A local retrofit project with national impacts Oct 09, 2025

The award-winning* Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Devolution Retrofit project, managed by YES Energy Solutions, successfully enhanced the energy efficiency of 27 domestic properties within the district.

A multi-measure approach

The project implemented a total of 44 measures, including 13 External Wall Insulation EWI) installations, 11 solar PV systems, nine loft insulations, and 11 digital/smart controls and this multi-measure approach contributed to the overall success of the initiative.

“Derbyshire Dales District Council were delighted to deliver an award-winning scheme with YES Energy Solutions using the Devolution Retrofit funding. YES Energy Solutions were appointed as principal contractors and maintained high standards throughout the project. From communication to workmanship, the relationship has been positive and resulted in significant improvements for these Derbyshire Dales resident’s homes. We hope to administer more projects like this in the future - that has attracted regional praise, and which we can all be proud of working together on.” - Celine Stretton, Energy Efficiency Officer, Derbyshire Dales District Council

Putting residents first

Householder satisfaction was a key focus throughout the project, with a dedicated team ensuring residents were well-informed and supported at every stage. Feedback from householders indicated high levels of satisfaction, particularly appreciating the energy savings and improved comfort resulting from the upgrades.

The benefits to householders were substantial. The smart thermostats, such as the Nest 3rd generation and Honeywell T5, supported energy savings by learning schedules and optimising temperature settings, while the loft insulation and external wall insulation (EWI) significantly reduced heat loss, leading to warmer homes and lower energy bills. Solar PV installations further contributed to energy savings and sustainability by harnessing renewable energy.

Supporting biodiversity with Swift nesting boxes

Beyond energy efficiency, the project also positively benefitted local biodiversity. As part of the EWI installations, YES integrated swift nest boxes into the external walls of suitable properties.

Swifts - migratory birds whose UK population has declined by 57% between 1995 and 2017 - have lost many traditional nesting sites due to modern building practices.

By embedding these boxes into the insulation, the project provided safe, long-term nesting spaces for Swifts, helping to reverse their decline in the Derbyshire Dales.

These boxes are discreet, hygienic, and offer a secure environment for Swifts to raise their young, supporting both conservation and community engagement with nature.

A model for future retrofit success

Overall, the project achieved its goals of significantly improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing householder satisfaction.

The successful implementation of these measures has set a positive precedent for future retrofit initiatives, demonstrating the value of a comprehensive, householder-focused approach to energy efficiency upgrades.

*Winner of the Energy Efficiency Awards Large Scale Project of the Year – East Midlands 2025

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