The 300 properties are in East Birmingham and will be used to pilot approaches to improve thermal efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and provide energy savings for tenants.

The project will also be used to address fuel poverty in an affordable and achievable way, by developing and implementing innovative solutions and funding models which can be used to scale up whole house retrofit across the city.

The pilot scheme forms part of the 3 Cities Retrofit programme – one of the largest retrofit initiatives in the UK which could cover nearly 165,000 social homes across Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton.

Birmingham City Council has committed to making the city carbon neutral by 2030 and this scheme is intended to make a step towards realising the ambitions.

Paul Bingham, Regional Director for Equans UK & Ireland, said: “The council took the bold step of publicly declaring and committing the city to be net zero by 2030.

“This pilot programme is a testament to the council’s dedication to just do that.  We have a long-standing partnership with Birmingham and our broad expertise in energy, regeneration and retrofit means we are primed to make those goals a reality.”

Leader of BCC Ian Ward, said: “These 300 properties are just the start of our ambitious plans to ensure that all our housing stock is carbon neutral by 2030.

“The council has a large estate and the delivery of the 3 Cities Whole House Retrofit Pilot, presents us with a great opportunity to progress towards our net zero carbon ambitions.

“This exciting pilot will also make a significant contribution to economic recovery and growth through creating employment and skills opportunities for local businesses and the local community.”