Energy efficiency makeover of homes has warming effect on neighbourhoods

A study by the University of Sheffield has identified that making homes energy efficient also has a positive social impact on communities. Academics from the University formed part of a consortium of partners to deliver the BIG Energy Upgrade - Yorkshire and the Humber's first 'whole house, whole community' renovation programme. For the past three years the scheme has helped support some of the region's most deprived and fuel poor communities with a wide range of energy saving services. Through £7.1m funding from the European Regional Development Fund, hundreds of homes across South and West Yorkshire and North and North East Lincolnshire have received energy efficiency makeovers including double glazed windows and doors and boiler upgrades. The scheme has also created 40 jobs. A team from the University of Sheffield was tasked to monitor the scheme's overall impacts in terms of the effectiveness of the renovation work, the structure of the supply chain and the influence on the behaviour of residents within different communities. Representatives from the Department of Psychology surveyed over 250 residents whose homes were transformed with energy efficient measures.