Wiltshire to invest in 20 zero-carbon homes

Wiltshire Council has agreed to ‘significantly’ invest in zero carbon homes, as part of its new build programme.

The programme will see around £195m invested into building new, energy efficient council homes up to 2032.

Around 20 zero-carbon homes will be built as part of a pilot scheme, and if successful, the council said all new properties that are built by the local authority will then be constructed to the same standards.

The council will also invest £289m until 2032 on improving existing council housing properties to ensure they achieve a minimum energy performance rating of B.

To achieve this energy performance rating, existing council properties will receive the highest levels of loft and wall insulation, and will be fitted with A++ rated windows.

Heating and hot water will be sourced from non-fossil fuels, combined with the installation of efficient unvented hot water cylinders.

The council will also consider other technologies to enhance these improvements and further reduce customers’ energy bills, such as solar panels on roofs and battery storage, depending on the property.

In July, Somerset West and Taunton Council gave the green light to build its first zero carbon affordable homes in the district.

And in September, work started on a new project which aims to turn vacant land in Sittingbourne into a zero-carbon neighbourhood.

‘This decision puts energy efficiency at the heart of our council housing investment plans, both in terms of our new builds and our existing housing stock,’ said cabinet member for housing, Cllr Richard Clewer.

‘These changes will not only help us lead the way in seeking to make Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030, but will also deliver significant financial savings of up to £600 a year for our council house residents.’

Photo Credit – Skitterphoto (Pixabay)