Westville Case Study:
Improving the energy efficiency of emh homes in the East Midlands (2024/25)
The Project.
At Westville, we are proud to have partnered with emh group and DR Consultancy to deliver a large-scale energy efficiency retrofit programme across the East Midlands, helping to tackle fuel poverty and improve the long-term performance of affordable housing.
Emh group has been serving communities since 1946 and now manages more than 21,000 homes across the region. Their commitment to providing secure, affordable and high-quality housing aligns closely with our own mission to improve energy efficiency and create warmer, healthier homes.
In 2023, emh group launched an ambitious two-year programme to upgrade 320 properties across North West Leicestershire, South Derbyshire and Erewash, Long Eaton, Sandiacre and Ashfield.
Properties were carefully selected based on three key factors. Firstly, addressing fuel poverty was a primary driver, ensuring improvements would directly benefit residents facing high energy costs.
Secondly, homes with low EPC ratings, particularly D, E and F, were prioritised to maximise the impact of deep fabric and heating upgrades.
Finally, permitted development considerations were reviewed to streamline delivery wherever possible, with planning requirements factored into the overall programme where necessary.
Challenges.
Despite the overall success of the project, challenges emerged throughout the process. Roofing designs on some properties demanded additional planning and bespoke solutions to ensure the installation was aligned with Trustmark standards.
Weather delays during the winter months posed a significant challenge and required programme rescheduling and workforce flexibility.
Electrical power cables which needed unclipping by National Grid prior to work also had to be factored into the programme, with their waiting times being up to 4 months per property.
Westville enhancing living conditions.
Spotlight On Our People...
Dan Timms
Contracts Manager
Dan worked closely with the EMH retrofit team and oversaw our onsite work that ensured efficient, high quality, installations with minimal customer disruption.
His attention to detail for both quality and customer service is reflected in the abundance of positive customer feedback comments.
Results.
A total transformation of the properties can be seen in the photos. Key elements of the scheme included utilising high-quality Wetherby products, including external wall insulation, which featured either a render or brick effect finish, enhancing both aesthetics and thermal efficiency.
Additionally, new soffits and fascias were installed, refreshing the appearance while boosting the weather-resistance properties of each building.
Loft insulation was incorporated to further enhance energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through the roofs.
The success of this retrofit project not only improved the comfort and financial well-being of residents but also further supports emh Group’s broader sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
What we have collectively achieved was special, being a key part for emh to be one of the largest delivery partners in the Midlands Net Zero Hub consortium.
Following the work throughout the East Midlands for emh, residents are set to save an estimated £164,200 annually on their energy bills.*
This project will also prevent over 435 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year - equivalent to the emissions from 90 homes’ energy usage annually.**
Resident delight is our delight
A few of the residents’ comments…
- "Really impressed, noticeably warmer and we no longer need to use a dehumidifier. It’s had a massive impact, no damp or wall washing!"
- “My house looks amazing, I’m really proud of it! The installers very respectful and the quality of the work is perfect, I’m so pleased!”
- “I’m very pleased. My house looks nice and is warmer!”
- “Fantastic service from the installers, our house looks much better and cleaner. It’s definitely warmer and we don’t need the heating on or longer than half an hour at a time!”
- "No damp since the work has been completed, a lot warmer. Even friends have noticed.”
- “Most definitely can tell a difference, we’re happy with the outcome, and our home being warmer.”
Recent projects by Westville
We’ve had the opportunity to work on some inspiring projects with some fantastic residential clients, businesses and local authorities.
