Over 100 properties and a Family Centre in Llandysul, Ceredigion are now warmer and more energy efficient in what industry professionals are considering one of the best examples of External Wall Insulation in Wales if not the UK. Soltherm's Chris Tolley Brett Langdon with Willmot Dixon's Phil Young at the Family Centre in Llandysul.

Soltherm EWI Wales has played a key role in supporting the Welsh Government's Arbed 2 programme at a housing estate known as the Beeches in Llandysul, Ceredigion

Over 100 properties and a Family Centre in Llandysul, Ceredigion are now more energy efficient and sustainable in what industry professionals are considering one of the best examples of External Wall Insulation (EWI) in Wales if not the UK.

Managed by Willmott Dixon Energy Services, the project saw suppliers Soltherm work with local contractors SMK and SPMS Wales to improve the properties, as well as the centrally located Family Centre which acts as a vital community hub.

The contractors applied specially designed HD Weather external wall insulation (EWI) System at no cost and the Family Centre is now reaping considerable rewards. It is now cheaper to run and can continue hosting classes, workshops and other local events in a warmer and more comfortable environment throughout the year.

The management's Phil Young said, “The recent works to properties on The Beeches is an excellent example of how to deliver a quality community based energy efficiency scheme. Residents can now look forward to heating their homes for less. The additional community benefits provided also means that we have been able to leave a lasting legacy. ”

The improvements are the result of a collaboration involving local businesses supplying the materials as well as further developing the centre with energy saving HD external wall insulation.

With the project nearing completion, local councillors, cabinet members, social housing board members and local residents were all invited to a project showcase at the family centre where the work and its wider community benefits were presented.

Community wide benefit was one of the core targets of the project, with local employment and training opportunities created through the collaboration of Welsh contractors and suppliers, bringing a new manufacturing base to Wales. This was further reiterated through Ceredigion County Council’s recent contractor events, all focusing on the energy efficiency that EWI brings to homes and businesses.

The Arbed 2 programme aims to tackle climate change and fuel poverty by boosting economic development and regeneration. The second phase of the Arbed programme, Arbed 2 began in May 2012 and is partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The £45m project has set a target to improve energy efficiency in a minimum of 4800 homes in Wales by the end of 2015, as well as reduce a minimum of 2.54 kilo tons of carbon from greenhouse gas emissions.