At Saffron, we want to make your home as energy-efficient as possible to help lower energy bills and create a more comfortable living space. In 2023, we took part in Wave 1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme, a government-funded project to improve the least energy-efficient homes under our management. Now in 2025, we are now close to completion of Wave 2, which saw hundreds more homes retrofitted to reach an energy efficiency rating of at least C. A bid has also been submitted for Wave 3 (a 3-year programme).
Through this scheme, we installed energy-saving upgrades such as:
✅ Energy-efficient windows and doors
✅ New radiators
✅ Solar panels
✅ Air source heat pumps
Why Were Some Homes Upgraded First?
The government set the rules for this scheme, which meant homes with the lowest Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating (D or below) were prioritised for upgrades. The lower the EPC rating, the higher the priority for improvements.
If your home wasn’t selected, it means that other homes had a lower energy rating and were upgraded first. Homes with an EPC rating of C or above are already considered energy efficient under current rules and so didn’t qualify for this scheme.
What Work Was Done?
• Homes with an EPC rating of D or below had air source heat pumps installed.
• The homes with the lowest EPC ratings also received new windows, doors, insulation, ventilation, and solar panels where required.
Why Didn’t My Home Get Solar Panels?
Not all homes are suitable for solar panels, and not all properties require solar panels to increase their EPC rating to C. Our focus remains on getting as many properties to EPC C as possible, rather than fitting additional equipment when it is not required. We are using a fabric- first approach as this is the best long-term plan to improve living conditions and reduce fuel poverty. This approach addresses the building itself, ensuring effective ventilation. High-efficiency windows are fitted, and doors, loft, wall cavity or external walls are insulated where required. These provide the most benefit and last for at least 30 years. If further improvements are required to get a property to EPC C we’ll also include heat pumps or solar panels. We can achieve this in most homes without the need for solar panels, meaning we can spread costs therefore increasing the energy efficiency of more homes.
We’re Here to Help!
We know energy efficiency is important, and we’re always here to offer support and advice. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with us at:
📧 info@saffronhousing.co.uk
📞 01508 532000
You can also find helpful energy-saving tips on the Energy Saving Trust website: Energy advice for your home - Energy Saving Trust