Equans has been awarded a second contract by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils to carry out energy efficiency retrofit works targeting some of the most disadvantaged households in the councils’ housing stock.

The reappointment follows the success of earlier projects delivered under Wave 2 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF). Through that phase, Equans supported the councils in securing £1.5 million in funding—matched by the authorities—to retrofit 100 properties. The initiative aligns with both councils’ 2019 climate emergency declarations, which included a commitment to upgrading all socially rented homes to a minimum EPC C rating.

Building on that progress, Equans again partnered with the councils on their Wave 3 funding application. The bid was successful, securing £3 million to extend retrofit measures to a further 168 homes, with the aim of significantly reducing residents’ energy costs.

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The planned works include removing outdated cavity wall and loft insulation and replacing it with modern, high-performance materials. Additional upgrades will involve installing new windows and doors to improve overall energy efficiency.

Results from the previous phase demonstrated substantial environmental and performance gains. Across the initial 100 properties, average carbon savings reached 1.9 tonnes of CO2 per year. Some homes also experienced dramatic improvements in energy performance, with EPC ratings increasing by as much as 54 points—from F to B.

Rob Young, Regional Managing Director, Equans UK & Ireland, said: "We have seen first-hand how retrofit can change lives. The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund has been revolutionary in offering access to funds that can make homes warmer and more affordable for some of the most vulnerable groups in the country.

"We have supported social housing providers across the UK to secure and deliver £320 million of work through the fund and the results speak for themselves.

"We are proud of the work we delivered in Wave 2 and are pleased Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils have once again, trusted us to overhaul the properties under Wave 3 funding."