Richmond Council steps up support for residents to improve home energy efficiency

Richmond Council is supporting residents to make their homes more comfortable, greener and cheaper to run with the new Smarter Homes Hub, an extensive ‘how-to’ guide for retrofitting homes.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: "Residents told us they want clearer and more accessible advice about retrofitting and improving home energy use.

"The Smarter Homes Hub and accompanying Handbook can guide residents on this journey - whether they are interested in small changes to improve everyday comfort, or large-scale renovations to future-proof their home."

The Smarter Homes Hub has information on planning, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries, and includes stories of Richmond residents who have upgraded their own homes.  

The Smarter Homes Handbook provides more detailed information on areas such as financial support and estimated payback periods for the various upgrades. It explains planning permissions and provides advice for people living in conservation areas. 

Councillor Neden-Watts added: "Warmer rooms in winter, cooler spaces in summer, lower energy bills and healthier indoor air are all benefits of retrofitting our homes. These changes also play an important role in reducing carbon emissions, supporting Richmond’s wider ambition to become a Net Zero borough by 2043."

Richmond Council is partnering with trusted suppliers to offer residents clean energy discounts and grants, in addition to government incentives. Residents who purchase solar panels or batteries through Make My House Green can get £500 off the cost of the installation, and Ecofurb offers tailored retrofitting advice through a free online tool, as well as 15 % off detailed retrofit plans for Richmond residents.

Later this year, the Council will publish further guidance related to planning permissions for retrofit projects, completing a trio of materials to support people in any stage of their retrofit journey.

Councillor Neden-Watts added: "These resources are invaluable for residents to take the first steps in exploring what upgrades are right for them and their homes."