337 Torus homes have seen a share of £3.7million to help them to run more efficiently and environmentally friendly.

The two-year project, which is supporting Liverpool City Region (LCR) to become a zero-carbon city region by 2040, has already made savings of 176 tonnes of carbon per year.

Part of the RetroFIT for the Future project, led by Sefton Council, the works were funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)* to retrospectively install low carbon solutions to homes to ensure they are future-proof.

Torus was involved in five retrofit projects as part of RetroFIT for the Future. The projects include; underfloor insulation installed by robots to suitable properties across Liverpool, Neighbourhood External Wall Insulation (EWI) and windows installed in three sites in North Liverpool and an entire heating retrofit project at Portland Gardens independent living scheme near the city centre.

Torus Group Assets Director, Margaret Goddard, said:

“Social housing needs to be energy efficient and fit for the future. This investment not only helps our tenants, but also the environment at large.

“The RetroFIT for the Future project is just one part of our ongoing commitment to invest in our existing homes. Projects like these will ensure that our residents will benefit from living in warmer, more energy-efficient homes.

“By reducing energy consumption, we can contribute to helping people who live in them from high and increasing energy bills, which is especially beneficial for the high proportion of social tenants who are on low incomes.”

With a portfolio of almost 40,000 properties, Torus is the North West’s largest provider of affordable homes. Maintaining and improving these homes is a key priority for Torus, especially when it comes to improving energy efficiency, especially in relation to the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring that people’s homes are fit for the future.

As well as reducing carbon emissions, the works look to increase comfort levels for residents and improving the appearance of the properties for the wider community.

Torus Head of Asset Strategy & Planning, Amanda O’Donnell added:

“The work also helps our customers navigate the cost-of-living crisis and ever-increasing energy bills. We are supporting our customers to make the most of their improvement works, for example, encouraging them to turn the thermostat down following installation of external wall insulation to reduce energy usage and make potential bill savings.

“We have also been working with the older residents in Portland Gardens, providing them 1-2-1 advice on energy management in the home, offering tips for reducing energy usage and support dealing with bill payments.”

The investment is already paying off for Torus tenants:

“I am very happy with the works and the flats now stay warmer for longer.” Terry, Portland Gardens

“The house is warmer, and it looks a lot nicer.” Lynn, Quatra Estate (EWI)

“It looks lovely, it feels warmer, and the drafts have reduced.” Mrs R, Cherry Lane

“It’s brilliant, a lot brighter and looks a lot cleaner. The flat is warmer and the window replacement is brilliant.” Mrs H, Cherry Lane

“Flat is warmer and I can definitely control the heating better and without a doubt, it looks better.” Frank, Cherry Lane

*Torus have obtained European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contributions to deliver this project under an overarching project called Retrofit for the Future. Established by the European Union, ERDF helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects that will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding