On Thursday 2nd October, a pioneering new project led by the University of Warwick used virtual reality (VR) to help residents experience the benefits of energy-efficient homes-without leaving their neighbourhood in Ball Hill.
Key project features:
- Interactive VR Experiences: Residents explored what a sustainable, energy-efficient home looks and feels like.
- Community Workshop: Co-designed with local people, the workshop gathers feedback and address concerns specific to Coventry's diverse communities.
- Personalised Advice: Participants received tailored information on available grants and practical steps for making their homes greener.
- Local Collaboration: The project is a partnership between the University of Warwick, Coventry City Council, Act On Energy, and community hub Destination Ball Hill.
With over 20% of Coventry households impacted by fuel poverty, and the city - like the country - facing important climate targets, the project breaks down barriers to home retrofitting (improved insulation, boiler upgrades, and solar panel installation) by making the process more relatable and accessible.
Through immersive VR workshops, residents were able to 'walk through' a 3D model of a retrofitted home, see the improvements, and understand the real-world benefits for greater comfort, better health, and lower energy bills.
Dr Lory Barile, Associate Professor, University of Warwick, said:
"When residents can step inside a warmer home, even virtually, the benefits stop being abstract. Virtual Reality makes retrofit feel real and achievable, helping Coventry families cut bills, improve comfort and health, and lower emissions.
"Pairing trusted advice with immersive experience we hope to turn awareness into action, so that no-one has to choose between heating and eating."
The workshop built on the success of the Retrofit Rocks project and responds directly to the city's need to boost uptake of energy-saving measures such as insulation, boiler upgrades, and solar panels.
Despite generous funding schemes, uptake remains low (in some instances as low as 2%)-often due to lack of awareness or confidence in the process.
Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, Coventry City Council, said:
"As we head into the colder months and face rising energy prices, it's important that we find ways to show Coventry residents what retrofit looks and feels like. This innovative VR project brings that to life, making it more real for people and easier to see and understand the benefits.
"We want to help people access any financial support on offer so they can take action to lower their bills and live in warmer homes. This is good for health and the environment, so it really is a win, win."
Retrofitting is a key action that people can take in the fight against climate change. For Coventry, like many other UK cities, the residential sector accounts for a significant proportion of carbon emissions (30% of total emissions). Lowering residential emissions is a vital step on the road to net zero by 2050.
Rachel Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Act On Energy, said:
"With energy costs remaining high and energy debt in the UK reaching 4billion it is critical that we can support residents and empower them on their energy journey. VR is one tool that can show the difference energy efficiency measures can have. A warm home and energy efficient home leads to improved health and lower energy bills."
