Home improvement: saving energy

Latest developments

Each issue, we shine a light on new homes being built in the borough. This time: 100 more homes for people in need

One hundred homes will be offered to young adults leaving care, people sleeping rough, and families who have had to flee Afghanistan and Ukraine. All these homes are ex-council houses that will be bought back by Islington Council.

The homes include 20 onebedroom homes for young adults leaving the council’s care; 20 one-bedroom homes for people sleeping rough; and 60 two, three and four-bedroom homes for families who have had to leave Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Homes will be purchased throughout the year and should be complete by the end of March

How the council is making homes cheaper to run – and how you can do the same

What Islington Council is doing

Over the last year the council has installed new double-glazed windows, plus wall and roof insulation in some of the oldest street-facing council homes in the borough. The new windows replaced the old single glazing that had reached the end of its life. These improvements will mean warmer homes and cheaper bills for residents.

The council has already started working on improvements to nearly 400 more homes.

What you can do

There are lots of easy ways to save energy at home: turn your thermostat down by just 1°C – for most people, between 18 and 21°C is just right. Draughtproof your home – block up gaps around windows and doors – and fit radiator panels. These changes can save you up to three percent on your annual heating bill.

Before making any alterations, check out the council’s easyto-read guide on planning permission for energy-saving measures. Search ‘Islington Permitted Development Guide for Net Zero Works’ online.

For more energy-saving advice, visit: togethergreener. islington.gov.uk, call 080 0953 1221 or text 078 0000 6143 next year. The scheme is part of the council’s committment to make sure everyone in Islington has a safe and decent place to call home.

To find out more about housing developments, visit: islington. gov.uk/HousingDevelopment