Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Hockley, Tamworth

Project Overview

Location: Hockley, Tamworth, Midlands
Property Type: Semi-detached Wates system-built properties.
Funding Source: Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund wave 1
Measures: External Wall Insulation, Loft Insulation, High Efficient Glazing, External Doors and a Whole House Ventilation Strategy
Principal Contractor: Equans
Principal Designer: URBED/GCP Architects

In a concerted effort to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall sustainability, our collaborative project in Hockley, Tamworth aimed to tackle the unique challenges posed by Wates’ system-built properties. With a resolute commitment to excellence, we sought to achieve the following objectives:

Energy Efficiency Improvements: Elevate the energy performance of each property to attain an EPC rating of C or higher, driving substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Reduction in Space Heating Demand: Reduce space heating demand <90 kWh/m² for improved energy efficiency, lower bills, and enhanced indoor comfort in SHDF Wave 1 project.

Air Tightness: Address prevalent air tightness issues by achieving an air tightness level below 5m³/(h.m²)@50Pa, thus ensuring occupant comfort and minimising heat loss.

Indoor Air Quality Improvement: Enhance indoor air quality through appropriate ventilation measures that adhere to current standards, fostering a healthier living environment for residents.

Project Challenges

Our project encountered distinct challenges posed by the Wates system-built properties, characterised by suboptimal energy efficiency and air tightness concerns. Fuelled by a dedicated team of experts, we approached these challenges with determination and innovation, culminating in sustainable solutions for a brighter and greener future.

Project Execution

Retrofit Assessment and Coordination: We initiated the project with Retrofit Assessments conducted on each property, allowing us to discern specific retrofit requirements.
Drawing from the insights of these in depth Assessments, we developed comprehensive retrofit plans designed to elevate each property to an EPC rating of C.
Seamless coordination with members of the principal contractor, Equans and other stakeholders ensured the successful execution of the retrofit measures in line with the predefined objectives.

Retrofit Services: With the objective of optimising energy efficiency, we orchestrated a series of retrofit interventions, including:
Insulation upgrades to curtail heat loss and bolster overall efficiency. The measures included External Wall Insulation and Loft Insulation.
Upgraded windows and doors to enhance thermal efficiency.
Adoption of energy-saving lighting to further diminish energy consumption.

Air Tightness Testing and Improvement: Utilising blower door equipment, we conducted air tightness tests to pinpoint leakage areas.
Armed with the insights from these tests, we embarked on a targeted air tightness process, ultimately achieving an impressive air tightness level below 5m³/(h.m²)@50Pa.

Ventilation Improvement for Indoor Air Quality: In our quest to enhance indoor air quality, we deployed a multifaceted approach:
Continuous mechanical extractor fans, in conjunction with trickle vents on new windows, ensured adequate and regulated air circulation.
Internal doors were equipped with undercuts to facilitate seamless airflow, contributing to improved occupant well-being.
By adhering to current Part F standards, we championed enhanced indoor comfort and health for residents.

Results and Outcomes

Our dedicated efforts culminated in remarkable results, aligning with our core objectives:
We achieved and exceeded the targeted EPC rating of C or higher, underscoring our success in enhancing energy efficiency.
The exceptional air tightness levels realized minimized drafts, culminating in heightened indoor comfort and reduced heat loss.
Notably, the retrofit measures led to a substantial reduction in energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, promoting sustainability.
By prioritizing ventilation, we succeeded in fostering improved indoor air quality, contributing to the overall well-being of residents.

Lessons Learnt
Throughout the implementation of the SHDF Wave 1 project, we have gathered valuable insights and lessons that have contributed to its successful execution. These experiences have illuminated key areas of focus and have the potential to inform future retrofit initiatives. Some of the noteworthy lessons and observations from our project include:

Team Resourcing and Contractor Engagement:
Early engagement with the supply chain facilitated efficient resource allocation and fostered a sense of ownership over the project’s success.
Recognising the high demand for specialised supply chain services emphasised the importance of securing resources and relationships early in the process.

Tenant Engagement:
Given the proximity of the properties and their uniform nature, tenant engagement was effectively carried out on a 1-2-1 basis, facilitated by a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer.
Direct engagement with tenants minimised disruption and allowed for personalised communication tailored to individual needs.

Planning and Property Selection:
Selecting properties based on homogenous characteristics and the absence of complex planning requirements contributed to a streamlined process without the need for planning consent.
Careful consideration of property clusters and grouping similar properties together led to economies of scale and efficient resource allocation.

Design and Sequencing of Works:
Adhering to a fabric-first approach yielded positive outcomes, addressing multiple property improvement aspects with minimal tenant disruption.
The uniformity of property types allowed for consistent design application across all dwellings, simplifying the retrofit process.

Remedial/Enabling Works:
Conducting detailed surveys prior to bid formulation could lead to more accurate predictions of property completions and help identify potential cost drivers.
The alignment of remedial and enabling works with the retrofit project demonstrated the benefits of synergy in planning and resource allocation.

PAS2035 Compliance:
The implementation of PAS2035 standards required dedicated resources, including a team focused on compliance documentation and coordination with Retrofit Coordinator (RC) and PAS2030 compliance teams.
Ensuring that all lodgements were complete in a timely manner was essential to meeting regulatory requirements.
Cost Management and Contingency:
Applying a contingency fund to the project budget helped address unforeseen costs arising from changes in scope, design, and unforeseen enabling works.
The use of a contingency fund and timely communication with the funding body aided in mitigating the impact of unforeseen costs.

Lessons for Future Projects and Organizational Strategy:
The experience gained from Wave 1 will guide future projects, emphasising the importance of comprehensive surveys, accurate forecasting, and strategic planning.
The valuable data and cost insights will contribute to the formulation of the Council’s long-term Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, which will shape funding and delivery strategies for future projects.
While decarbonisation of the entire housing stock may present financial challenges, the data gathered from Wave 1 will play a pivotal role in shaping the Council’s approach to future decarbonisation initiatives.

Post-Retrofit Benefits and Performance:
An outcome of the project was the overall improvement in property condition and aesthetics, contributing to enhanced living standards for tenants.

Tenant benefits in terms of energy consumption and overall well-being are expected to become more pronounced as the project progresses into the winter of 2023/24.

Incorporating these lessons and insights into future retrofit projects will be crucial in further optimising processes, achieving energy efficiency targets, and enhancing the overall quality of housing stock. Our commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing underscores our dedication to realizing a sustainable and energy-efficient housing future.

Our resounding success in the Hockley, Tamworth project stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to ushering in a greener, more sustainable future. At Equans, we remain steadfast in our dedication to transforming homes, communities, and lives through innovative energy efficiency retrofit projects. Anchored in industry standards and driven by a passion for customer satisfaction, we continue to lead the way in catalysing positive change for a better world.