Case Study: Healthy Homes, UK

Case Study (59 KB PDF)

Summary

Healthy Homes, funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, was developed through a multi-faceted fuel poverty group and co-ordinated by Kirklees Energy Service (KES). This scheme aimed to reduce energy costs in conjunction with the impact of cold homes on the health of householders, in five Wakefield wards (high in the index of multiple deprivation), by installing energy efficient measures free of charge on referral from a health professional. Statistical tests were carried out to prove the validity of the concept of the scheme and final results proved Healthy Homes to be successful. Installation increased energy efficiency and access to affordable, adequate warmth and improved health. This reduced CO₂ emissions and fuel poverty, thereby assisting to obtain Britain's CO₂ reduction target and the UK Fuel poverty Strategy. Replication could include a longitudinal study, which would allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the schemes' benefits to fuel poverty and preventative health care.

Results

Table 1 shows the energy efficient measures that were installed; overall these measures were installed in 119 households.

Table 1: Measures Installed

Note: 2003 figures only up until 14/09/03.

Table 1 shows that 423 energy efficient measures were installed, with gas heating controls and condensing boilers being most installed and primary pipe works insulation and full loft insulation being least installed. Most installations occurred in 2002. The average cost per household was €3,552. Table 2 shows SAP ratings pre and post installation.

Table 2 : SAP Rating Pre and Post installation [1]

Note: 1 = very low energy efficiency, 100 = very high-energy efficiency.

Pre-installation, 79% of properties had SAP ratings less than 40, whereas post- installation 90% of properties had SAP ratings in excess of 40. Supporting this, pre- installation, 44% of participants reported that they did not feel their home was warm enough to live in, however, after, 90% reported more warmth. Three months after installation 76% of participants reported a reduction in damp, 67% in mould and 65% in excessive condensation. Additionally, this study achieved a decrease in heating costs, with 69% of households now paying €14.20 less a week for their heating.

Graph 1: Participant and GP€s Physical Health Ratings [2]

  Note: 0 = good health 8 = less good health

Substantial improvements in health ratings were found after intervention, and again in the last 4 weeks before the questionnaire. There was also a strong positive correlation between participant ratings and GP ratings for these periods. 76 participants consented for KES to contact their GP€s, of these 54 GP€s responded with filled in questionnaires.

Overall, the above data strongly suggests that the measures installed have greatly increased energy efficiency in these homes, increased access to affordable adequate warmth and improved health, thus causing a reduction in fuel poverty in these areas. Thereby, assisting the UK Fuel poverty Strategy. Alongside this, the obtained results give more weight to the positive correlation between ill health and fuel poverty, which may affect future preventative measures.

Table 3: Savings Achieved through Energy Efficient Measures

Note:  Results for kwh saved and CO₂ savings calculated from HEED database calculations.

Table 3 shows lifetime CO₂ savings of 2881.03 tonnes when compared with the life cycle of the measures installed. These savings further support interpretations of the SAP ratings, suggesting that the energy efficient measures installed by the Healthy Homes helped to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Moreover, although this scheme did not produce a significant saving for the NHS, it has to be realised that these results were recorded over a relatively short period of time and it is anticipated that further significant savings will be achieved in the future. In addition to this, there was a decrease in more expensive services, such as home visits and hospital admissions.

1 These SAP Ratings only cover 79 households, these households were involved in €The Healthy Homes Evaluation report€ (Georgieff. K. & Webb. A., 2002-2003).

2 These SAP Ratings only cover 79 households, these households were involved in €The Healthy Homes Evaluation report€ (Georgieff. K. & Webb. A., 2002-2003).

3 This figure (€0.046) was calculated from a representative sample of households who had energy efficient measures installed. Wherein, 5% used electricity, 95% used gas, and gas prices were at €0.043 and electricity at €0.107.

To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Citizens : Decision Makers : Education : Energy Efficiency : Heat/Heating : Households : Local Government : ManagEnergy : Property Owners : Refurbishment of Buildings : Regional Government : User behaviour

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