How retrofit programme is improving homes for our residents

Our Assets Delivery Manager Robert Taylor looks at how the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) is bringing vital improvements to homes for United Welsh residents.

“The ORP is a Welsh Government initiative which funds improvements including insulation, efficient heating systems and renewable energy installations in social housing.

“The programme aims to cut carbon emissions and lower household energy bills, all of which contributes to Wales’ target of reaching net zero by 2050.

“The third phase started in April 2022 and since then, we have invested more than £14.5 million into our homes as part of the project.

“This has funded measures to improve the energy efficiency of the fabric (roofs, walls, floors) of our homes and the installation of renewable energy generation technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and additional battery storage.

“More than 200 of our homes have received fabric upgrades such as external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, with more than 900 receiving energy generation measures including solar PV, battery storage or Solshare PV.

“The investment supports our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and providing homes that are more cost effective for residents to live in at a time when the cost of gas and electricity prices continues to be a key challenge across Wales and the UK.

“This investment also helps with regenerating our communities, especially via the fabric measures which in turn significantly improve the appearance of the areas.

“The fifth year of the programme will be focused on the Bryn Aber community in Abertridwr.

“Works planned in the area include the renewal of external wall insulation with a modern system, providing further energy efficiency benefits along with a regeneration of the look of the homes.

“Windows within the homes will also be renewed with triple-glazed units, providing improved thermal efficiency.

“It will be exciting to see the benefits the works will bring to the area, building on the amazing work that has already been put in place by our Customer Involvement Team who will be working alongside the Assets Delivery Team in the delivery of the project.”