Retrofit Services Consultancy for Energy Efficiency Improvement
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Keegans was appointed by West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver Retrofit Services Consultants for a comprehensive energy efficiency improvement project aimed at owner-occupied homes. The project, funded through BEIS LAD3 and HUG funding, targeted properties in the Elmdon area of Solihull and the Foleshill area of Coventry. The primary objective was to enhance the energy performance and sustainability of these homes in compliance with PAS2035 standards.
One of the significant challenges encountered during the project was aligning the diverse interests and requirements of residents, coordinators, and contractors. Achieving compliance with PAS2035 standards, particularly regarding ventilation, sometimes required in-depth conversations with homeowners. For instance, addressing limitations in space and aesthetics when installing extractor fans in newly completed kitchens or bathrooms posed design challenges. Ventilation requirements often had to be addressed before proceeding with insulation measures, necessitating elegant design solutions that satisfied the residents yet met the standards.
Keegans adopted a collaborative approach, actively engaging with residents, coordinators, and contractors to find viable solutions that balanced compliance with PAS2035 standards, resident preferences, and practical constraints. Thorough assessments and consultations were conducted to understand individual needs and tailor solutions accordingly. Where issues arose, Keegans facilitated open communication between stakeholders, ensuring concerns were addressed promptly and effectively. Rigorous quality control measures, including post-installation inspections and resident satisfaction surveys, were implemented to uphold the highest standards of workmanship and ensure compliance with project requirements.
Despite the challenges encountered, Keegans successfully delivered a programme of energy efficiency improvements that significantly enhanced the sustainability and comfort of owner-occupied homes in the Elmdon and Foleshill areas. By meticulously adhering to PAS2035 standards and prioritizing resident satisfaction, the project achieved its objectives of improving the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of properties while providing tangible benefits to homeowners. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, combined with Keegans' expertise and commitment to quality, resulted in a successful outcome that exemplifies the potential for effective retrofit services consultancy in achieving sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions.
The Retrofit Services Consultancy project undertaken by Keegans for the West Midlands Combined Authority exemplifies the importance of collaboration, communication, and meticulous planning in delivering successful energy efficiency improvements to residential properties. By addressing the diverse needs and challenges inherent in retrofit projects, Keegans demonstrated its ability to navigate complex scenarios and deliver tangible benefits to both clients and homeowners. As the demand for sustainable housing solutions continues to grow, projects like this serve as a testament to the value of professional consultancy services in driving positive change in the built environment.
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.
Why measure the embodied carbon of retrofit?
In a climate crisis, all our decisions need to be taken through the lens of the impact they have on our environment. If we don’t know the impact, we can’t make the best decisions. And the decisions we make around retrofit, when multiplied by the vast number of homes that need retrofitting, will materially impact on the UK’s overall emissions in the coming years. Don’t stop retrofitting for the want of an embodied carbon assessment, but where possible do let it be part of the web of factors that guide decisions. There’s little point in putting so much effort into reducing buildings’ operational emissions if many tonnes of carbon are emitted to do so!
Read the full article written by Lizzy Westmacott, Associate Director & Matt Wingrove, Senior Architect from our architects ECD Architects for Unlock Net Zero on why we should be measuring the embodied carbon on retrofits.
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.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
Retrofit Assessor & Coordination
November 2022 – January 2024
Location
Elmdon, Solihull and Foleshill, Coventry, West Midlands, UK
Funding Source
BEIS LAD3 and HUG Funding
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