How our Optimised Retrofit Programme is transforming homes, changing lives – Garfield Gardens

In 2024, a total of 68 homes were improved as part of our Optimised Retrofit Programme as we work to improve the living conditions and energy efficiency of homes for our customers.

Back in the autumn, ateb completed installing External Wall Insulation (EWI) and Solar PV in Garfield Gardens, Narberth, transforming nine homes. The results? Outstanding!

Real Stories, Real Impact

Val, Garfield Gardens

“The biggest benefit I have noticed is my bills, I have been paying under £10 for my usage since the panels have been up and running. This is the fourth bill I have had which came yesterday and as the winter has gone on, the bills have come down which is crazy!”

“If someone was on the fence about having this done I would say to them I honestly thought that in the winter there would be no difference in my bills, and I expected to pay the same as before the panels were up. I used to put the heating on in the mornings but when I get up now, I don’t need to. Yesterday when I got us the temperature was the same as when I went to bed the night before”.

📉 A 65% Drop in Energy Use!
Last year, Val’s monthly energy usage was around 88 units. Now? It’s just 30 units, that’s a huge 65% decrease! Val credits the savings to the solar panels and external wall insulation.

What would you say to someone hesitating about having it done? “I would say go for it, it’s there in black and white. If someone would have said to me that’s what you were going to use (now that the work is complete) I wouldn’t have believed them. I thought it can’t be as good as people are saying, but it’s been even better”.

Hazal, Garfield Gardens

“The house is a lot warmer, it’s warmer at night and the temperature is much more consistent, and I would say to someone do it”.

These works are part of ateb’s commitment to enhancing energy efficiency in our homes across West Wales, supported by the Welsh Government’s Optimised Retrofit Programme.

Here’s how this investment is making a difference:

✨ Improved Energy Efficiency

External Wall Insulation helps to significantly reduce heat loss from homes. By adding an extra layer of insulation to the exterior of the building, we are helping residents stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer – all while using less energy. This translates to lower heating bills and a much more comfortable living space.

🌍 Environmental Impact

As part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, installing EWI helps lower the overall energy consumption of your homes. By reducing the need for heating, we’re not only helping our customers save money, but we’re also playing our part in combatting climate change. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the community!

💰 Cost Savings for Residents

One of the most immediate benefits our residents have noticed is the reduction in energy usage and hopefully (so long as energy prices don’t keep going up) reduced costs. With more efficient homes, heating requirements decrease, which helps families to keep their energy bills more manageable. In times when budgets are tight, every little bit helps!

🏡 Enhanced Aesthetics

The external wall insulation doesn’t just bring comfort and savings – it also gives the exterior of the homes a fresh, modern look! The work is carried out with attention to detail, making sure that the buildings retain their charm while getting a much-needed upgrade that benefits both residents and the wider community.

🌞 Solar PV Panels

We’ve also installed solar panels on properties, which will harness the power of the sun to generate electricity. This renewable energy will reduce reliance on the grid, lower carbon footprints, and give customers access to clean, green energy. Plus, with solar energy being used to power homes, residents can expect lower electricity costs—helping to make their monthly expenses more manageable.

🏘️ Creating Stronger Communities

Investing in energy-efficient housing is about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about investing in people. By improving the quality of housing, we’re giving residents the peace of mind and stability they deserve. A well-insulated, comfortable home can have a profound effect on mental and physical wellbeing, and we’re proud to be helping make that possible.

ateb’s Net Zero vision

At ateb, we’re not just about providing roofs over people’s heads – we’re about creating homes where people can thrive. The addition of External Wall Insulation and Solar Panels is just one example of how we’re taking action to ensure that our communities are greener, healthier, and more sustainable, all part of our ateb Net Zero vision.

Next week, we visit Preseli Court in Milford Haven, our third and final project completed in 2024. We speak to Roger who also benefited from both External Wall Insulation and Solar PV! See you next week.

Published: 07/03/2025