Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme Wave 2
Grant Funding
In 2023, Southend-on-Sea City Council were successful in securing £1.15m through the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme Wave 2, to retrofit 110 council houses. This amount was match-funded by the council.
The Project
The project saw 110 of our hardest-to-treat houses retrofitted with:
- external wall insulation
- loft insulation
- double glazed windows
- mechanical ventilation
- some flat roof insulation (for extensions)
This was a continuation of Juniper Road 'Eco House' work carried out nearby. This project began in May 2024, with delivery coming to an end in June 2025.
Outcomes
This was a fabric-first project, meaning we focused on enhancing the buildings themselves to reduce heat loss and increase energy efficiency before considering low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps or solar panels.
These upgrades are expected to reduce residents' energy bills by around 30% each year and cut annual carbon emissions from the 110 homes by approximately 30%.
By strengthening the building fabric, homes become warmer and more comfortable, with fewer draughts and cold spots. The measures installed should also help reduce problems with damp, mould, and condensation, creating healthier living conditions for residents.