plan to retrofit housing to help tackle the Climate Emergency and reduce fuel poverty. This is one of the 12 action points identified as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council's vision for an Inclusive Economy. The Inclusive Economy aims to make Cheshire West and Chester a greener, fairer and stronger place to live, work and play.
For more information on social housing in Cheshire West and Chester, visit:
Council housing | Cheshire West and Chester Council
Find out more about home energy help for residents here:
Home energy | Cheshire West and Chester Council
You can find out more about the Inclusive Economy here:
