What to Expect During the Wave 3 Bid Application Period

Wave 3 introduces exciting changes and opportunities. One of the key features of this wave is its £7,500 base cost cap per home, which can be used for energy efficiency upgrades like insulation and heating systems. If your project involves homes off the gas grid, there’s an additional £7,500 uplift, making a total of £15,000 per home for off-grid upgrades. This funding will enable significant improvements to some of the UK’s most energy-inefficient social homes​.

For homes on the gas grid, there’s an optional low-carbon heating incentive, which offers £20,000 per home for up to 10% of the properties in your application. This can be used for the installation of heat pumps and other low-carbon heating solutions​.

The delivery window for Wave 3 is long-term, running until September 30, 2028, with all grant funds required to be spent by March 31, 2028. The scheme aims to lift homes to EPC band C or higher, improving comfort, lowering bills, and supporting the UK’s goal of Net Zero by 2050​.

How Our Experience in Previous Waves Prepares Us for Wave 3

We have been at the forefront of the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund initiative since its inception. Our participation in earlier rounds, including Wave 1, which saw £179 million allocated to retrofit up to 20,000 homes, and Wave 2.1, which supported energy upgrades for 90,000 homes, has given us invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with large-scale retrofitting​.

• Proven Track Record: In Wave 2.1, we successfully upgraded a range of properties to meet energy efficiency standards, consistently delivering on time and within budget. We upgraded all properties to the EPC band C level with some properties at our Nash Close location reaching band B or even A, reducing energy costs for tenants and cutting carbon emissions.
  
  
• Navigating Compliance: We have extensive experience working with PAS 2035, ensuring that every project we undertake adheres to the highest standards in energy efficiency and safety. Our compliance with TrustMark and MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) standards ensures that our installations not only meet but exceed industry benchmarks​.
  
  
• Efficient Collaboration: Our long-established partnerships with local authorities and registered social housing landlords (RSLs) allow us to navigate the complexities of these projects smoothly. This gives us an edge in delivering projects with maximum impact and minimal disruption.
  
  
• Wave 3-Specific Insights: With Wave 3's introduction of the £20,000 low-carbon heating incentive for gas-grid homes, our team is prepared to implement cutting-edge heating technologies such as air-source heat pumps. Our experience with similar technologies in previous waves in projects in partnership with Stonewater and Aster Group, position us to maximise the benefits of this fund​.

What Sets Us Apart from Other Contractors

As we prepare to apply for Wave 3 funding, we are confident that our comprehensive approach sets us apart from other contractors in the sector. Here’s why:

• Expertise in Scale and Flexibility: Experienced in delivering large-scale retrofit projects, we have the capability to handle complex projects efficiently while remaining flexible enough to tailor our services to individual properties and tenant needs. For instance, we have the expertise to work with mixed-tenure blocks, ensuring that both social and non-social homes benefit from the upgrades. Our use of local subcontractors ensures full control over quality and communication, while also supporting local communities by creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This approach keeps projects efficient and impactful.
  
  
• Focus on Tenant Well-Being: We prioritise resident engagement and tenant satisfaction throughout every project. Poor engagement has been identified as a common challenge in retrofit projects, but we go beyond basic leafleting and cold calling. Our Resident Liaison team conducts detailed consultations, offering support throughout the retrofit process to ensure that tenants fully understand and benefit from the upgrades​. 
  In-person Resident Engagement events are held before works begin and after project completion to ensure this and have been a proven success.
  
  
• Leadership in Innovation: In addition to traditional insulation and heating upgrades, we specialise in the installation of low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps and solar PV, as well as Ventilation in some cases. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the goals of WH:SHF Wave 3 to not only improve energy efficiency but also support the UK’s broader decarbonisation goals.​
  
  
• Data-Driven Excellence: Our data collection and reporting are second to none. We ensure that all installations are lodged with TrustMark within the required time frame, allowing us to meet the strict auditing and reporting requirements of WH:SHF. This focus on compliance ensures that all our projects are eligible for full funding and maximises return on investment for housing providers​.
  
  

Looking Forward: Why Wave 3 Is a Key Opportunity

Wave 3 offers unprecedented opportunities for improving social housing across England. With the government aiming to upgrade 1.2 million homes to EPC band C or above, the impact of this funding will be felt for decades to come. Our extensive experience and leadership in previous waves make us the ideal partner for housing providers looking to apply for and manage these funds effectively​.

If you’re ready to maximise the potential of your properties and improve the lives of your tenants, we are here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make Wave 3 a transformative success for your housing stock, your tenants, and the environment.

Contact Us Today to learn how we can help you navigate the WH:SHF Wave 3 bid process and deliver real, lasting change to your properties.

We are also hosting a highly anticipated Webinar featuring insights from other key players in the industry, including RISE (Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise) and MTVH (Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing). This event promises to be a session full of inspiration and education, providing you with valuable expertise on how to maximise the benefits of WH:SHF Wave 3 for your organisation. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best in the field! To know more Click here!