Whole home surveys underway for optimised retrofit programme

Tai Tarian has started to survey more than 100 households in Neath Port Talbot as part of the Welsh Government’s, optimised retrofit programme.  The initiative will help improve the energy performance of homes throughout the borough as the organisation aims to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The pioneering programme is being led by Sero, the Cardiff-based sustainable homes specialist, and involves 68 partners, including 26 social housing providers. It aims to decarbonise more than 1,750 pathfinder homes and create the tools required to roll out the large scale decarbonisation of homes across Wales.

A team of surveyors have identified the first 107 pathfinder homes across Neath Port Talbot to be part of the programme. The condition of both the exterior and interior will be assessed and requirements identified to help decarbonise the property to the highest standard of energy efficiency.

The programme will consider using a combination of building fabric improvements, such as wall and loft insulation as well as introducing low carbon technologies, such as solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps.  It will also include intelligent ongoing operational controls to monitor energy usage.

As well as social housing providers like Tai Tarian, this large-scale collaboration of partners includes a range of research, innovation, academic, technology, energy and industry organisations from across the UK.  Alongside providing supplier and employment opportunities across Wales, these organisationswill lead supporting activities such as cutting-edge research, training and upskilling, and establishing frameworks for the retrofit industry, to enable the Welsh economy to become a true leader in decarbonisation.

Andrew Carey, director of assets at Tai Tarian said:
“As part of our pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, all our new developments will be as energy efficient as possible, ultimately by changing our thinking and the way they are designed.

"Decarbonising our existing homes is far more challenging, but this consortium has allowed us to start that journey and it’s really exciting being part of discussions around cutting edge research and innovative technology.

"Our tenants have a huge part to play in coming on this journey with us, and we are confident the changes we make, will ultimately help reduce energy bills in their homes as well as helping to improve our impact on the planet."

Tai Tarian assistant building surveyor ,Thomas Harris added:
“As a relatively new member of the surveying team here at Tai Tarian, I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to be involved in the development of this innovative project.

"Personally I’m excited to see the impact the project will have on our properties, people and planet.”