Housing association Orbit has chosen Wates to retrofit 410 of its homes over two years.
The contractor will make energy efficiency improvements to 160 homes using the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund’s Wave 2.1 government fund. The retrofitting of the remaining 250 properties will be funded by Orbit and the government’s ECO4 grant.
The PAS 3025-compliant contract will include building fabric improvements such as external, internal, cavity wall and loft insulation. It will also involve traditional works including roof, window and door replacements.
Wates said it will also “explore” with Orbit digital and renewable solutions, including smart thermostats, ventilation upgrades, air and ground source heat pumps, night storage heating systems, and photovoltaic panels.
Towards EPC C by 2030
The retrofitting scheme is part of Orbit’s long-term strategy to decarbonise its portfolio and achieve the government’s target for all social housing to reach energy performance certificate ratings of C by 2030.
The housing group manages more than 47,000 affordable and social rent homes in England, mainly in the Midlands, East Anglia and the South East.
Executive managing director of Wates property services, David Morgan, said: “Our work in social housing retrofit to date has given us a wealth of experience and best practice to support our customers in delivering vital energy efficiency improvements while also planning ahead for their long-term decarbonisation targets.”
