Housing association Salix Homes has secured £1.2m in government funding to support major improvements to heating systems at three of its tower blocks in Salford.
The housing provider, which owns more than 8,000 homes across the city, is one of the recipients in the latest round of funding via the government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which provides financial support to improve the performance and efficiency of existing heating systems.
The funding will help to modernise the communal heating systems at Magnolia Court, Sycamore Court and Mulberry Court in Pendleton, making them more energy efficient.
The three 1960s high-rise blocks are currently served by older Eco-pod heating systems, which are no longer as efficient as modern alternatives. The planned upgrades will include the replacement of heat interface units (HIUs) within individual flats, upgrades to heating controls and better insulated pipework.
Together, these improvements will reduce energy waste, lower carbon emissions and enhance the overall efficiency of the heating systems across the three buildings, while also supporting efforts to tackle fuel poverty by helping to reduce energy bills and improve comfort in people’s homes.
Glenn Martin, director of investment, development and sustainability at Salix Homes, said: “This £1.2m HNES funding will enable Salix Homes to make important improvements to the heating systems at three of our tower blocks, supporting our wider commitment to modernising homes and making them more comfortable, sustainable and affordable for our customers.
“These upgrades will reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions, while also helping to ease pressure on household energy costs at a time when many people continue to feel the impact of rising bills. They will also help ensure our homes are fit for the future and meet emerging standards for low-carbon housing.”
According to Salix, the investment will help bring the tower blocks in line with emerging industry standards, including the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), alongside wider policy direction set by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and the Future Homes Standard, which continue to raise expectations around energy performance and carbon reduction in housing.
Louise Singleton, HNES programme manager, said: “HNES places special focus on reducing customer detriment, and HNES support to Salix Homes is a great example of how improving existing heating systems can help to reduce energy bills for consumers and lift residents out of fuel poverty.
“We are delighted to be awarding this vital funding for residents in Salford and look forward to seeing the progress Salix Homes makes to create more efficient homes while reducing their impact on the environment in the process.”
Work on the tower block upgrades is expected to begin next year.
Main image: The three tower blocks, Mulberry Court, Magnolia Court and Sycamore Court in Pendleton, Salford
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