How a Waltham Forest pilot created a healthier home
As part of their climate change strategy, Waltham Forest Council and Aston group retrofitted this period home in 2021 to demonstrate what’s possible. What can we learn from this example?
On our virtual visit to 47 Greenleaf Road in Waltham Forest, we learnt about how measures to improve the environmental credentials of this period home were selected and implemented. Through a detailed room-by-room explanation we learnt about the broader and health-related benefits of these measures and are sharing top tips for others looking to deliver housing retrofit with these gains in mind.
A partnership between Waltham Forest Council and Aston Group, this scheme was intended to demonstrate the possibilities for retrofitting a period home of this nature. Specifically, it aimed to increase the EPC rating from E to A and utilise a range of affordable measures. Although there was no one living there at the time, the project team made decisions based on minimal upheaval so that these measures could be seen to be practical and appealing to homeowners and to those faced with the need to retrofit London’s period properties at scale.
The project contributed to the council’s net zero commitments, as well as their broader objectives including making Waltham Forest a great place to live and age well, focusing on a preventative approach and tackling the housing crisis head on.
Tackling health through retrofit
Although health was not an explicit objective, there are lots of lessons about how retrofit can nevertheless support wellbeing. Here we’ve summarised some key health goals and the measures used to address them.
Stress and upheaval of works
The perceived and real stress for residents associated with construction work in the home is a barrier to retrofitting. Noise, dust and general upheaval can have a real impact on mental health and result in resistance to these improvements being implemented. The project team were very aware of the need to demonstrate technologies and approaches that can minimise these impacts. For example, they used Q-bot insulation (see photos below) which meant only two small panels needed to be cut open in order to install underfloor insulation. The price difference is negligible compared to other methods and this was considered to be offset by avoiding the need to pull up the floorboards and move and store furniture away.
Top takeaway: Technology that reduces disruption for residents doesn’t necessarily come with a hefty price increase and brings about mental health benefits – explore the options.
Damp and mould and respiratory illness
The impact of damp and mould in the home is a priority issue for those working in health and housing in London. Rightly, this project had a strong focus on insulation, but recognised the need to balance this with ventilation to promote good air quality and circulation within the home. At Greenleaf Road, a mechanical heat recovery unit was installed. This takes the moist air out of the bathroom and kitchen, and brings slightly warmed, fresh air into the living spaces of the house. In addition, AirEx smart air bricks were put in place on external walls. These are internet enabled and use sensors to monitor temperature, humidity and air quality. The loft space in this house made it possible to store the ducting and servicing relating to this system so it won’t always be an option.
Top takeaway: Mechanical ventilation can reduce the need to heat a home, as well as having a positive impact on air quality and damp and mould. It’s a win-win for health, so prioritise this where possible.
Fuel bills, keeping you home warm and associated impact
This project was carried out before the energy crisis and related increase in living costs which have significantly affected people’s wellbeing and increased health inequalities. Nevertheless, many of the measures put in place were designed to have a direct impact on retaining heat and therefore reducing the need for heating. After surveying the property for heat lost, the team at Greenleaf Road installed: external insulation, internal insulation, underfloor insulation and loft insulation; new glass within the existing windows to minimise heat loss; an air source heat pump; and a waste water recovery system to reduce the energy required to heat the water. All of these measures combined mean the house is now 64% cheaper to run per year.
Alongside monitoring associated with the methods used mean that the home stays warm and comfortable, without the stress associated with high fuel bills.
Sequencing matters
One of the major successes of the scheme was the attention given to the sequencing of measures. For example, the air source heat pump is able to operate at optimum level because the home has been adequately insulated. Aston Group thought carefully about things like removing the gas boiler and associated pipes before the external installation was put in place, so that any holes in the walls would be covered.
Top takeaway: Think about the order of insulation and heating measures so that you can maximise effectiveness and remove the need to redo things later.
Feeling pride in your home
Like many period homes in London, 47 Greenleaf Road has some beautiful heritage features both inside and out. Because of the focus on this project of finding methods that would work for others and could be replicated, the heritage character of the building was carefully considered. The team preserved the frontage of the house by opting for internal insulation. At the back, where the heritage character was less apparent, external insulation could be used without impacting the overall design quality.
Top takeaway: Pride in heritage character is an important contributor to wellbeing. Weigh up options sensible to retain character, while improving the environmental performance of a home.
Our network was impressed by results of this project, as summarised here:
| Cost (exc. VAT) | Cost savings (per year) | CO2 savings (per year) | |
| Air source heat pump and radiator system |
£10,200 |
£860 |
4240kg |
|
Solar PV and battery storage |
£12,294 | £609 |
853kg |
| Underfloor insulation |
£1,850 |
£67 |
287kg |
| Loft insulation |
£829 |
£120 |
580kg |
In addition, the EPC has improved from E to A and the energy use of the property improved by 83%. What’s clear is the strong ambition of the project partners drove really high standards and outcomes for both health and the environment. But perhaps most impressive is the focus on decision making and methodologies that are easy to replicate in similar homes. Waltham Forest is now working on a supplementary planning document to promote more retrofitting in the borough, informed by learning from 47 Greenleaf Road.
Insight from this case study is informing our “decision making map” for retrofit projects that seek to make a positive impact on health.
Thanks to Harvé Dhillon At London Borough of Waltham Forest and Julie Dunn and Matthew Hayden from Aston Group for hosting our tour. All images courtesy of Aston Group.
Supported by Impact on Urban Health
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Related content
This isn’t the first time we’ve visited Greenleaf Road. Read about an in-person tour along with other housing projects in Waltham Forest from back in June 2022.