Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) has awarded a contract to energy efficiency experts Willmott Dixon Energy Services to deliver a multi-million pound project to regenerate five multi-storey blocks of flats on Alder Lane in Orford, Warrington.

The project, which has been named 'Alder Green', will see the five existing buildings and the surrounding area of Alder Lane being completely regenerated to bring them up to a ground-breaking energy efficient green standard. Work starts on site on Monday 16 June and is scheduled to be completed by December.

The work comes after GGHT carried out a review of the energy usage and efficiency of the Alder Lane blocks of flats, with the report also looking at the life expectancy of the roof, windows and the heating systems. The results showed that improvements would need to be made in a number of key areas.

Recommendations included taking steps to help remove tenants from fuel poverty by reducing their energy costs, extending the useful life of the buildings, making internal and external improvements including surrounding areas, creating new off road parking facilities for residents and reducing the buildings carbon footprint.

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Over the next six months, work to the properties will include the installation of a new roof and Solar PV (solar panel) systems, which is being installed by GGHT's own in-house maintenance team. The system will generate enough electricity to potentially save tenants £100 to £150 year. A BMS (Building Management System) will also be fitted, using smart technology to divert electricity generated from the solar PV to other areas of the building. The existing building will also be wrapped with a new external wall insulation to prevent heat escaping through the walls, before the finishing touches are added with a rendered coating.

Each tenant will also have a new individual heating system fitted. Additionally, a Voltage Optimization device to reduce the voltage supplied to their home, further saving on electricity usage. The unit works 24 hours a day and offers expected savings of approximately £50 a year on energy bills.

As part of the project there will also be a number of community initiatives taking place. Children from local primary schools, Beamont Community Primary School and St Anne's Primary school will be attending the development to discuss health & safety on construction sites. Staff will also be visiting Warrington Collegiate to speak to students about careers in construction and work experience opportunities will be made available for them during the project.

GGHT's Energy Officer will be visiting every tenant prior to work starting, helping to give them a better understanding of the new technologies fitted in their home and explain how they can make best use of these to save energy and money. Several tenants will also be supported in becoming Energy Champions. The Alder Green Energy Champions will be educated on the implemented systems, so they can help other residents understand the work taking place.

(CD/JP)