Sustainability Matters – Making Homes Warmer, Greener and More Comfortable

An update from our Sustainability Team 

Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to improve the energy efficiency of our homes – and we’re pleased to share the progress we’ve made so far. 

Thanks to a range of home improvements, 705 Great Places homes have now been upgraded to an EPC band C rating. This means better‑insulated homes that are warmer, more comfortable to live in, and cheaper to heat. 

These upgrades are part of our long‑term commitment to helping customers reduce energy use, lower household bills and live more sustainably. 

What’s Changed in Our Homes? 

This year we’ve delivered a wide range of upgrades, bringing hundreds of homes up to EPC band C and making real progress across our neighbourhoods. 

The improvements carried out may include: 

• Solar panels to generate cleaner energy 

• Loft, cavity wall or internal wall insulation to keep heat in 

• Low‑energy lighting 

• Better ventilation, such as extractor fans and trickle vents 

• Small improvements like door undercuts to help air flow properly 

• A pilot of smart thermostats to help customers manage heating more easily 

Each home is different, and improvements are planned carefully to suit the property and the people living there. 

Working With Customers and Communities 

A lot of this work has been delivered through our Warm Homes programme, which supports customers in Greater Manchester and Sheffield. We’ve worked closely with trusted contractors to make sure improvements are carried out safely, respectfully and with minimal disruption. 

We know that having work done at home can feel daunting. That’s why our teams and partners have taken time to build strong relationships with customers and local communities. This has included: 

• Clear communication before and during works 

• Taking part in local events and activities 

• Offering extra help where customers need it 

In some cases, works have been delayed. Where that’s happened, we’ve continued to work with customers to find the best possible solution. 

What Customers Are Saying 

The most important measure of success is how customers feel about the changes in their homes. We’ve been really encouraged by the feedback so far: 

“From the beginning to the end of the work, the communication was excellent. Everything was completed in one day, which made a huge difference for my autistic son who struggles with people in the house.” 

“The contractors were absolutely brilliant – I’ve never had such nice workmen in my home.” 

“So polite, and they cleaned up after themselves.” 

We’ll be sharing more customer stories over the coming months to help explain what these improvements involve and how they can benefit our customers. 

What Happens Next? 

There’s still more to do. We’ll continue to: 

• Improve energy efficiency across more homes 

• Work with customers to plan improvements that suit their needs 

• Look for new ways to make homes warmer, greener and more affordable 

Thank you to all the customers who’ve welcomed us into their homes so far. Your feedback and cooperation help us keep improving how we deliver this work. 

Together, we’re taking steps towards a more sustainable future – one home at a time.