We are thrilled to share that we have successfully completed our first optimised retrofit programme in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. Over 80 residents in our Park Avenue development have seen significant improvements in the sustainability of their homes, thanks to our dedicated efforts.

This milestone marks the beginning of a three-year programme funded by the Welsh Government’s Optimised Retrofit Programme. Our goal is to retrofit 100 homes across Pembrokeshire and survey over 1,000 additional properties to identify and implement targeted energy improvements.

Since January, we have enhanced 25 properties with a series of upgrades aimed at decarbonisation and improving living conditions. We have installed external wall insulation on all homes to boost thermal efficiency as well placing environmental sensors in each home to monitor temperature, humidity, dew point, and CO2 levels. These sensors will provide invaluable data, helping residents optimise their energy usage, save money, and improve their living environments.

Our Chief Executive, Nick Hampshire, said: “We’re thrilled to be completing the first phase of the Optimised Retrofit Programme at Park Avenue. The residents have been really supportive and are now seeing the benefits of the improvements that we have made. The data that the sensors are providing are enabling us to help customers address and prevent any damp or mould issues or establish where they may be paying too much for their energy. Our Home Energy Officer has been liaising directly with residents to discuss their specific needs and make changes where required.

“Along with a range of partners, we are proud to deliver this three-year programme that will future-proof our housing stock and ensure that we are compliant with the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by guaranteeing a SAP rating of 75 or more in all of the properties we manage.”

Our project delivery team includes Cardiff-based LCB as the main contractor and Wetherby Building Systems, with iOPT handling the sensor installations.

Park Avenue resident, Chris Boyle, shared his positive experience: “I have been thoroughly impressed with the level of customer engagement both leading up to and throughout the installation of the sensors and external wall insulation. From the initial engagement to the completion of the work, ateb have gone above and beyond to ensure our needs were met and our questions answered promptly. My home looks fantastic with its new exterior, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. It’s great to know that my home environment is being improved and that as a street our homes are more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.”

Looking ahead, we have already begun similar improvement works in Vineyard Vale in Saundersfoot. In the second year of the project, properties in Garfield Gardens in Narberth and Preseli Court in Pembroke Dock will benefit from external wall insulation, solar panels, and battery storage. Additionally, eight homes in Harvard Close in Haverfordwest will receive further enhancements, including Sunamp hot water storage, Air Source heat pumps, and intelligent heating control systems, thanks to additional funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Homes as Power Stations initiative.

We carefully selected the developments for this work based on the anticipated impact of these improvements. We are proud to be making strides in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of homes across Pembrokeshire, and we look forward to continuing this important work.

Published: 10/07/2024