With progress being made on the delivery of energy efficiency improvement works to over 400 of its homes in Farnborough, leading affordable housing provider, VIVID, welcomed Rushmoor Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Major Projects and Property, Councillor Martin Tennant, to its project office. 

Having committed significant funds itself, VIVID successfully secured a £4.6m Government grant from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund last year to help support the project, which will see improvements made to homes in the Fernhill area.  The work currently being carried out by VIVID includes the installation of new wall insulation, loft insulation, new windows, and doors as well as improvements to ventilation.  The project has now reached a major milestone with one hundred retrofits now in progress. 

Following the visit, which included a walk around the area, and an update briefing on the project, Councillor Martin Tennant, said: 

“I'm grateful for the opportunity VIVID gave me to have a look around the homes and welcome the steps they have been taking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in Farnborough and the measures they've taken to improve the quality of life for residents. Anything that reduces energy costs will also help residents to save money on bills - so it’s a win/win all round. 

 “Doing our bit to tackle climate change and encouraging others to do the same is a top priority for the council, so it's encouraging to see the difference VIVID is making locally.” 

Tom Robinson, Executive Director of Assets and Sustainability, VIVID, said:  

“The improvements that we’re making to the energy performance of these homes will make a real and significant difference to our customers’ daily lives. With everyday living costs now higher, the work we’re carrying out will help customers to manage their heating costs as a result of improving the warmth of their homes. The work will also provide a long-term solution to addressing condensation and mould problems.”  

Tom added “It’s also important to recognise that the improvements we’re making to these homes will also deliver longer term environmental benefit as we’ll see carbon emissions reduced from these homes by 320 tonnes a year.   

It’s expected that work on all 414 homes that fall within this project will be completed by March 2025.