Energy efficiency upgrades in homeless accommodation

29 Jun 2026

Energy efficiency work to accommodation used to support people who are homeless, will deliver financial and carbon savings, making a more comfortable place to live.

West Suffolk Council has completed upgrades to one of its temporary accommodation properties in Bury St Edmunds.

An old heating system in need of replacement has been upgraded to an Air Source Heat Pump. As well as saving on energy costs, the installation will also make the accommodation more comfortable to live in for households being supported by the council. The new system will also reduce maintenance costs and carbon emissions.

The new system will be more reliable and will feature intelligent controls for heating and water. The work forms part of the council’s strategic priority for improving environmental resilience.

The property has been thoughtfully upgraded, featuring new carpets, fresh decoration throughout, new radiators, new windows and blinds, and a range of new electrical appliances.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “We are working to lower running costs and, if we can, reduce carbon emissions in line with our priority for environmental resilience.

“We are already supporting West Suffolk residents through initiatives and grants such as Warm Homes, which help to heat homes for less. We are also helping businesses and community organisations to save money though our fantastic Solar for Business scheme.

“We will continue to make other council-owned properties more energy efficient. The improvement to this Bury St Edmunds property will make it a more comfortable stay, cheaper to run as well as to maintain, and will deliver energy savings - which is brilliant news all round!”

Cllr Richard O’Driscoll, Cabinet Member for Housing at West Suffolk Council, said: “We recognise that becoming homeless is a devastating experience. Whether it is a veteran, care leaver, someone fleeing domestic abuse or a family impacted by the cost of living, our role at West Suffolk is to support people at the time they are in greatest need. It is a safety net, but that does not mean that we shouldn’t reduce the impact of the experience by making their stay as comfortable as we can.

“These improvements are part of our work supporting people until they are back on their feet and ready to move into a place that they can call home. The council never reveals the locations of its temporary accommodation as the people it is supporting are vulnerable.”

For more on the council’s work supporting environmental resilience, visit: Environment

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