Two areas of Cardiff have been selected as the focus of a new pilot scheme designed to help residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Led by Cardiff Council and delivered in partnership with Welsh Government, the scheme will focus on the Fairwater area of the city, alongside Splott and parts of neighbouring Adamsdown, offering targeted support to a combined population of around 32,000 people.
The areas were chosen to reflect the variety of homes and communities found across Wales, including a broad mix of property types and income levels. This will allow the pilot to test an approach that could be replicated more widely if successful.
The scheme, which is expected to launch ahead of the colder winter months later this year, will offer independent advice and access to trusted, vetted installers, helping residents make informed decisions about improvements such as insulation, heating upgrades and renewable energy.
The programme is designed to support a wide range of households – from those struggling with rising energy costs who may not be able to afford to pay for home improvements without grant support, to homeowners and landlords who are able to invest themselves – providing one clear, reliable route to improving home energy performance and financing options for all.
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Dan De'Ath, said:
“This pilot is a key step in helping residents deal with the real pressures of the cost-of-living crisis while also taking action on the climate emergency.
“For many households, high energy bills and keeping their homes warm are a daily worry. By focusing on Adamsdown, Splott and Fairwater, we're bringing practical, targeted support into communities where it can make a real difference.
“This scheme is about giving people access to trusted advice, high-quality improvements and, crucially, the opportunity to reduce their energy costs for the long term, creating warmer, healthier homes that are also cheaper to run.
“At the same time, it helps Cardiff move towards a greener future, showing that tackling climate change and supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis can go hand in hand.”
The pilot supports Cardiff's wider One Planet Cardiff ambitions, helping to reduce carbon emissions while supporting jobs in the city's growing green economy. It will also test a scalable model that could potentially be rolled out more widely across Cardiff and across Wales.
Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning , Siân Gwenllian, said:
“This Welsh Government is committed to making the renewal of Welsh housing stock a national mission. I am delighted to partner with Cardiff Council to pilot an area-based approach, supporting entire neighbourhoods to upgrade their homes together and going further and faster to improve living standards, tackle fuel poverty, and reduce household carbon emissions.”
