A pilot project for Newbury Building Society to test mortgage customers’ interest in energy efficiency improvements led to a successful case study being shared in national publication ‘Society Matters’, published by the Building Societies Association
Customers Dave and Jenny Sykes jumped at the opportunity offered by Newbury Building Society to have a free home energy assessment worth over £1,000, with Severn Wye assessor Neil Towler carrying out a detailed survey of their property. Neil’s report outlined recommendations for retrofit improvements, full costings and an analysis of how much money – and carbon – the couple could potentially save.
Helping Mr and Mrs Sykes to find an installer and understand their quotes was part of the service provided by Neil and his clear explanations and independent approach were appreciated.
“Working with Neil has been invaluable, particularly as there has been a lot of new technology and jargon to get to grips with. When we started, we didn’t know what was good and not good,” explained Jenny.
Whilst many UK homeowners would like to make environmentally friendly changes to their homes, a 2025 report by Citizens Advice highlights common barriers. These include identifying trustworthy and reliable contractors, upfront costs, and disruption to home life.
The couple went on to install 21 solar panels and have been generating around triple the average monthly electricity use for UK households. The EPC rating of the home has also improved from C to A – the highest rating possible, and far above the current UK average of D.
Allison Cawley, Severn Wye’s Director of Energy Services, said: “By sharing a customer’s experience from survey through to final installation, and the difference impartial expertise and support makes, we hope to give more people the confidence to consider making retrofit improvements to their home.
This article is an abridged version of Newbury Building Society’s case study. With thanks to Newbury Building Society for permission to use images of Neil Towler carrying out the survey.
