The Scottish Government’s Area Based Scheme (ABS) project aims to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions by:
- Reducing energy consumption,
- Improving health and wellbeing, and
- Increasing the energy efficiency of Scotland’s housing stock.
In 2022-23, following receipt of grant funding, Aberdeen City Council installed external wall insulation (EWI) at 199 residential properties. Changeworks helped Aberdeen City Council evaluate the success of the 2022-2023 EWI project.
How did we evaluate the project?
Changeworks’ evaluation framework for retrofit projects has been developed and refined on live projects since 2017. It is based on a results chain that covers the requirements of a wide range of funding programmes and uses clear indicators to evidence the achievement of each outcome.
For this project we gathered data on householder lived experience and energy consumption. We also carried out analysis of the changes in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) bands.
By using a number of different data collection methods, including directly engaging with householders, we built a rounded picture of the impacts on householders.
Project area
To ensure the project helps the people who need it most, careful selection of area and properties is necessary. Several data sets helped to identify areas at high risk of fuel poverty. These included income deprivation rates from the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020, as well as EPC bands.
Of the completed properties, 44% were identified as being in extreme fuel poverty. The national average is 18.5% indicating that the project area has been correctly targeted.
What were the results?
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Improved home environments
- Increased energy efficiency
Reduced fuel consumption
People found heating their homes more affordable after EWI installation, with average household energy costs falling by around £1,000.
The project also reduced the impact of energy costs as a driver of fuel poverty. Following the installation of external wall insulation, the number of project households paying over 10% of their income on energy bills was reduced.
Scottish legislation defines a fuel poor household as one where:
- more than 10% (20% for extreme fuel poverty) of net income is required to pay for their reasonable fuel needs after housing costs have been deducted
- the remaining household income is not enough to maintain an acceptable standard of living, defined as at least 90% of the UK Minimum Income Standard (MIS) once childcare costs and disability or care benefits are deducted
Improved home environments
Over half of all households reported an increase in indoor comfort levels following EWI installation. More specifically, homes were easier to heat – staying warmer for longer and proving less prone to draughts.
“The house stays warm for longer after the heating has been on”
After EWI installation:
- 72% of householders found their home stays warmer for longer,
- 64% said it was easier to heat, and
- 57% said their home was less draughty.
Increased energy efficiency
EWI increased the average EPC score by four points, halving the number of homes in band E.
Household satisfaction
The positive results seen from the SAP analysis were reflected in the results of householder surveys.
Almost 70% of people who received EWI reported being ‘satisfied’ (31%) or ‘very satisfied’ (38%) with their insulation. 60% said the EWI had improved their home in the way they had hoped.
Why evaluate?
This evaluation collected evidence to demonstrate how well the project achieved its goals. This enables project leaders to showcase the work after it has been completed. It also evidences the impact the project has had, both the expected and the unexpected, and captures learnings that will strengthen future projects.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how evaluation can help with your work, please get in touch.