Edinburgh social enterprise says it has helped thousands to save on energy bills

An Edinburgh-based energy social enterprise has released a report that shows more than 200,000 households in Scotland have benefited from their retrofit service and advice.

Changeworks provided energy-saving advice and measures to 215,943 households across Scotland in the last three years, according to a report released on Monday.

Changeworks says it has highlighted a “dual challenge” for many households: the financial burden of heating their homes while minimising the environmental impact associated with many current heating technologies such as gas boilers, with cost being the main barrier to retrofitting.

The enterprise works with partners, organisations and communities to develop and deliver projects in energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty.

To meet Changeworks’ stated ambitions for future delivery over its next five-year strategic period, the company says it is looking for cross-sector collaboration to unlock funding to deliver home retrofit at scale.

Josiah Lockhart, chief executive of Changeworks, said: “Our expertise and scale empower householders and social housing providers to make homes warmer and cheaper to run, while addressing climate concerns in very practical ways.

“While our record of delivery and organisational growth over the past three years has been encouraging, it is now vital that home energy efficiency is seen as a huge opportunity for cross-sector working.”

In 2024-25, Changeworks and its joint venture Warmworks’ services saved 366,677 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 655,809 UK households’ electricity use.

Mr Lockhart said: “The social, economic and environmental benefits of our approach are clear. We will continue to innovate and work across sectors to develop the business models that we know can deliver affordable warmth for all.

“This includes working with employers via our low carbon living sessions for employees, supporting householders directly through our Green Energy Helpline and working with organisations through our consultancy and project management services.”