Wall insulation project helps reduce energy expenses for local Broxtowe Homes

Due to the nature of keeping the traditional look of the properties, extensive work went into the planning of these works to enable planning approval for the external insulation. The Council appointed Westdale North Limited to carry out the works who proposed using an Artbrick system. The installers normally pride themselves in providing an even, neat finish to brick effect, however, in this case they have had to work hard to provide a 'distressed' look along with weathering to replicate the existing 160-year-old brickwork. 

Councillor Vanessa Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing said, ‘As a Council we’re committed to ensuring that our residents have a good quality home, and so this project is key to our Housing Delivery Strategy. We’re also getting to that time of year again where energy bills are going to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, so this work will not only ensure a good quality home but will also help reduce our resident’s energy bills.’

Local resident Mr Oliver Hawryluk of Princes Street whose house has undergone the works said, ‘I’m happy with what’s happening, my home feels warmer and less drafty, even my dogs feel comfortable.’

Domestic emissions from gas and electricity usage in homes across the Borough made up 32% of the total carbon emissions in 2022. Around half of the heat lost from houses is via uninsulated walls. By adding external wall insulation to these properties, the residents will benefit from improved thermal efficiency of the property making it a more comfortable home whilst having up to 45% of the household heat retained. 

Financial savings on energy bills have been estimated by the Energy Saving Trust at £190 per mid terrace property, and carbon savings of 500kg of CO₂ per mid terrace property per year. Retrofit projects such as this form part of the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions as outlined within the Climate Change and Green Futures Strategy 2023-2027.

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Helen Skinner said, ‘This project really shows our commitment to reducing carbon emissions not just on new build houses, but existing housing in the Borough like these in Eastwood. This is just one example of our retrofit housing programme, which is key in delivering our strategic ambitions for Broxtowe.

Broxtowe Borough Council has been awarded £831,845 over the 2023-2025 financial years as part of a consortia bid to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Wave Fund wave 2.1 led by the Midlands Net Zero Hub.