Housing body aims to save energy

The Leeds Federated Housing Association has brought together staff and tenants for the new Green Forum to consider what equipment could be installed or upgrade works carried out across its homes in Leeds, Wakefield and North Yorkshire, to make them warmer and reduce energy use.

Energy Efficiency Officer Tim Weeks said: “We already work with residents giving advice on how to reduce their usage and this will continue. Now we want to make sure the buildings themselves are as efficient as possible so residents can feel the full benefits of lower bills and warmer homes.”

The Forum was set up after an energy summit held in December which invited residents to discuss what more the housing association could do to save energy.

Tenants were asked to rate their priorities and put greatest importance on a ‘whole house’ approach including measures such as solid wall insulation, carrying out more energy advice visits and exploring alternative heating systems.

Mr Weeks is hoping to set up a pilot scheme to retrofit solid wall properties – which make up around a quarter of its housing stock – with external insulation.

Forum members have also been visiting other areas to see examples of retro-fitted and new-build properties which have ‘super efficiency’ measures. This included a new development of 91 homes in Castleford, all built to sustainability code six – the highest level achievable – which used biomass boiler systems, rain water harvesting, a high level of insulation and solar panels. More site visits are planned.

“We wanted to show Forum members what can be done and they were able to see all the innovations in use and talk to some of the residents about the difference they have made to their homes,” Mr Weeks added. “It was really useful to see what is out there and it is helping us decide what is achievable and what could work for us at Leeds Fed.”