First published: 5 May 2023 -
Last updated: 24 October 2025 -
Verified by our Editorial Panel
Saving money and energy with the Optimised Retrofit Programme
With home heating accounting for a major part of people's carbon footprint, and with energy bills on the rise, insulating homes is one of the best steps to address both climate and energy costs. And those on the lowest incomes need this help most of all.
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The Optimised Retrofit Programme helps make retrofitting easy and cost effective, for both landlords and tenants.
One tenant who has benefitted from the Optimised Retrofit Programme is full-time carer, Jayne Martin from Pontardawe. Jayne had external wall and roof insulation installed in her home by Tai Tarian – one of 27 social housing providers delivering the Optimised Retrofit Programme with energy tech company, Sero. As a result, she has reported having a more comfortable home and lower energy bills, saying:
My home is noticeably warmer and cosier. I don’t even need to put on my heating that much because the insulation is helping retain the warmth. As a result, I am using far less energy, which is great for my pocket and the environment.
Nick Cope, head of capital investment at Tai Tarian, said:
Decarbonising homes is a real challenge, as every home has a completely different pathway to net zero. Some, like Jayne’s, require a lot of work on the general structure of the home to help retain the heat, while others are ready for the installation of ‘green’ technologies to take them to the next level of energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
Tai Tarian owns over 9000 properties in the Neath Port Talbot County Borough. Back in 2019, the social home provider made a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, and while being involved in the Optimised Retrofit Programme, is also the only housing association in the UK to build 100% of new homes to the EPC rating A.
Nick added:
We have installed external wall insulation to thousands of homes over the last eight years, which has helped lots of our tenants not only with their energy bills but also improving the comfort of their home.
Retrofit measures like insulation can help make homes more energy efficient which can reduce utility bills and even increase the value of your property. Before taking action, it’s important to consider the fabric or materials your home is made from, how energy reaches your home and the way in which your home is heated and stores energy. This is to ensure you choose the right energy efficiency measures for your home and needs.
Find out more
Find out more about insulation and energy saving tips to help reduce your energy bills.
