More than 80 people living in Kilgetty have had a boost to the sustainability of their homes thanks to the completion of Welsh housing association, ateb’s first optimised retrofit programme.

Since January, all 25 houses in Park Avenue have benefitted from a range of improvements that are designed to drive decarbonisation and improve the living environment.

The houses have received external wall insulation to make the homes more thermally efficient. Environmental sensors have also been installed within each home to measure temperature, humidity, dew point and CO2 and help tenants and owners save money and improve the overall environment of the home.

The project, which has been funded by the Welsh Government’s Optimised Retrofit Program, is the first to be completed as part of a three-year program of activity that will see ateb implement retrofit works on 100 properties throughout Pembrokeshire and a further 1000+ properties surveyed to receive targeted energy pathways.

Chris Boyle, a resident of Park Avenue comments: “I have been thoroughly impressed with the level of customer engagement both leading up to and throughout the installation of the sensors and external wall insulation. From the initial engagement to the completion of the work, ateb have gone above and beyond to ensure our needs were met and our questions answered promptly. My home looks fantastic with its new exterior and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. It’s great to know that my home environment is being improved and that as a street our homes are more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.”

The data that the sensors provide enable ateb to help customers address and prevent any damp or mould issues or establish where they may be paying too much for their energy. ateb’s Home Energy Officer has been liaising directly with residents to discuss their specific needs and make changes where required.

The project is being delivered by main contractor, Cardiff-based LCB Construction and Wetherby Building Systems. The sensors are being installed by iOPT.

The next phase of similar improvement work has already started in Vineyard Vale, Saundersfoot. In year two of the project properties in Garfield Gardens in Narberth and Preseli Court in Pembroke Dock will benefit external wall insulation, solar panels and battery storage.

Developments to receive the work have been selected based on the scale of the impact that these changes will have. More information about the Optimised Retrofit Program can be found at atebgroup.co.uk