Bell: Delivering Energy-Efficient Homes and Empowering Communities
Decarbonisation should be seen not just as an environmental necessity, but as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in people, places, and potential. This is our chance to rebuild communities, create thousands of secure green jobs, end fuel poverty, and solve the issue of damp and mould in homes across the UK. The carbon savings? They’re not the end goal — they’re a powerful bonus of doing what’s right, not only for the people of the UK but also for our infrastructure. If we get this right, everyone wins.
At Coleridge Court in Torquay, a development managed by a leading housing and care provider, Bell successfully completed phase one of a deep retrofit of thirteen 1970s retirement bungalows. The project aimed to improve energy efficiency, give residents warmer homes, cut bills, and build community pride.
Using TPAS best practice and the Together with Tenants initiative, we developed an engagement plan that gave residents a voice and kept them informed. We listened, minimised disruption, and held regular coffee mornings that became open forums where trust grew and ideas were shared.
This people-first approach reflects our commitment to social mobility and inclusion. As a Platinum member of the 5% Club, we invest in apprenticeships to open career pathways in construction for people from all backgrounds. At Coleridge Court, these values came to life: project spend was directed to local operatives and SMEs, creating and sustaining jobs while bolstering the local economy. Our community team donated to food pantries, children’s hospital wards, and community centres. Retired laptops were recycled for homework clubs, surplus bricks were given to grassroots sports clubs to build storage spaces, and our team completed several greenspace cleanups on site.
Adhering to the Publicly Available Standard (PAS) 2035 guidelines and the net zero Energiesprong model, we undertook a comprehensive retrofit that included removing chimneys, installing new roofs, regularising ridge lines, and fitting new fascias with extended soffits and gables to fully encapsulate the external wall insulation (EWI). As part of the process, asbestos was removed and passive fire-stopping measures were installed. We applied EWI and liquid-applied airtight membranes in lofts and increased insulation to further enhance the fabric of the buildings.
All work was completed with residents in place, thanks to careful planning and daily communication. The results have been life-changing — homes are now warm year-round, bills are lower, and energy worries eased. At our first meeting, one resident told us her average monthly energy bill was around £260; on a recent visit, she confirmed her latest bill was just £17.84.
To boost energy efficiency, we fitted triple-glazed, inert gas-filled windows and doors, and installed renewable systems including ground source heat pumps and solar panels with battery storage. Ventilation was improved through decentralised mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in most homes, while two properties featured custom-designed centralised systems.
Residents said:
“The difference is incredible. My home is warm all the time now, and I don’t worry about my winter heating bill.”
“Everyone who worked on my home was thoughtful and understanding.”
A housing spokesperson added:
“The success of Coleridge Court isn’t just in the energy savings. It’s in the relationships built and the opportunities created. Bell understood our values and brought them to life every step of the way.”
With phase one complete, we are preparing to transform another forty-eight homes for our client. Our vision goes beyond this project — using schemes like Coleridge Court to drive social and economic change. The journey to net zero is also a journey towards greater equality, stronger local economies, and fairer futures.
This is not just about better homes. It’s about communities — and creating lasting social foundations alongside sustainable places to live.
