Tai Calon is continuing to make strong progress in tackling climate change and improving the quality and affordability of its homes, with major investment in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies delivering real benefits for residents across our communities.

Over the past year, we have expanded our decarbonisation programme, upgrading homes with low-carbon heating, renewable energy systems, and fabric improvements that are already helping customers stay warmer for less.

Alongside reducing carbon emissions, these improvements are helping to tackle fuel poverty, with residents consistently reporting warmer homes, lower energy bills, and improved comfort.

Innovation in action: delivering low-carbon solutions

Our approach goes beyond installation. We are actively working with local partners, manufacturers and contractors to trial and scale innovative solutions that support long-term decarbonisation.

External battery storage: safer, smarter solar energy

To support the rollout of in-home solar PV systems, we worked with local partners to develop bespoke external steel battery storage cabinets.

This collaborative approach has delivered:

  • MCS Recommendation Compliance for all Battery Storage Installs since 2025.
  • Reduced the need for in-home maintenance access
  • Stronger local supply chain involvement, supporting jobs and skills

The project demonstrates how innovation and local partnership can go hand in hand to enable wider adoption of renewable technologies.

 

Air Source Heat Pumps: lower bills, lower carbon

Working with ICAX, Mitsubishi and local installers such as GasTech Wales and our team at Tai Calon, piloted Welsh-manufactured air-source heat pumps (ASHP) & the award-winning Mitsubishi Ecodan across more than 75 homes.

Helping;

  • Reduce energy use and carbon emissions
  • Lower heating costs and improved comfort
  • Increased local employment and skills development
  • Strong tenant engagement and system understanding

Residents have responded positively, with feedback highlighting both improved comfort and reduced energy costs.

All Heat Pumps have been paired with a Solar PV and Battery Storage System to allow tenants to maximise savings on their bills and if they choose, remove gas from their property, removing the standing gas meter charge and their gas bill.

Solar PV: empowering households with clean energy

Solar PV continues to play a central role in our retrofit programme, helping households generate their own electricity and reduce reliance on the grid.

Working with local contractors, we have installed rooftop solar systems alongside battery storage and smart monitoring tools, enabling residents to:

  • Reduce monthly energy bills
  • Increase energy independence
  • Retain more income within the household

Customers have told us they value both the financial savings and the environmental benefits of generating their own clean energy.

Exploring new technology: infrared heating

At Llandafal Court Sheltered Housing Scheme and 2 Houses, we have trialled infrared heating systems designed to provide efficient, low-maintenance heating while preserving living space.

Early results show:

  • Fast, efficient heating.
  • Improved comfort for residents
  • Visually Improved Spaces thanks to the ceiling-mounted panels and no radiators

One resident shared: “It works perfectly for what I want, it meets all my needs.”

This pilot is helping us assess how new technologies can support different types of homes.

A long-term commitment to net-zero homes

Alongside delivery, we are developing long-term investment plans for all homes to ensure we continue to improve energy performance and reduce emissions at scale.

Our decarbonisation programme is built around three clear priorities:

  • Reducing carbon emissions
  • Improving energy efficiency and affordability
  • Supporting local jobs, skills, and supply chains

These projects demonstrate the real impact of partnership working and innovation in delivering warmer, more efficient homes for our customers.

We will continue to expand our retrofit programme, subject to Welsh Assembly Government funding, which we hope will enable us to scale up our solar and battery storage programme.

We continue to identify properties suitable for air-source heating, and as gas boilers age, we may decide to replace them with an electric heating system.

We continue to trial Infrared Heating and hope to have 3 different trial systems up and running by the end of 2026. This will enable us to monitor the data and, working with the tenants, determine which systems work best in which environments.

We will also be installing air source heat pumps for hot water and a battery storage system at Llandafal Court in 2026, making it our first scheme to have the gas supply removed and be all-electric for Heating and Hot Water, with support from Solar PV. We hope to see a reduction in the communal bills at the scheme and a more efficient heat network, a compliant scheme for Residents.

Together, these projects show how practical action is delivering meaningful change, cutting carbon emissions, reducing energy costs, and improving everyday life for our communities.

Learn more about our sustainable homes here.