Retrofitting Homes to Reduce Fuel Poverty – A One Street at a Time Approach
The Home Upgrade Scheme 2 (HUG2) is a government-backed initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency by retrofitting homes that are off the gas grid, particularly in areas with high fuel poverty. In 2023 Groundwork partnered with Rochdale Borough Council and started engaging residents in off-gas properties about new, low carbon technologies. One area identified for support was Mulberry Close in Rochdale, where targeted interventions have now been installed at 20 of the 29 properties, seeing improvements in residents’ quality of life, energy bills, and carbon emissions.
Identifying the Need
Mulberry Close was selected by the Groundwork team after careful analysis revealed it as an area of significant need. Shammy Walton, Green Homes Programme Manager, stated:
“After studying the area, we could tell that this part was particularly in need of energy efficiency measures.”
With backing from Rochdale Council, our team engaged residents through door-knocking, letters, and community outreach:
“We knocked on doors, sent letters out to say we were coming and they could possibly be eligible for this scheme… we did a lot of customer engagement to get people interested in retrofit and what benefits it would have for them.”
Before the Upgrade
One household in Mulberry Close shared how poor heating affected their daily lives. Their only source of heat was outdated storage heaters:
“When we moved in, we had storage heaters which were really one step down from useless. We’d get up in the morning boiling and by 4 we had our coats on. We were sat here miserable.”
High energy bills added financial stress, with residents spending upwards of £7 per day on electricity to heat their homes.
Retrofit Measures Installed
Under the retrofit scheme, homes in the area received a variety of energy-saving upgrades, including:
- Modern boiler systems
- External heat pumps
- Loft insulation
- New extractor fans
- Solar panels
In total, our team supported 20 households, out of 29 to have 76 new retrofit measures installed.
One resident shared their happiness about their new home features:
“We’ve got brand new boiler system with a heat pump attached to the outside wall. They’ve put us some loft insulation in, and the solar panels are, well, brilliant.”
After the Upgrades
The changes had a dramatic impact. The residents described the difference as life-changing:
“This system that we’ve had installed has just completely and utterly changed our lives.”
Energy costs have also dropped drastically since the measures were installed:
“We spent £1.24 today. Previously we were spending upwards of like £7 a day, now it’s less than £2 a day. We’re on course to save about £1,000 in 12 months.”
As well as engaging residents at the start of the retrofit journey, Groundwork check in with residents throughout the design and install process, answering questions and resolving any issues that may occur.
On Mulberry Close, residents felt respected and well-supported through the entire process:
“Everybody that we’ve had contact with, it’s just been a fantastic experience. Everybody’s been competent and efficient every step of the way, it’s just been amazing.”
Their advice to others:
“There’s no reason and no need for you not to want this. I can’t imagine any circumstances where I wouldn’t have it done again.”
The experience of residents in Mulberry Close highlights the success of retrofitting schemes such a HUG2 in tackling fuel poverty. By building trust and engaging residents about whole-home retrofit, the scheme not only reduces carbon emissions but also delivers real-life benefits, such as lower bills, warmer homes, and happier lives.
Watch the full video about the scheme here: