Residents across Leicester are set to see their energy bills slashed as hundreds of homes across the city are receiving extensive green makeovers.
The project, being delivered by Sustainable Building Services (SBS), who were appointed by Leicester City Council through procurement expert Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework, is a welcome boost to households at a time when costs continue to skyrocket.
Funded by the government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme, the take-up by residents of private households in Leicester has been so good that the full first year allocation has already been used.
So far, more than 750 applications have been received, with just over 300 households confirmed to have the works completed in this initial phase, which is due to take place by March 2028.
Properties in the first phase will be saving an estimated average of 12.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions, which will also result in substantial savings on residents’ bills, with estimated lifetime SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) savings of around £9,749 per property.
Works being undertaken vary from property to property in the five central postcodes, LE1 to LE5, but the work includes:
External and internal wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation being installed or replaced
Solar PV and heat pumps installation
Paul Towers, Framework Manager (Construction and Decarbonisation) at Fusion21 said: “This project, with its high levels of resident engagement and tangible community impact, demonstrates the value of strong partnership working between a client, contractor and framework provider. Leicester City Council and SBS have successfully delivered decarbonisation improvements at scale, showcasing the local impact of government-backed energy efficiency schemes.”
SBS Regional Director, Daniel Owens, said: “We’re fortunate to be working in conjunction with Leicester City council, procured via Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework - their energy and climate teams are incredibly active and engaged within the energy efficiency community.
“So far residents have engaged positively, with overwhelming interest in the project, this is an incredible opportunity to make an impact and support the alleviation of fuel poverty.”
As well as delivering aesthetic enhancements, carbon savings and valuable energy efficiency improvements, SBS has also worked with Leicester City Council to generate social value outcomes as part of the project. This has included taking on a new local employee and apprentice to work on the project.
They also committed more than £12,000 to support the city’s Winter Warmth Packs and fuel vouchers scheme, supporting around 150 residents each year who are affected by fuel poverty.
Leicester City Council’s Energy Projects Manager, Lucy Birch, said: “We're really pleased how Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework brought about collaboration with Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd. Our partnership allows us to extend practical support through our Winter Warmth Packs and fuel vouchers, delivered alongside trusted energy advice in community settings. By working together, we can reach people who need help most and provide support that is timely, targeted and easy to access.”
Fusion21 specialises in efficient and impactful public sector procurement and social value services, and decarbonisation offers an ideal route for organisations to create social value you can see.
Over the last 5 years, Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Frameworks have generated £758m of works and services on behalf of members in the housing, health, education and public services sectors.
