Linc Cymru upgrading social housing with new technology in study to achieve net zero

The four properties chosen for the retrofit are in the Baneswell area of Newport, South Wales. Each house is a mid-terrace property constructed before 1919 that has become vacant in recent months. 

The homes have been selected because they are typical of the age and construction of one-third of all housing stock in Wales. Homes like these represent the greatest challenges when meeting energy performance standards, being poorly insulated and cold. In their current state, the homes cost tenants’ large amounts in energy bills, and have a significant impact on the environment.

The houses in the study will each have dramatic improvements made to insulation levels. Each will be fitted with a different heating technology, enabling Linc to make a thorough evaluation of the solutions that bring the best impact on energy efficiency in the home.

The 100-year-old houses will have the following measures installed to increase energy efficiency:

• new doors and triple-glazed windows
• insulation in the loft, walls and underfloor to prevent heat escape
• PV (photovoltaic) solar panels to generate electricity
• additional new technology including insulating paint – said to bring the same benefits as 50-75mm of wall insulation
• intelligent energy systems

The four homes will have the following heating systems fitted:

• Home one will feature a new gas boiler
• Home two will be fitted with infra-red heating panels
• Home three will be fitted with infra-red heating panels and an MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) system – a technology that is not commonly used in retrofit because of the level of work involved
• Home four will receive an air source heat pump

The homes will be evaluated before, during and after the deep retrofit, using forecasting and surveys to analyse the effectiveness of each technology. The results of the study will be open to other social landlords, developers and contractors for the benefit of people across Wales.

When the retrofit work is complete, the four homes will be safe, comfortable, and energy efficient. The properties will be re-let, and Linc will continue to evaluate energy use and efficiency as the tenants carry out their daily lives.

The project to upgrade the properties has been labelled a ‘deep’ retrofit because of the extensive renovations involved. Linc will complete a level of work normally undertaken over a 10-year period in just 6-months. 

The upgrades will be carried out by Joyner P A Cymru Ltd, a local business from Risca, Newport. The contractors will gain new skills and experience as they undertake the project, growing their knowledge in fitting modern, innovative technologies that can be applied to other homes in Wales. 

The project is due for completion in Spring 2023 when each home will have been brought back to lettable standard. They will provide a warm, comfortable and energy efficient environment for tenants who have previously experienced homelessness and are now living in temporary accommodation, or who are fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Julie James, Minister for Climate Change in Wales said:

"Optimised RetroFit Programme (ORP) is just one of our strategies that will help improve the housing sector in Wales.  ORP approach of test and learn of products such as insulation, ventilation, cooling and fossil free heating, is helping to set the standard for retrofit of social housing as well as private landlord and owner occupier homes across Wales. 

‘The decarbonisation of Wales housing offers significant opportunities for innovation and diversification of Wales economy along with the creation of a wide range of careers in its delivery."