Funding Stream: SHDF Wave 2.2
Contract Value: £1m
Properties: 55
Locations: Brighton, Southampton, Bristol, Midlands, North East
Measures Installed: Solar PV, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), Loft Insulation

Overview

Golden Lane Housing, a provider of accommodation for individuals with additional needs, embarked on a significant retrofit decarbonisation project under the SHDF Wave 2.2 funding stream. This initiative aimed to upgrade 55 properties across multiple locations, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability through the installation of solar PV, ASHPs, and loft insulation. The project faced unique challenges due to the specific needs of the residents, requiring careful planning, coordination, and sensitivity in delivery.

Challenges Faced

The key challenge of the project was that all residents had additional needs, meaning traditional methods of resident engagement and communication were not suitable. It became clear early on that a bespoke approach was necessary to ensure residents felt informed and comfortable with the works being carried out in their homes.

To accommodate the residents' needs, the project team had to adopt an innovative engagement strategy. All works had to be coordinated with the residents being temporarily absent from their properties, ensuring minimal disruption to their daily lives. Additionally, the team worked closely with care providers, as all communication had to be routed through carers rather than directly with the residents themselves. Our scheduling team was in constant contact with the carers, explaining the scope of work and what to expect before each visit.

One particularly challenging aspect was the requirement for comprehensive project documentation. Detailed project packs and instructions were left in each home in case the resident’s carer changed. These documents served as essential references, ensuring continuity of information for any new carers or support staff.

The complexity of the homes added further layers of difficulty. Some properties, such as a large seven-bedroom house accommodating three separate residents, presented logistical challenges for coordinating the installations. Each of these properties had specific needs and required tailored approaches to ensure that the installations were carried out smoothly and with minimal impact on the residents.

Another challenge was that Golden Lane Housing's staff attended every visit to the properties to ensure the safety and comfort of the residents, offering an additional layer of oversight to ensure the success of the project. This close collaboration between our team and Golden Lane Housing’s staff was crucial to ensuring that the installations were not only successful but also respectful of the residents’ needs.

Outcome

The Golden Lane Housing retrofit project successfully upgraded 55 properties, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across a range of homes. The careful approach to resident engagement meant that disruption was minimal, and the complex nature of the properties was managed efficiently. By working closely with Golden Lane Housing’s staff and carers, the project not only achieved its technical goals but also ensured that the residents’ needs were at the heart of the retrofit process.