A smart solution to home energy efficiency
Amid the ever-growing cost-of-living crisis, Nicola Kennedy, CEO of Heero Technologies, explains how technology can enable home energy efficiency improvements in an affordable way.
Approximately 19 million homes will require energy efficiency improvements before 2035 to ensure the UK is on track to meet its CCC 2050 net zero ambition and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Local authorities have a central role to play in achieving these targets, particularly by supporting the decarbonisation of homes.
Although there are various factors that may complicate decarbonisation – the required measures may be uneconomic, logistically or technically challenging, or negatively affect residents – there are many innovative and cost-efficient solutions that make environmental, social, and financial sense. One such solution is retrofitting.
Amid the worsening cost-of-living crisis, the installation of renewable technologies and other energy-saving measures should be a priority for local authorities. However, despite widely available advice and information on these solutions, actionable steps aren’t being taken.
There are several reasons for this, including having a limited understanding of the energy use of individual properties and how to make improvements that align with net zero targets, uncertainty over the grants and financing available, and low confidence in projected savings. Additionally, a lack of funding remains a key obstacle to retrofit execution by local authorities.
The answer to encouraging local authorities to ensure that the right improvements take place in the right properties lies in technology.
Technology a valuable tool
One solution is a software application designed to streamline the user experience and guide local authorities through the entire energy retrofit journey. The technology, developed by Heero Technologies, provides personalised property energy insights and recommendations with up to 95% accuracy.
The benefit of using Heero’s independent energy platform is that it delivers agnostic, bespoke property information that is both personalised and specifically targeted at home energy improvements. For example, it not only highlights specific measures based on their ability to improve the thermal efficiency of a property and to generate energy from renewable sources, but also shows the cost of installation and energy bills savings associated with each suggested measure.
Additionally, the technology offers advice on financing and can ensure that any grant funding local authorities are entitled to is secured, and it recommends vetted and reliable installers based on customer feedback, estimated cost of work, and proximity to properties.
Essentially it identifies the most effective improvements, streamlines the user experience, and equips stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to make decisions that will positively impact tenants’ cost of living while making net zero homes a reality.
Social and environmental impact
Local authorities can make meaningful progress in the battle against climate change by supporting energy efficiency upgrades. However, aside from helping them meet regulatory expectations, retrofits are an excellent way to support tenants amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis – as well as softening the impact of rising utility bills, improving the energy efficiency of homes will improve residents’ standard of living.
Technology is the answer to driving energy efficiency and decarbonisation. It offers local authorities the opportunity to effect tangible change and progress by drastically improving energy efficiency, and making a real difference to their communities and the environment.
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