Keegans as Retrofit Coordinators and Assessors, partnering with Cambridge City Council and ECD Architects to retrofit 50 homes for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality by 2030.
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The Ross Street and Coldhams Grove project is a landmark net zero retrofit pilot in Cambridge, targeting 50 homes. Spearheaded by Cambridge City Council, this initiative aims to create energy-efficient, warm, and healthy homes while reducing carbon emissions. The project serves as a model for future retrofits within the council’s housing stock, contributing to Cambridge’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Assessments began in December 2022, with all evaluations, coordination, modelling and designs now complete. Retrofit work is underway and the contractor aims to finish by April 2025.
Understanding the current performance of each home was essential for identifying effective retrofit measures. Pre-retrofit assessments included energy performance evaluations, bill data analysis, and air-tightness testing. SOAP Retrofit also conducted extensive monitoring to assess heat transfer, temperature, and humidity, focusing on reducing condensation and mould risks. Post-completion monitoring will track the project’s success in creating sustainable, energy-efficient homes.
We carried out the pre-works retrofit assessments over three visits, liaising with Cambridge City Council, who helped to arrange appointments. We had two surveyors visit each home and carry out up to 7 retrofit assessments a day.
Our senior coordinator / assessor carried out some initial pilot surveys so this enabled us to identify the different archetypes and produce master floor plan templates. We gained a greater understanding of the materials in the construction of the dwellings. We then carried out some borescope inspections to identify where there was cavity wall insulation and whether it was still fit for purpose. Our inspections identified that the insulation had slumped in several areas and was completely missing on some properties. This helped us correctly identify the wall types and produce accurate RdSAP data to help with the modelling by our coordinators and the designs by the retrofit designers.
The design process involved detailed energy modelling using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP). To achieve net zero operational energy, the project followed the principles of the EnerPHit standard, but ultimately struck a balance between energy performance and minimising disruption to residents, slightly outside the EnerPHit standard.
The deep retrofit measures include:
Each home’s ability to reach net zero operational energy depends on its specific configuration. For example, homes with suitable roof pitches for up to 10 PV panels are expected to reach the net zero target whilst homes with only 3 or 4 panels will be slightly below, with a a very high SAP score of 90 to 95. The primary focus remains on enhancing residents’ health and well-being by ensuring all homes benefit equally from the upgrades, balancing high-performance measures with affordability for wider rollout across Cambridge.
As Retrofit Coordinators and Assessors, Keegans are playing a pivotal role in the successful execution of Cambridge City Council’s Net Zero Retrofit Pilot. Adhering to the PAS 2035 process is critical for ensuring all aspects necessary for future deep retrofit projects are thoroughly tested in this pilot.
Keegans is proud to contribute to this pioneering project, setting a new standard for net zero retrofits and paving the way for future energy-efficient home upgrades across Cambridge.
The Ross Street and Coldham’s Grove Net Zero Retrofit Pilot is more than just a housing project—it's a blueprint for the future of sustainable living in Cambridge. By prioritising energy efficiency, cost savings, and resident well-being, this initiative will showcase the potential of deep retrofits to meet ambitious carbon neutrality goals. Keegans is honoured to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing the expertise and leadership necessary to deliver homes that are not only environmentally sustainable but also comfortable and affordable for residents. As Cambridge City Council looks to expand these efforts across its housing stock, this pilot will serveas a testament to what can be achieved through innovative design, collaboration, and a commitment to a greener future.
People who worked on this project
Services you may be interested in
Our Elmhurst qualified, TrustMark registered Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, Designers and Evaluators have the skills and experience necessary to enable our clients to achieve full compliance under PAS 2035.
Sectors we work in
This is a core sector for us, working for numerous local authorities, housing associations, private managing agents and developers, ensuring residents are at the heart of every project.
What does Retrofit mean?
The UK Government has identified the retrofit of buildings as a key lever in their low carbon strategy to achieve 68% carbon reduction by 2030. All affordable homes will be required to achieve a minimum EPC of C by 2030. All ECO funded refurbishment projects are required to achieve full compliance with PAS 2035:2019 from July 2021 with a 20% funding uplift for projects that comply before the deadline.
PAS 2035:2019 (Specification for the Energy Retrofit of Domestic Buildings) is revolutionising the refurbishment of buildings. Over the last 30 years energy efficiency programmes have focussed on single measures (i.e.: cavity wall insulation or window replacement, etc.) but all future programmes now require a holistic solution designed to suit the specific building type.
To comply with PAS 2035, a qualified Retrofit Coordinator must be employed to provide a 'Whole House Retrofit' solution.
What are the benefits of retrofit work?
Retrofitting existing buildings will allow individuals and businesses to save money and be more sustainable. It will let people across the UK live in warmer and healthier homes. Crucially, it will help our industry, and the country as a whole, decarbonise.
Location
Cambridge
Client
Services
Specialisation
Net Zero Retrofit with Residents in Situ
Number of Homes
50
Project Value
£6.48 Million
04.09.2024
On-Site Progress for Cambridge City Council’s Net Zero Retrofit PilotKeegans appointed as the Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators for Cambridge City Council's Net Zero Retrofit Pilot project, which aims to upgrade 50 homes and support the city’s Net Zero goal by 2030.
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