The Retrofit Insider - April 2023

This month, we bring valuable insights and takeaways from our recent Retrofit Surgery Lunch & Learn events. We'll cover the key aspects of retrofit assessments and coordination, offering practical tips to ensure your projects run smoothly and deliver great results. 

Additionally, we're excited to celebrate the latest funding allocations for greener and more energy-efficient homes through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). 

With SHDF funding now awarded, we are seeing a flurry of procurement activity in the market, and VOR welcomes more tenders with an emphasis on quality (rather than cost). Retrofit consultants are set to be busy, so it is key to engage early to ensure delivery programmes can be met and to ensure compliance at every stage.

So, grab a cuppa and let's dive into this month's news!

Retrofit Surgeries

We recently hosted two successful Retrofit Surgery Lunch & Learn events, with a fantastic turnout and engaging discussions on the essential aspects of retrofit assessments and coordination.

Retrofit Assessment Surgery Key Takeaways:

1. Resident engagement is key: Involving residents early fosters trust and participation, ensuring a smoother retrofit process and better outcomes.
2. Data collection is crucial: Comprehensive measurements, accurate floor plans, and insightful commentary contribute to a successful retrofit project.
3. Consistency is essential: Ensuring consistency between photographic evidence and recorded data in reports is key to accuracy and transparency.
4. Photos capture important details: Use images to document insulation, ventilation, and other building aspects that impact energy performance.
5. Ventilation is critical: Well-designed ventilation systems benefit the property and promote the health and well-being of occupants.

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Retrofit Coordination Surgery Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of a Medium Term Improvement Plan (MTIP): A well-designed MTIP is essential for a successful retrofit project, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and adapting as needed.
2. Conducting Thorough Improvement Option Evaluations (IOE): A comprehensive IOE ensures cost-effective solutions are chosen to maximise energy savings and return on investment.
3. Descriptive Assessments and Resident Engagement: Detailed assessments and early resident involvement lead to more accurate MTPs and IOEs, tailored to meet occupants' needs.
4. A Clear Pathway to Net Zero: IOE and MTIP documents should be developed to focus on reducing carbon emissions and meeting the UK's climate targets.
5. The Role of the Retrofit Coordinator: This specialist retrofit project manager oversees assessments, specifications, installations, and evaluations, ensuring the project runs smoothly from start to finish.

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Upcoming Lunch & Learn Events

Join us for our next event on Design & Ventilation, where Phil Partridge (retrofit designer) and Pete Marsh (technical lead) cover design principles, relevant British Standards, and the importance of thermal bridge modelling. 

Sign up: Retrofit Surgery - Design & Ventilation

Our final session will focus on Installation & Handover, discussing the importance of records, PIBI, lodgement, and more.

Sign up: Retrofit Installation & Handover

Celebrating SHDF Funding: A Step Towards a Greener, More Energy-Efficient Future

Congratulations to everyone awarded grant funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and related schemes! 

The UK Government announced an impressive ￡1.8 billion allocation through the SHDF, Home Upgrade Grant, and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This funding aims to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in homes and public buildings across England. With more than 115,000 homes to receive upgrades, residents can look forward to increased energy efficiency and lower bills.

Through industry-wide collaboration, we can help create a more energy-efficient and sustainable future for all.

VOR Group: Your Trusted Partner for SHDF Retrofit Projects 

VOR Group is well-equipped to contribute to the successful implementation of SHDF projects. Our capabilities extend across retrofit projects, from strategy and advice to design, delivery and compliance. We provide valuable support every step of the way. 

With VOR Group on board, you'll benefit from a partner that shares your vision for a sustainable future while maintaining a steadfast focus on quality, compliance and efficiency.

Our experience and track record of success in the industry makes VOR Group an ideal choice for SHDF projects in the regions we cover. Look at our case studies to learn more about our work. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our communities and contribute to a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible world.

Get In Touch...

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions or need guidance on your retrofit projects, don't hesitate to get in touch. 

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