Together Housing, Halifax

Ground source review: Together Housing, Elland, Halifax

Together Housing Group and Kensa Contracting have completed an innovative heating programme to replace old storage heaters in two blocks of flats in Elland with Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pumps, providing cheaper and more efficient heating for residents.

As one of the largest landlords in the North of England, Together Housing’s property portfolio has a variety of heating options. Night storage heaters are one example of the systems in place which are considered to be no friend to the planet or their user. They are thought of as impractical, expensive and environmentally unfriendly due to their lack of efficiency.

Together took the decision to remove the expensive systems at two tower blocks in Elland, Halifax; the scheme was deemed a pilot project for a wide scale ground source heat pump programme of change. This sets to benefit the back pockets of those customers through the supply of green energy via shared loop Kensa ground source heat pumps. The project consisted of a shared ground loop array ground source heat pump retrofit scheme with an individual shoebox heat pump per flat.

These systems are up to three times more efficient than the cumbersome storage heaters.  Not only will this investment save the residents of Together Housing on average £195 per year on heat and hot water, it provides the organisation with an income through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Together Energy has taken a Triple Bottom Line approach to renewable energy. Patrick Berry Managing Director, says:

The GSHP investment forms part of a strategic energy plan that seeks to improve affordability of stock for tenants, reduce carbon and take advantage of existing incentives and emerging energy markets.

Jon Schofield, the Delivery Manager (Energy) is looking forward to seeing the programme fully rolled out commenting:

Ground source heat pumps will give greater comfort and ease of use for Together Housing customers. After a successful pilot, I am excited to see a full programme roll out, making residents lives easier.

Together Energy foresees a huge potential for growth as other properties are deemed suitable for the investment.

Benefits & achievements:

• Two blocks of 60 flats
• Delivered in under a year
• All work achieved while all tenants remained in situ
• Tenants now fully in control of their heating and bills
• Tenants bills estimated to reduce by 50%

Following this pilot scheme, Kensa Contracting & Together Housing have commenced a three year programme where electric night storage heaters will be replaced with 770 heat pumps in social housing properties across Lancashire and South & West Yorkshire.

PG-Oakes, Together Housing, Halifax

Together Housing - Elland

Shoebox - Together Housing, Halifax