Southern Housing has been awarded over £200,000 to improve the heat network at one of its buildings in Hove, East Sussex.
The organisation will match fund the government grant to upgrade the heating system at Vega Building, continuing the increased investment in its existing homes. Southern Housing has been handed the grant through the latest Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).
Improvements at Vega Building will include the installation of heat interface units (HIUs), new pipework, reviewing plant room controls, and upgrading insulation across the network to improve efficiency levels.
The results are expected to mean heating in the building becomes more cost-efficient for residents, as well as offering wider environmental benefits through the reduction of carbon emissions.
Dritan Uka, director of strategic asset management at Southern Housing, said: “We’re committed to investing in our homes and improving their energy efficiency, and this includes investing in heat networks such as the one at Vega Building.
“We know these investments, part funded through government grant, deliver significant immediate benefits for our residents through savings in energy costs and contribute to our net zero carbon goals.”
Over £800,000 has now been spent at Vega Building on improvements for residents, including a new roof and upgrades to individual homes and communal areas, the housing provider says.
Despite the huge challenges the housing sector is facing, the organisation says it has invested £204m in repairs and maintenance in 2022-23. This year, Southern Housing’s board has committed to increase the budget by £64m to £268m, having taken the “difficult decision” to reduce new home development in favour of investment in existing stock.
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