Climate change: the facts
Did you know that between 20-30% of total UK carbon emissions come from our homes through the way we live by burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil? When burned, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. These gases are known as greenhouse gas emissions. Scientific research pinpoints greenhouse gas emissions as the fundamental factor for climate change.
At Hafod we are trying to help reduce these emissions from our homes using our Footprint Programme, which has been part funded by the Welsh Government. This programme sets out the steps we will take between now and 2036, the year we aim to be a net zero organisation. This means reducing the carbon emissions we have control over, to be as close to zero as possible.
Our plans
We’re installing solar panels on the rooftops of many of our customers homes, as well as other energy efficiency improvements to generate clean, renewable electricity.
A more energy efficient home isn’t just great for the planet, it’s better for you too. Your home will be healthier and more comfortable for you and your family, and you’ll likely save money on your energy bills by using less power.
To find out more, visit the Energy Saving Trust for a comprehensive guide.
Steps to complete the energy efficiency improvements to your home
What you need to know:
- It takes about one hour to complete
- A friendly contractor (we’ll tell you who) will visit
- They’ll take photos and measurements and ask a few simple questions
Our contractors will visit your home once again to do more detailed checks. This is to ensure everything is ready for the installers.
This appointment normally takes 30 minutes to complete.
The sensors are small devices and will be fitted in your bathroom, kitchen and lounge. They are wireless so there are no cables leading to each sensor.
These sensors check the inside of your home and measure carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and humidity which can lead to problems such as condensation, damp and mould.
We will also need to fit a Gateway Hub in your home. This should be situated close to your fuse box, and it will be directly wired in. The Gateway Hub collects information from your alarms and environmental sensors to provide Hafod with insights that will help to keep your home healthy and safe. The Gateway hub is the size of a shoe box.
The installation of the environmental sensors and gateway hub can take from 30 minutes to an hour to install.
Please note: These sensors must be fitted before we can continue with any energy efficiency upgrade works, such as installing solar panels.
Hear from our tenant Andrea about her positive experience with our decarbonisation programme, Footprint.
Our contractors once again will make an appointment with you to come and fit what is needed. We will need to put up scaffolding.
Please be assured the contractors will be working to Hafod’s code of conduct and will always leave your home clean and tidy.
Our contractors do a further check to ensure everything is how it should be and safe to use. They will also help you to understand how to use any new equipment in your home. We will also ask for feedback on the process and whether you are happy with it.
Sean, one of our tenants, spoke to us about his positive experience of getting his solar panels and gateway hub fitted in his home.
Click here to read some FAQ’s on solar panels and environmental sensors.
News from the Decarbonisation Assets Team
Residents at Greenmeadows are now benefiting from an innovative solar energy system that’s helping make renewable energy more accessible for people living in flats.
The project was delivered using Welsh Government Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) funding and forms part of Hafod’s ongoing commitment to creating greener, more sustainable homes for our tenants.
Making solar power work for everyone
For many years, tenants living in flats have often missed out on the benefits of rooftop solar panels. While blocks of flats can have large roof spaces perfect for generating renewable energy, sharing that energy fairly between multiple homes has traditionally been a challenge.
That’s where a new technology called SolShare comes in.
A smarter way to share solar energy
SolShare is an innovative system that allows electricity generated by a single rooftop solar installation to be shared across multiple flats.
The technology works by intelligently distributing solar energy to homes throughout the day, helping tenants benefit from clean, renewable electricity generated right where they live.
By making solar energy more accessible in apartment buildings, SolShare is opening up new opportunities for tenants to enjoy the advantages of greener living.
Supporting a greener future at Greenmeadows
At Greenmeadows, the SolShare system now supports 25 flats, helping residents access renewable energy while contributing to Hafod’s wider sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
The project demonstrates how innovative solutions can help create homes that are better for both people and the environment.
Making a difference
Between 1 July and 30 September 2026, the Greenmeadows installation helped reduce carbon emissions by 2.8 tonnes of CO₂.
That’s the equivalent of taking a car that travels around 11,000 miles each year off the road, highlighting the positive environmental impact that renewable energy can have in our communities.
Expanding solar energy across Hafod
Greenmeadows is one of several Hafod communities already benefiting from SolShare technology. Similar systems have also been installed at:
- Parc Hafod
- Llys Coch
- Lansdowne House
- Track 2000 / Llys Yr Odyn
We’re also looking forward to bringing the technology to:
- Heath Park Court
- Future Hafod developments
As we continue to invest in our homes and communities, projects like these are helping us create a more sustainable future and ensure more tenants can benefit from renewable energy, wherever they live.
Footprint community engagement days
It's been all sunshine and smiles at our most recent community engagement events, where we have met with tenants at our sites to discuss our Footprint Programme.
