Across England and Wales, private rented sector homes are amongst the least energy efficient, with nearly a quarter classed as non-decent. In South Yorkshire alone, over 74,000 private rented homes are below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C, and around one in five households face fuel poverty.
These aren’t just statistics. Behind each number is a family struggling with high energy bills, dealing with damp problems, or making difficult choices between heating and other essentials. And with winter energy costs looming, these challenges will only come into sharper focus in the coming months.
This September, we’re running workshops with tenants to ensure their experiences help shape the solutions we develop. Over 2.5 hours, tenants will work together to map the real challenges they face, brainstorm creative solutions, and develop ideas that could be tested in practice. We’ll use simple design thinking techniques to turn lived experiences into actionable prototypes.
While September might not feel like the time to think about heating bills, the insights we gather will help inform future approaches. The solutions we develop together could help thousands of households better navigate the challenges that winter brings to poorly insulated homes (and also make homes cooler during heatwaves). Working alongside National Energy Action, some of the most promising ideas that emerge from these sessions can be tested over the coming months.
The workshops
• In-person workshop in Sharrow, Sheffield- 9th September 2025, 6pm- 8:30pm
• Online workshop for renters across South Yorkshire- 16th September 2025 , 5:30pm-7:30pm. This virtual session will allow participation from across South Yorkshire. No technical expertise needed – we’ll provide all the support required.
Getting involved
• We’re looking for tenants from across South Yorkshire with diverse experiences – different property types, different landlord relationships, different backgrounds. Spaces are limited to ensure everyone can contribute meaningfully.
• A light meal and travel costs are covered for in-person session. There’s a £50 shopping voucher to thank participants for their time.
• Interested in taking part? Fill in this form to register your interest
The bigger picture
These workshops are part of the Let Zero project, which aims to accelerate energy efficiency improvements across the private rented sector. A partnership project led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Let Zero is bringing together insights from tenants, landlords, and other stakeholders to develop solutions that are both ambitious and achievable. It is currently in the pilot phase until end September 2025, and insights from these workshops will inform the next stages of the project.
