Together Housing – SHDF Wave 2.1

West Yorkshire, England

Project Value: £8.6m

Introduction

We are currently delivering this multi-phase decarbonisation retrofit scheme for Together Housing, one of the largest housing associations in northern England.

The contract-award followed the completion of another retrofit scheme for the same client in 2023. Here, under a project part-funded by SHDF Wave 1, we completed decarbonisation works to 68 occupied flats in Calderdale. We installed loft installation and external wall insulation (EWI) to all properties, and addressed other issues including renewing the fronts of all residential blocks, modernising doors and windows, and improving the safety of the entrances. We completed the scheme on time and within budget. On the strength of this success, Together Housing awarded us the first of two further phases, scheduled to begin in 2023.

Phase 2 features over 148 non-traditional (No-Fines) flats in Halifax, and would draw on SHDF Wave 2 funding. Phase 3 would entail work to 131 occupied homes in Hebden Bridge and Haslingden– a mix of non-traditional No-Fines, Cavity and Kencast constructed bungalows and low-rise flats.

The aim of both additional phases was to raise all properties to an EPC rating of band C. Achieving this would require a number of measures, all designed and installed to MCS and PAS 2023/2035 standards. They would follow property-by-property surveys to ensure the appropriateness of the proposed measures in each case, and a fabric-first, whole-house approach.

Specific measures would vary according to the survey results and subsequent analysis but, broadly, they would include the installation of an external wall insulation system (110mm mineral fibre + silicon render), new or top-up loft insulation, air source heat pumps, and replacement double-glazed windows and doors.

In order to take advantage of economies of scale, additional works would be delivered concurrently. These would include ventilation and mechanical extraction, re-roofing, structural repairs, mechanical and electrical works, new door entry systems, asbestos removal and EWI adaptations.

The Project

From the outset, we worked closely with Together Housing, our suppliers, PAS/MCS installers and retrofit role providers to design bespoke solutions for each property. We also arranged project-specific training for operatives and stakeholders, again from the earliest possible stage. All supply chain partners were appointed from our approved network of specialist providers, based on their experience, certification and capacity.  All partners were given a detailed induction to the scheme.

The PAS2035 Retrofit Coordinator/Designer and Structural Engineer were two other key collaborators, assisting with designs, methodologies, and solutions. Collectively, the whole stakeholder team took a collaborative approach to problem-solving and to sharing ‘lessons learned’ in order to mobilise quickly and accelerate progress.

To maintain quality standards, we would observe our usual system of ‘holding points’, which would require inspection and sign-off by the Site Management team and Together Housing before work could continue. We also sought third-party/stakeholder audits from suppliers and the Retrofit Coordinator.

Results

Our quality-focused approach helped us to achieve rapid progress, with zero handover refusals. It also earned us important industry recognition. We won some of the retrofit decarbonisation sector’s most acclaimed national accolades:

• Retrofit Academy Awards: ‘Retrofit Contractor of the Year’ 2023
• Retrofit Academy Awards: ‘Retrofit Contractor of the Year’ 2024
• Unlock Net Zero Awards: ‘Supply Chain Partner of the Year’ 2024

In all, the two phases will see more than 350 homes improved using external wall insulation systems, and 178 homes will receive new loft insulation. Air source heat pumps will be installed to over 100 homes, and almost 120 will receive new double-glazed windows and/or doors. The 105 properties fitted with air source heat pumps will be removed from the mains gas supply entirely.

Each home has received an average of 5 energy efficiency retrofit measures.

As a result of these efforts, all the treated properties have achieved EPC band C or above. Estimated average savings are shown below:

• Average Pre-SAP score: 5
• Average Post-SAP score: 9

These results were compiled and validated by averaging the pre-SAP scores from the retrofit assessments and averaging the post-SAP modelled outcomes and the lodgement of post-completion EPCs.

The scheme ensured that all properties delivered valuable energy savings and met the project’s target space heating demand of 90 kWh/m²/year. Total energy saving have been estimated at just over 2 million kWh/year. The scheme is also expected to produce CO₂ emissions-savings of over 475,000 kg/year.

Special Note

One unusual aspect of this scheme was that it featured the use of new roofline closure systems as part of a technical trial organised in conjunction with SWIGA. (This itself was part of a collective industry effort to test and develop new, PAS-compliant closure systems, as required by the BSI Retrofit Standards Task Group.)

Social Value 

In accordance with our usual policies, we sought to maximise the social and local economic value of our work on these phases. By October 2024, notable outcomes included:

• Local supply chain expenditure: £1.7m
• Full-time jobs sustained/directly created 5
• Supply chain jobs sustained 16
• New apprenticeships  2
• People securing accredited qualifications 9

Resident Feedback

Feedback from residents has been excellent, both with regard to the planning and quality of the installed measures, and the service received. Residents have reported noticeable differences in how much warmer, more comfortable and energy-efficient their homes are. Many have also expressed their pride in the improved appearance in their communities.

Client Feedback

“SBS is making a difference to people’s lives… Residents are saying to us that they feel instantly warmer, how much they’re saving on their bills, and that the overall appearance is better – it gives them pride. The properties look better, they perform better and they’re safer and more secure. Together Housing’s relationship with SBS is absolutely exemplary. The results are evident in the work that has been produced.”

Ann Harkness

Surveyor, Together Housing