The Benefits of In-House Stock Assessment and Customer Engagement Teams in delivering Social Housing Decarbonisation Projects
With the new Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WHSHF) and Warm Homes: Local Grant (WHLG) schemes replacing current social housing funding routes, the ability to deliver projects efficiently and to an exceptionally high standard has never been more important. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of offering in-house stock assessments and customer engagement teams as part of Complete Turnkey Solutions
Social housing decarbonisation projects are vital as the UK strives to meet net-zero carbon targets. Retrofitting existing housing stock to improve energy efficiency not only reduces carbon emissions but also alleviates fuel poverty, enhances living conditions, and lowers energy costs for customers. For social housing providers, partnering with installers who can offer in-house teams for stock assessment and customer engagement can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of these retrofit projects.
What are the benefits of these in-house teams?
1. Comprehensive and Accurate Stock Assessment
An in-house stock assessment team provides the foundation for successful retrofit projects. This team is responsible for evaluating the current state of the housing stock and identifying opportunities for decarbonisation. Key benefits include:
a. Tailored Knowledge of Housing Stock
In-house stock assessment teams possess detailed knowledge of the housing portfolio, including its age, construction type, and energy performance. This specificity allows for more accurate planning compared to outsourced assessments, which may lack such valuable insights.
b. Real-Time Adjustments
With an in-house team, assessments can be updated continuously as new data emerges or as projects evolve. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining accurate plans and adapting to unforeseen challenges, such as structural issues or regulatory changes.
c. Cost Savings
While establishing an in-house team requires initial investment, it eliminates the recurring costs of hiring external services for each project phase. Over time, this approach proves more cost-effective.
d. Integrated Expertise
An in-house team fosters collaboration with other internal departments, such as installation and compliance teams. This integration ensures that retrofit projects align with regulations and long-term goals.
2. Enhanced Customer Engagement
Retrofitting occupied homes requires the buy-in and cooperation of customers. An in-house customer engagement team is instrumental in navigating this aspect of retrofits. Here’s how:
a. Building Trust
Direct interaction with customers fosters trust. Customers are more likely to engage with representatives who understand their situation and can address their concerns promptly. Trust is critical when implementing changes that affect customers’ living environments.
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b. Tailored Communication
An in-house team can develop bespoke engagement strategies based on tenant demographics, language preferences, and cultural sensitivities. Effective communication reduces resistance to the project and encourages active participation.
c. Continuous Support
Unlike external services, in-house engagement teams can provide ongoing support throughout the retrofit process. This continuity ensures that customers feel supported from project initiation to completion.
d. Feedback Integration
An in-house team can act as a conduit for tenant feedback, which can be directly relayed to project planners. Addressing customer concerns in real-time improves project outcomes and customer satisfaction.
3. Improved Project Coordination
By offering housing stock assessment and customer engagement processes as part of complete turnkey solutions, installers can streamline project workflows:
4. Driving Long-Term Value
In-house teams contribute to the sustainability and scalability of retrofit programs:
5. Aligning with Regulatory and Funding Requirements
In-house teams also facilitate compliance with evolving regulations and funding criteria. For example, government initiatives like the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund emphasise customer satisfaction and robust data on housing stock. Internal teams are better positioned to meet these requirements consistently.
Conclusion
For social housing providers undertaking decarbonisation projects, partnering with installers that offer in-house stock assessment and customer engagement teams can deliver substantial benefits. These teams ensure that projects are tailored, cost-efficient, and customer-focused, ultimately driving better outcomes for the environment and local communities. By adopting this approach, social housing providers can lead the way in achieving net-zero goals while fostering trust and long-term value for customers.
Broad Oak Group offer excellent in-house stock assessment, customer engagement, project development, planning consent support, SHE support, resource allocation, compliance and governance and lots more. Get in contact with us today to discuss your next decarbonisation project.
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