Almost 700 properties across Lambeth have been modernised through this large-scale project, a £6.9 million collaboration with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing.
Hundreds of social housing residents in Lambeth are reaping the benefits of newly completed energy-saving upgrades, aimed at improving home efficiency and reducing energy costs. The initiative, which included the installation of loft insulation, new doors, windows, and solar panels, was part of a borough-wide effort to retrofit older council homes.
Almost 700 properties across Lambeth have been modernised through this large-scale project, a £6.9 million collaboration with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing. The initiative was supported by funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNEZ) through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), a nationwide scheme designed to enhance energy efficiency in council-owned properties.
Commitment to Sustainability and Affordable Living
Lambeth Council has been at the forefront of tackling climate change, becoming the first London borough to declare a climate emergency in 2019. Councillor Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment, and New Homes, celebrated the project’s success as a step towards a greener, more sustainable future for the borough.
“Lambeth Council aims to contribute to the delivery of our targets to be Net Zero compatible by 2030, where that is practical and affordable.”
Danny Adilypour, Dy Leader, Lambeth Council
“Lambeth is committed to making homes more energy efficient, investing in retrofit initiatives, and utilising renewable energy to cut emissions and lower bills for residents,” Cllr Adilypour stated. “With nearly 17,000 detailed condition surveys completed across our estates, we are using this data to guide future investment and prioritise homes that require the most urgent improvements.”
While acknowledging the financial constraints facing the council, Cllr Adilypour reaffirmed its commitment to reaching Net Zero compatibility by 2030 where feasible and affordable. “Many of our housing stock date back to the 1960s and 1970s, suffering from poor construction standards of that era. This programme allows us to identify and upgrade homes that need retrofitting and insulation improvements to help us meet our carbon reduction goals,” he added.
Real Impact for Local Residents
One of the major enhancements included the installation of solar panels in 550 homes, helping tenants generate their own green energy. Among those who have benefited is David Francis, a resident of the Woodvale Estate in West Norwood, Tulse Hill. Initially apprehensive about wiring issues, Mr Francis was reassured by contractors who explained the process and ensured cables would remain hidden. He later discovered that the large battery, which stores solar energy for use at night, could be discreetly placed in the loft.
“The solar panels are of excellent quality, monocrystalline rather than polycrystalline, and the backup batteries store the excess energy,” Mr Francis said. “Best of all, it’s green energy that’s making a difference.”
After installation, he took the extra step of obtaining the necessary certification to sell surplus energy back to the national grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Between June and August 2024, he earned £20 from his solar panels and has since been helping his neighbours do the same.
More Homes to Benefit
The retrofitting project doesn’t stop here. With the successful completion of the first phase, Lambeth Council has launched Wave 2 of the SHDF programme, targeting the Blenheim Gardens Estate and Tivoli Road. This next phase will continue to enhance housing conditions, increase energy efficiency, and support residents in lowering their household bills.
By implementing large-scale sustainable upgrades, Lambeth Council is not only addressing the urgent need for housing improvements but also contributing to the borough’s wider environmental goals. As more homes undergo transformation, the initiative is expected to deliver long-term benefits for both residents and the environment, reinforcing Lambeth’s position as a leader in sustainable urban living.
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