RMHS’s Sustainability Project was established in 2023 to improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of homes so they consume less energy, are more comfortable and are more economical to run.

The project is being lead by Michael O’Brien who is a Chartered Building Engineer, Domestic Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor. Michael’s background is in asset management gained in housing associations and local authorities over 35 years.

We have reviewed the energy efficiency data for all our rented dwellings and developed a plan to improve dwellings that have poor thermal performance and poor energy efficiency.

We have recently been awarded a grant allocation under the Warmer Homes Challenge Fund, a government scheme designed to support landlords with the cost of improving the energy efficiency of dwellings that have an energy rating below EPC band C.

Over the next few years RMHS will use the grant along with its own resources to undertake energy efficiency improvements to 140 homes so they achieve an Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC ) rating in band C.

We are currently procuring a supply chain of fully vetted and accredited installers to undertake the energy efficiency improvements.

Once installers are appointed and a delivery plan has been agreed we shall start contacting tenants to introduce them to the installers. Following the introduction, installers will make contact directly with tenants to make access arrangements to undertake a retrofit assessment which will be used to evaluate what improvements might be suitable.

RMHS will discuss recommended improvements with tenants to ensure they are suitable for them prior to instructing installers to undertake the improvements.

Improvements may consist of one or a number of measures such as Loft Insulation, Cavity Wall Insulation, Internal Wall Insulation, Solar Panels, Air Source Heat Pump, Heating Controls, Low Energy Lighting.

If you have any questions about the Sustainability Project please feel free to contact Michael. Tel 07889 224457 or email michael.obrien@urc.org.uk

Consider the environment when you fill up your weekly refuse bags, which may end up in landfill or be incinerated. What could you recycle? Most local authorities provide recycling facilities. Your local council should be able to advise on recyclable items, such as paper, glass, textiles and cans.

Many people keep items for the future that may never be used, filling up loft space needlessly. If you have not used something for a few years, consider donating to family, charity or recycling it.

• Turning your central heating down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £85 a year.
• Turning off the lights when they are not in use. Lighting accounts for about 12% of a typical residential utility bill.
• Don’t overfill your kettle; boil exactly the amount you need, and you could save up to £7 a year on your electricity bill. This is one of the easiest ways to conserve energy.
• Don’t leave the tap running while you’re cleaning your teeth, shaving or washing your face or dishes. A running tap wastes more than six litres of water a minute.
• Did you know refrigerators and freezers operate most efficiently when full, so keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible (using water bottles if nothing else). Be careful about overfilling them, as this will reduce airflow and cause the appliance to work harder.
• Whenever possible, use a cold cycle in your washing machine. It’s a simple way to save money and energy. Unless your clothes are particularly greasy, it should work just as well as a hot wash. Most washing powders work better on a cold wash.
• If your shower draws hot water straight from your boiler or hot water tank (rather than an electric shower), get a water-efficient shower head. This can cut down the amount of hot water you use, but still feels like a powerful shower.
• Turn off the oven a few minutes before cooking time runs out. Your food will continue to cook without using the extra electricity and will save you about 10% each time you cook.
• Swap your incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs, which will save you money in the long run.
• Don’t peek in the oven while baking! Every time you open the door, the temperature can drop 25°F/5^oC, making your oven use more energy to bring the temperature back up.
• Dust and vacuum your radiators. Layers of dust stop heat from flowing freely.
• Closing curtains and blinds when you are using the heater stops heat from escaping through windows and can save you up to 5% on your heating bill.

Further information about energy efficiency in the home can be obtained from the Energy Saving Trust website. https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy

If you prefer to obtain energy advise by speaking to an advisor you can contact the following advice helplines

1. If you live in England: Simple Energy Advice. Call 0800 098 7950 to speak to a trained advisor or visit the .GOV website.
2. If you live in Scotland: Home Energy Scotland. Call 0808 808 2282.
3. If you live in Wales: Nest. Call 0808 808 2244 or visit the Government website – Energy advice for your home.

The Energy Performance Certificate also known as an EPC is the current rating scheme that assesses and provides details of the energy efficiency of buildings. An EPC is required when properties are constructed, sold, let or after they have had significant improvements.

From April 2020, it became mandatory for all landlords to ensure that their properties meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard ( MEES )which is currently an EPC rating in band E. An EPC score below band E is inefficient and landlords must undertake improvements, so their dwellings meet the minimum standard.

A key aim of the RMHS Sustainabillity Project is to undertake improvements so all RMHS and URC dwellings achieve an EPC rating in band C or above before 2029.

EPCs can be valid for up to 10 years. RMHS renews EPCs before they expire or after significant energy related improvements have been carried out. A copy of the EPC is sent to tenants by post and EPCs can also be viewed by looking it up free of charge online from the national EPC register.

Volatility in the wholesale energy market has pushed up energy costs for domestic consumers quite considerably in recent years.

If you have been on your current energy deal for a long time it is worth comparing what you are currently paying for gas and electricity against other tariffs offered by your current energy provider and tariffs on offer from other energy providers. Switching to a new energy deal can sometimes achieve significant savings.

Resources like the Martin Lewis website, consumer group Which, Ofgem and comparison websites can provide useful information to help you make an informed decision about switching tariffs with your current energy provider or changing to a different energy provider that is offering a better deal.

Advice is also available over the phone from organisations like the Age Uk advice line on 0800 678 1602. They have trained advisors to offer support on various energy-related issues, including finding the best deals and saving energy.

If you have old gas or electric meters, it is well worth considering having them changed to Smart Meters. The change over is quick and easy, completely free of charge and can be requested through your energy supplier.

Existing meters are being phased out across the UK however it is not compulsory to have a smart meter unless your existing meter fails.

Smart meters have many advantages including:

• Removes the need to send meter readings to your supplier
• Eliminates estimated bills
• Easier to monitor your energy consumption
• Smart meters are needed to operate devices such as Electric Vehicle Chargers, Solar Panels and Air Source Heat Pumps
• Smart meters provide access to a greater range of energy tariffs

For more information contact your current energy provider or search for articles on smart meters on the Smart Energy GB website, Martin Lewis website, Ofgem website, or contact the Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602.