Newcastle City Council employs social housing tenants in retrofit programme

Newcastle revealed the results of its placements in the latest update to its net zero action plan, which covers the local authority’s progress to reach net zero by 2030.

According to the document, the council began upgrading the energy efficiency of Heaton Park Court tower block and three Shieldfield towers in November 2023.

“Once the works are completed the blocks will see significant reduction in energy demand, improved comfort levels and a decrease in carbon emissions as we work to achieve net zero,” Newcastle City Council said.

In November 2024, contractors Equans and RE:GEN installed new energy-efficient electric heating in Heaton Park Court tower.

The contractors also fitted an air source heat pump to the roofs of all Shieldfield blocks, as well as more efficient radiators, new smart thermostats, external wall insulation and new windows.

Residents are supported throughout the construction phase with full-time on-site engagement officers, who are providing information on the works, co-ordinating access to their properties, addressing concerns and helping residents understand their new heating systems.

Last year, the council also began a stock condition survey, with more than 1,100 detailed surveys completed.

The surveys explore key property types in the council’s stock to increase accuracy and planning of retrofit measures.

This approach also aims to minimise disruption caused to occupants and ensure solid evidence for strategic decisions.

This new programme comes as the local authority revealed plans in January to visit all of its nearly 26,000 households in a bid to get a “greater understanding of its residents and their homes”.

Newcastle City Council is also working with consultancy Smart Carbon to calculate and report its scope one, two and three carbon emissions to understand their scale from its operational activity.

A particular focus will be put on scope three emissions, which arise from activities including procurement, events, business travel and supply chain, so that the council can be better informed on its reduction actions.