A Sustainable Transformation for Brick & Tile Terrace, Brighouse
Eclipse Energy, in collaboration with EQUANS, and supported by funding from Accent Housing through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding scheme, embarked on a project to enhance the energy efficiency of 13 traditional-built terraces at Brick & Tile Terrace in Brighouse.
As the largest insulation company in the country, Eclipse Energy was committed to addressing fuel poverty and promoting environmental sustainability.
Project Scope
The comprehensive project at Brick & Tile Terrace included the following improvements:
- External Wall Insulation: Significantly bolstering the thermal envelope of these terraces to reduce heat loss and improve comfort.
- Windows and Doors: Installing energy-efficient windows and doors to enhance insulation and lower energy consumption.
- Loft Insulation: Upgrading loft insulation to prevent heat escape through the roof.
- Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation to maintain air quality while minimising energy wastage.
Impact
The project delivered remarkable results, achieving a 50% reduction in kWh consumption across the terraces. This substantial reduction not only lowered residents’ energy bills but also reduced the carbon footprint of the properties.
During installation of External Wall Insulation: here are a selection of images from the job in progress.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding scheme plays a crucial role in transforming social housing units across the UK into energy-efficient and sustainable homes. This funding is of paramount importance in addressing fuel poverty, especially in the North of England, where the combination of colder climates and older housing stock results in higher heating costs.
In the North of England, fuel poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant proportion of households struggling to afford adequate heating. Initiatives like the Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding scheme are vital for alleviating this burden and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities.
Importance for the Planet
Beyond the immediate benefits for residents, projects like Brick & Tile Terrace contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Inadequate insulation results in substantial heat loss, with up to 25% lost through the roof alone.
Retrofitting homes to retain heat represents the most effective strategy for lowering energy bills across the UK, reducing reliance on gas heating, and consequently decreasing fossil fuel consumption and pollution.
This approach aligns with a “fabric-first” strategy, emphasising the improvement of the building’s envelope (walls, roof, windows, and doors) before implementing other energy-saving measures.
Achieving a 50% reduction in kWh usage, as demonstrated in the Brick & Tile Terrace project, underscores the effectiveness of this approach and reinforces the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Conclusion
The transformation of Brick & Tile Terrace exemplifies the positive outcomes of collaboration between Eclipse Energy, EQUANS, Accent Housing, and Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council. By addressing fuel poverty, reducing energy consumption, and supporting environmental sustainability, this initiative showcases the potential for social housing to become a model for a sustainable future.
The case study presented here, along with before, during, and after installation photos, highlights the remarkable difference made in the lives of residents and the broader community.