Newcastle City Council employs social housing tenants in its Green Start programme

According to the document, the council began upgrading the energy efficiency of Heaton Park Court tower block and three Shieldfield towers in November 2023.

“Once the works are completed the blocks will see significant reduction in energy demand, improved comfort levels and a decrease in carbon emissions as we work to achieve net zero,” Newcastle City Council said.

In November 2024, contractors Equans and RE:GEN installed new energy-efficient electric heating in Heaton Park Court tower.

The contractors also fitted an air source heat pump to the roofs of all Shieldfield blocks, as well as more efficient radiators, new smart thermostats, external wall insulation and new windows.

Residents are supported throughout the construction phase with full-time onsite engagement officers, who are providing information on the works, coordinating access to their properties, addressing concerns and helping residents understand their new heating systems, the council said.

Last year the council also began a stock condition survey, with more than 1,100 detailed surveys completed.

The surveys explore key property types in all council social housing to increase accuracy and planning of retrofit measures, minimise disruption of surveys to occupants and ensure solid evidence for strategic decisions.

Newcastle City Council is also working with consultancy Smart Carbon to calculate and report its scope one, two and three carbon emissions to understand the emissions from its operational activity.

The focus is on quantifying scope three emissions, which arise from activities including procurement, events, business travel and supply chain, so that the council can be better informed on actions taken to reduce emissions.