Mechanical and electrical specialist Correct Contract Services (CCS) has won the contract to bring some 25,000 of Sanctuary’s properties to energy performance certificate (EPC) band C.

Currently the UK government has a target to make all social homes in England EPC band C by 2030 to reduce the country’s carbon emissions, 22% of which currently comes from UK housing stock.

The five-year retrofit programme will begin at the start of May 2021 and has a two-year option to extend.

CCS said it will deliver works to the new publicly available specification 2035 standard for retrofitting homes for improved energy efficiency. This will include improving building insulation; draught-proofing; introducing smart meters; and installing greener, high-efficiency heating, cooling and hot water systems.

Tony O’Neill, asset management director at Sanctuary Group, said: “Sanctuary is committed to providing decent homes for its residents.

“This programme will ensure the future-proofing of these homes to help achieve both government and net zero targets but most importantly provide warm, energy-efficient homes which will also help tackle fuel poverty.”

Currently, 60% of households in England and Wales have an EPC band D rating, according to CCS.

Danny Gladwyn, managing director at CCS, said: “Home energy efficiency is one of the most significant ways to reduce carbon emissions and create healthier places for people to live.

“These upgrades will not only reduce residents’ housing costs and environmental impact, but also increase comfort levels inside their homes.”