Our retrofit programme sets out the number of homes we need to improve each year, up to 2050. We ensure a joined-up approach with teams throughout Southern Housing, so work fits in with existing plans to replace and upgrade components in our homes where possible.
‘Project FutureFit’ is our rolling retrofit programme, being delivered across Kent, Sussex, London, Surrey, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight.
We spoke to some residents who have been part of the programme at the Northbourne Estate, Surrey, to see how they have found it.
Positive results for Brett and Sian
Brett and Sian were the first residents to move into the newly built Northbourne Estate 30 years ago.
They love their home, but they were struggling with lack of control of their storage heaters.
Over five days, electricians installed an Air Source Heat Pump to their home, giving them control of the temperature of their home.
We love our new Air Source Heat Pump. The electricians and management team were all hard working and approachable, and it was worth working with Southern Housing and putting up with a few days work in our home as the results for us have been so positive.
Halving David's bills
We fitted David’s home with an Air Source Heat Pump, extractor fans, door undercuts, heating controls, loft insulation and vents and solar panels.
The benefits of installing heat pumps and solar together include reduced energy costs, a more sustainable energy supply. Solar panels generate clean, free electricity from sunlight, which can be used to power the air source heat pump, reducing reliance on the grid and potentially lowering electricity bills. This combination also enhances energy efficiency and contributes to a greener home, reducing carbon emissions.
I used to put £20 every two weeks on my electric, now, I’m only using £10. It means I’ve been able to increase my savings, so much so I’ve taken my son on his first holiday abroad for his 18th Birthday. The work wasn’t too disruptive, and I didn’t experience any issues. The installers even tidied up afterwards.
A warmer home
Mr and Mrs Peach have lived in their home for the last nine years. The home was heated by storage heaters and the programming options were very limited. Following our retrofit programme, they now have Air Source Heat Pumps, solar panels, loft insulation and vents and new fans in their kitchen and bathroom.
The contractors even helped Mr Peach set up the solar panels app on his phone and explained how it worked, giving them even more control over their home.
The benefits to the work we’ve had done are huge. Our home is now much warmer and retains its heat for longer. Our bills have reduced and we now have constant warmth and a good ambient temperature in our home. We had two days of work in the home, but we cleared our airing cupboard and emptied shelves to allow for a smooth start.
Project funding
This part of the programme was funded by ECO4 (The Energy Company Obligation)/ GBIS scheme, which is a UK government scheme, funded by major energy suppliers, aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes, particularly those of low-income and vulnerable households, to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions, running until March 2026. We worked closely with our installers Eco Approach, Domna, JJ Crump and South Coast Insulation Services to complete the work.
For more information, email jo.butterfield@southernhousing.org.uk
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