Decarbonisation of Leeds housing schemes begins

St Mary’s Court and St Mary’s Close in Chapeltown, as well as Wood Lane Court in Headingley, will undergo significant energy improvement work to make the homes warmer and more affordable to heat.

Each building will be fitted with new external wall insulation to trap in heat and keep out cold air in winter. The insulation will also help to keep out hot air as temperatures rise over the summer months, keeping the flats cool. This highly efficient insulation will be topped with a modern rendered finish, giving the buildings a stylish look.

Each of the one-bedroom flats will also have upgraded ventilation systems installed to allow air to circulate and to help reduce the likelihood of damp and mould occurring.

New smart heating systems will be fitted to give residents better control over the temperature in their homes and to help them keep track of how much they are spending on energy.

New doors will be added at both schemes, which will also help to control the temperature inside the homes.

It is estimated that the project will reduce 54North Homes residents’ energy bills by up to £400 per property annually, whilst yearly carbon emissions will be reduced by up to a tonne in each home – enough to fill an Olympic size swimming pool five times over.

As a result of the improvements, Energy Performance Certificate ratings in the flats will increase from as low as E to at least C.

Sean Corcoran, Regional Director at Equans, commented: “Much of the carbon produced nationally comes from our existing homes, so projects like this are vitally important when it comes to meeting the UK’s net zero ambitions.

“This improvement work will also bring huge benefits for the residents living in these homes by helping to ease the strain of paying expensive energy bills, whilst also making sure their home is a comfortable environment to live in.”

Joanna Chambers, Director of Assets and Growth at 54North Homes, comments: “We are delighted to see these energy efficiency works taking place and are working closely with our customers to explain the benefits and minimise any disruption.

“We are firmly committed to ensuring that all our homes are as healthy, energy efficient and affordable to run as possible.

“This marks an important step on our roadmap towards ensuring all our homes are a minimum EPC C by 2030, in line with government targets.”

Equans and 54North Homes will also work in partnership with expert housing consultants Michael Dyson Associates Ltd (MDA) on the regeneration of the apartment blocks.

Paul Tyrer, Director at Michael Dyson Associates Ltd said: “We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationships with our partners on this project, providing multi-disciplinary retrofit and contract administration services to deliver warmer, more energy efficient homes for 54North Homes residents.”

Work on the homes is due to be completed in February 2025.