Project: Upgrading 1,000 social homes for Somerset Council
Location: Somerset, UK
In partnership with: ECO Grants Team, Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
Somerset Council set out an ambitious goal to improve the energy efficiency of their housing stock, reduce fuel poverty, and lower carbon emissions. This objectives are aligned to the UK Government’s target for all social housing to reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. Many homes across the region were cold, damp, and expensive to heat due to outdated heating systems and insufficient insulation. The project aimed to transform the living conditions of over 1,000 properties while minimising the financial burden on tenants, by leveraging funding through the ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme.
SCIS Group led the retrofit of nearly 1,000 council homes, tackling a wide range of property types and challenges. Many homes had an EPC rating of E or below, with inefficient storage heaters and minimal insulation.
To meet government targets and improve comfort for residents, SCIS installed a combination of the following measures:
Innovative Solar Panels with built-in optimisers to maximise electricity generation, even in low-light conditions.
Air Source Heat Pumps, replacing outdated electric storage heaters with efficient low-carbon alternatives.
Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation to prevent heat loss and bring properties up to government insulation standards.
Smart Energy Monitoring, allowing residents to track energy use and understand their savings in real time.
The installations were carefully managed to scale efficiently – around 50 homes per week – while ensuring high standards of workmanship and customer care.
Alongside the physical upgrades, the Centre for Sustainable Energy developed Smart Energy Action Plans to help tenants make the most of their new systems. These personalised guides supported residents in understanding their energy usage, heating their homes efficiently, and securing the best energy tariffs.
Energy Performance Upgrades: Homes were raised from EPC ratings of E, F or G to a C or above.
Lower Bills & Warmer Homes: Tenants reported significantly warmer, more comfortable homes, with reduced heating costs.
Tenant Satisfaction: Residents praised the professionalism and friendliness of the installation teams. One tenant, Jacqueline Marett, said, “It was very cold, very damp… now it’s just more comfortable, a lot cosier and warmer. I was following the smart meter – I just couldn’t believe it, it was a lot cheaper.”
Financial Support: The majority of the work was fully funded through ECO grants, with minimal contributions required.
Sustainability Impact: The project has delivered meaningful reductions in carbon emissions and energy consumption, supporting the council’s environmental goals.
