Contractors appointed to retrofit 3,000 Birmingham homes a year

Birmingham City Council has appointed three contractors to retrofit 3,000 homes across the city each year.

New insulation, improved ventilation, efficient heating systems and solar panels will be installed in Birmingham’s most deprived areas, to significantly reduce fuel bills by £1.2m per year for residents.

It’s expected that the majority of the homes that will be retrofitted will be privately owned homes, although there is an opportunity to improve some of Birmingham’s social homes.

The council and the contractors – City Energy Network, Next Energy Solutions, Golden Globe Merchants – will form a partnership to leverage private funding of up to £45m each year from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme.

The ECO programme is funded by contributions from large energy companies to be invested in improving the energy efficiency of homes.

Cllr Jayne Francis, cabinet member for housing and homelessness said: “In addition to reducing fuel costs by an estimated £1.2 million per year for residents, this project will play a significant role in reducing the city’s carbon output.

“The improved homes will also contribute to healthier living conditions by creating warmer, drier homes, thereby alleviating the health impacts of dampness and mould.

“All three contractors bring substantial expertise and a proven track record in successfully delivering similar projects throughout the country.

“The next step will be to begin talking with local communities to carry out this work before the end of the year and to maximize benefits for residents this winter.”