News / Bristol city leap
‘Landmark progress’ announced in retrofitting social housing properties
A 20-year public-private partnership between Bristol City Council, Ameresco, and Vattenfall Heat UK has announced a major milestone in energy efficiency efforts aimed at over 28,000 social housing properties across Bristol.
The initiative, as part of the Bristol City Leap project, aims to upgrade housing infrastructure, boosting sustainability, warmth, comfort, and safety for residents, particularly during colder winter months.
Key upgrades include the addition of external wall insulation and finishes, which will enhance thermal efficiency, improve aesthetic appeal, and make homes more resilient to the weather.
Insulation will also be placed in the gaps within the building’s walls to minimise heat loss, helping tenants reduce heating expenses.
Key upgrades of the project will include the addition of external wall insulation and finishes, which will enhance thermal efficiency of the properties
New, high-performance uPVC windows will be fitted in all flats and communal areas, improving security, cutting down noise, and boosting energy efficiency by eliminating draught.
Industry experts and academics have emphasised the crucial role of retrofitting in the broader strategy of making existing buildings and houses energy-efficient and sustainable.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has highlighted this focus through its horizon-scanning programme, RIBA Horizons 2034: The Environmental Challenge. The report outlines key insights into how the design and construction industry can recognise its responsibility and make informed decisions for a more sustainable future.
The strategy specifically underscores the importance of retrofitting, emphasising that it should be prioritised over demolition and new builds.
This approach aims to reduce environmental impact by improving the efficiency of existing structures rather than replacing them, which can be more resource-intensive and environmentally damaging.
Mark Apsey, senior vice president at Ameresco, said: “It has become increasingly expensive to heat and power our homes due to the cost-of-living crisis, especially in winter.
“It is particularly hard for those who live in buildings with poor energy insulation. That is why we are working with Bristol City Council to prioritise the retrofit of social housing across the city. The projects we are delivering will significantly reduce costs and ensure energy and heat are retained within the home.”
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As part of the programme, each property will receive a new front door, improving security and insulation while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the building.
New roofs will be installed to fix leaks and enhance insulation, and additional loft insulation will help retain heat, creating a more comfortable living environment and further reducing energy costs.
Improved ventilation systems will be installed to improve indoor air quality and reduce dampness and mould, promoting healthier living conditions.
These upgrades are expected to result in immediate benefits for residents, including reduced energy consumption, lower heating costs, and a more comfortable and healthier living environment. The initiative has been hailed as a significant step towards a more sustainable Bristol, with both long-term and immediate advantages for the community.
Bristol City Leap has announced a major milestone in energy efficiency efforts aimed at over 28,000 social housing properties across Bristol
Barry Parsons, chair of the homes & housing delivery committee at Bristol City Council, said: “Working with our partners in Bristol City Leap, we aim to ensure that the energy efficiency of the council housing we manage is improved and these buildings become better adapted to a changing climate.
“The planned improvements this programme of work will deliver should ensure residents living in these homes benefit from improved insulation and security, and the associated physical and mental health benefits a warm, safe home provides. The reduction in energy use as a result of these improvements should also see an impact in residents’ pockets in the shape of lower bills.”
The award-winning scheme which is singled out as a “blueprint” for decarbonisation at a city scale has expressed its optimism in decarbonising the city and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
All photos: Bristol City Leap
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