Local Authority Building & Maintenance January/February 2024

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LABMONLINE.CO.UK

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

SPECIAL REPORT UK100 Chief Executive Christopher Hammond discusses the key to securing our future locally and highlights the work of pioneering councils in securing local energy networks MITIGATING A CRISIS Service Works Global looks at the impact of RAAC on the social housing sector BROWNFIELD REGENERATION NHBC focus on the Brownfield Land Release Fund and the challenges and opportunities for local authorities

HOUSING & REGENERATION HEATING, RENEWABLE ENERGY & VENTILATION

THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS

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CONTENTS

January/February 2024 Vol.40 No.1

REGULARS 5 COMMENT The Year Ahead 6 NEWS Plentific’s research into unresolved maintenance repairs — Greenwich Design Review Panel — Bromford secures largest land deal to date — FOOTPRINT+ London conference — government consultation on Awaab’s Law 7 Pitched Roofing Insights with A. Proctor Group Revolutionising pitched roofing amidst climate change challenges 8 Project Update EDAROTH development agreement with Bristol City Council — £10m development to deliver 41 energyefficient new homes in Gwynedd — PA Housing appoints Equans to boost the energy efficiency of its homes 9 Tackling Condensation & Mould with The Dwelling Doctors Importance of ventilation in eradicating damp and mould in social housing 10 Industry Comment Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) discusses Awaab’s Law and the Government’s consultation on new mandatory timescales for repairs SPECIAL REPORTS 12 The Future is Local Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100 discusses the pioneering councils stepping up to deliver warm homes and secure local energy networks

Environmental, Social and Governance priorities for social housing providers and delivering on Net Zero HOUSING & REGENERATION 18 How Social Housing Teams can Mitigate a Crisis The impact of RAAC on the social housing sector and how BIM systems can help landlords better understand their estates, increase efficiencies and reduce costs 21 Brownfield Regeneration The Brownfield Land Release Fund and the challenges and opportunities it presents for local authorities

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HEATING, RENEWABLE ENERGY & VENTILATION 27 Refurbishing Schools for Net Zero A look at how the Priory Federation of Academies Trust is approaching refurbishing its buildings for net zero 30 District Heating Powered by Waste Bespoke filters from Spirotech have been installed at a district heating network powered by waste in Nottingham, which serves 5,000 dwellings

24 Elevating Housing Standards through Effective Procurement CHIC look at the crucial role of procurement in elevating housing standards and discuss their new Healthy Homes Framework

32 Preventative Measures When it comes to damp and mould: prevention is better — and often easier — than cure, says Nuaire

26 Round-up

34 Round-up

16 Getting the ESG Balance right Balancing ESG priorities and the challenges facing social housing landlords 14 Retrofit Skills Challenge in association with The Retrofit Academy Details of the first National Retrofit Conference in March, taking place at Futurebuild

Improving standards through procurement

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How one School Trust is cutting its emissions

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Editor Claire Clutten labm@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Dave Jones dave@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertising Manager Craig Jowsey Digital Manager Jasmine Smith JSmith@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant Toby Richardson trichardson@hamerville.co.uk Design Adeel Qadri Production Assistant Claire Swendell Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Printed by Stephens & George Published by Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF 01923 237799 Email: labm@hamerville.co.uk

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The year ahead Welcome to the January/February issue of LABM. At the time of writing, it’s nearly the end of January and 2023 already feels like a distant memory. Major stories like the Post Office scandal and the ongoing conflict in Gaza continue to dominate the headlines, and in our sector, there have already been some pretty big announcements — Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council appointing Equans to deliver on plans for the UK’s first Net Zero Neighbourhood for example, and housing association Bromford securing two new sustainability-linked revolving credit facilities with two UK banks worth £127m, to deliver more sustainable new homes and decarbonise it’s existing stock.

2024 is setting its stall out to be quite a year.

And let’s not forget, we have a General Election on the horizon. Will housing be one of the toughly contested areas for votes...? Let’s hope so, as it’s an area that doesn’t always receive the attention or priority it deserves and the need for thousands more social homes to address bourgeoning housing waiting lists couldn’t be more acute.

Currently government is consulting on Awaab’s Law and proposals to introduce new strict time limits for social housing providers to carry out repairs, forcing them to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould. It’s important that government is shining a light on this issue, the impact of damp and mould infestations on people’s health couldn’t be clearer and the sector needs to do its utmost to prevent any further tragedies.

LABM’s Industry Commentator, Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH), says: “While it is impossible to argue with the aim to ensure that residents are kept safe, and hazards are tackled as quickly as practicable, the proposals present landlords — and residents — with some difficult challenges.”

The HHSRS was designed to be used by qualified Environmental Health Officers, says Matthew, and the staff responding to the repair requests are unlikely to be EHO-trained. When responding, staff must take into account not just the structural condition of a property, but any medical conditions the residents have that could

make them more vulnerable to potential hazards.

It is essential staff have the necessary training to make the right judgement call and ensure the best outcomes for residents. Ultimately, that judgement call may have to be defended in court. Matthew also cites unscrupulous legal firms as another potential challenge. You can read Matthew’s comment piece on page 10.

Currently government is “consulting on Awaab’s Law and proposals to introduce new strict time limits for social housing providers to carry out repairs...

”

It’s great to see councils like Newark and Sherwood District Council introducing two new polices designed to ensure tenant safety. The Council’s damp and mould policy has been updated and includes the 27 recommendations from the Housing Ombudsman’s review and a more customer-centred approach. It’s new Building Safety in the Home policy sets out how the District Council’s services support tenants and leaseholders to stay safe in their homes and includes information on how tenants can scrutinise the service they receive.

In this issue, Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100 shares with LABM why he believes the future is local — with pioneering councils stepping up to deliver the warm homes and secure the local energy networks we need — and NHBC’s Andrew Milsom discusses the Brownfield Land Release Fund and the challenges and opportunities presented for local authorities.

We also hear from CHIC, talking to LABM about their new Healthy Homes Framework and we’ve introduced a new regular column from The Retrofit Academy on page 14, plus much more.

I hope you enjoy the issue. If you have any stories you’d like to share with LABM please get in touch via labm@hamerville.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

LABMONLINE.CO.UK

LOCAL AUTHOR

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

ITY BUILDING &

2024

MAINTENANCE

UK100 Chief Executive SPECIAL REPORT Christopher Hammond key to securing discusses the our future pioneering councils locally and highlights the work of in securing local energy networks Service Works Global

looks at the impact

MITIGATING A CRISIS of RAAC on the social housing sector

BROWNFIELD NHBC focus on the Brownfield Land REGENERATION Release Fund and the challenges and opportunities for local authorities

COVER STORY: The Brownfield Land Release Fund is good news for housebuilding, says NHBC in their article on page 21. Cover image ©Peter/AdobeStock.

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NEWS CONTRACT UPDATE

Unresolved maintenance issues Two in five social housing residents in the UK are living with unresolved maintenance issues.

HA secures largest land deal Regional housing association Bromford has finalised details of a multi-million pound land purchase for a 200+ home development in Gloucestershire. The deal to buy the 19.5-acre site in Matson close to the M5 motorway is Bromford’s biggest purchase to date.

The site already has outline permission for 217 homes, which was granted by Gloucester City Council in April 2021. The housing association now aims to submit a full planning application for a mixed-tenure development comprising around 50% rental homes plus shared ownership and outright sale to the city council by the summer.

FOOTPRINT+ London The UK property event for a zero carbon future will be taking place at Old Billingsgate in London on the 8th & 9th May. Offering seven conference stages, bespoke installations, an inspirational design forum and a host of exciting networking events, FOOTPRINT+ London is a must visit for built environment professionals. The event will explore how technology and materials, energy systems and data can work together synergistically to drive down buildings' carbon emissions.

New features for 2024 are The Nature Stage, Interiors Focus and Material Futures, running alongside The Timber Stage, Financing the Carbon Revolution, Zero Carbon Energy and Retrofit Agenda streams. The conference programme includes speakers from the likes of Wates, London Councils, Birmingham City Council, the UKGBC and ARUP, tackling issues such as the role of data and smart building technology, and building the capacity to deliver retrofit at scale. The event is free to attend for local authorities.

For more information and to register to attend visit www.rdr.link/lap001

According to findings from research undertaken by Plentific, 38% of UK social housing residents are living with unresolved maintenance issues in their homes which is impacting their physical and mental health.

The research into the UK housing sector released in January by the real-time property solutions provider shows that 73% of residents have had a maintenance issue in their home in the past 12 months, with almost half (49%) experiencing three or more issues.

Over a third of residents (35%) reported that current unresolved maintenance issues are impacting their physical and mental health. A third of residents have experienced damp or mould issues in the last 12 months. Despite 60% claiming this is an emergency or urgent, 60% of those residents said the issue had not been resolved.

Among the maintenance problems residents have faced in the past year, according to Plentific’s latest survey report: l Over a third (38%) have had issues relating to the temperature of their homes l More than a quarter (30%) have had plumbing issues l Nearly a third (32%) have had issues with noise levels.

Cem Savas, CEO of Plentific

Cem Savas, CEO of Plentific, says: “In the UK, winter presents distinct challenges for people’s homes, with social housing residents grappling with myriad issues including damp, mould and low temperatures, all of which are exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Digitalising the maintenance process through a real-time resident facing app is one way of addressing the issue. It streamlines requests, reduces response times and ensures timely repairs, fostering resident satisfaction and creating a seamless experience for both landlords, property managers and residents. In an era dominated by digital solutions, the simple solution should be more commonplace. By embracing technology, a healthier future is possible for social housing residents across the UK.”

Design Review Panel Royal Greenwich has appointed a group of leading architects, urban designers and sustainability experts to provide independent advice on the design of future development in the Borough.

The Greenwich Design Review Panel will help to shape development by providing advice and feedback on new buildings, landscapes and public spaces in the early stages of design. It will be chaired by Jay Gort, Architect and Founding Director of architecture practice, Gort Scott.

Cllr Aidan Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, says: “The Design Review Panel will play a crucial role in ensuring new development protects Greenwich's

unique character and heritage, and helps us to create healthy and well connected communities.”

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Pitched Roofing Insights with

Emergency hazards to be repaired in 24 hours through Awaab's Law New plans to clamp down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes were announced on the 9th January, supporting the Government’s pledge to deliver Awaab’s Law.

Proctor Air: Revolutionising pitched roofing amidst climate change challenges Recent weather in the UK has shown the effects of Climate Change. The UK climate change projections programme (UKCP) shows that over the next half century, the UK is expected to experience: l

Warmer and wetter winters, and hotter drier summers.

A higher frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including torrential rain and heatwaves. l Clearer skies in summer.

With this in mind, the construction industry must adapt. This includes roofing, which may need to relook at roofing traditional practices. Will metal sheets replace discontinuous covering such as slates and tiles? Is there a further argument for offsite roofing practices and can the underlay be used as a temporary cover, even in extreme weather? A lot of these questions will be answered by market demands but the underlay use as a temporary cover should be examined.

Good practice will dictate that the underlay should not be exposed for more than the time necessary to cover with the ultimate primary water shedding layer, normally slates or tiles.

This is especially true if inclement weather is expected by the ever-increasing storm occurrences. This is even more emphasised in refurbishment work when the residents are still living in the dwelling, a polypropylene underlay of 0.6mm cannot be expected to offer the only protection from these severe storms. They are designed as secondary water shedding below the primary water proofing of slates or tiles.

Designers and users should be looking at membranes with a minimum 1m hydrostatic head of water when tested to BS EN 20811 as recommended in NFRC Technical Bulletin 6.

To summarise, use a roofing underlay that is designed to provide secondary water shedding attributes, minimum 1m head of water. Use an underlay with hydrophobic additive in all three layers. Keep the underlay exposure to a minimum and use a temporary cover (e.g. tarpaulin) over the underlay if extreme weather is expected.

A Proctor Group’s new underlay Proctor Air meets this requirement and has a hydrophobic additive in all three layers to further give robustness against water penetration. This comes with a 15-year warranty. l

©John Vlahidis/AdobeStock

The two-year-old from Rochdale died from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in the flat where he lived, and the government is taking action to introduce life-changing reforms in social housing to prevent future tragedies.

The Awaab’s Law consultation launched by the Housing Secretary proposes introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers and forcing social landlords to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.

It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further seven days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours.

Those landlords who fail can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.

Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants — showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer dither and delay to rectify people’s homes.

Housing Secretary, Michael Gove says: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family have shown courageous leadership, determination and dignity to champion these changes and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law.” Faisal Abdullah, Awaab’s father adds: “We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through. Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”

You can access the consultation paper here www.rdr.link/lap002

n More information on Proctor Air here www.rdr.link/lap022

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NEWS: PROJECT UPDATE EDAROTH signs development agreement with Bristol City Council to deliver sustainable, affordable homes In January, sustainable housing developer EDAROTH, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) signed a development agreement with Bristol City Council to design and deliver 29 affordable homes — based on a new model created under Bristol's involvement in the UN Climate Smart Cities challenge.

The new homes will be a mix of 13 houses and 16 apartments and will be constructed using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes — which will provide additional capacity for the housing market and directly tackle the housing crisis.

Subject to planning approvals, they will be developed at six sites across Bristol on under-utilised land owned by the city council, including brownfield, which is often overlooked by large-scale housing developers, but can be adapted or repurposed to unlock new space for communities.

Central to the development agreement are the sustainable construction methods that are used by EDAROTH, including: l The majority of the building parts are manufactured in a UK factory before being transported and assembled on-site. l The carbon impact of the development process is reduced and also ensures the homes will be delivered more quickly compared with traditional methods of construction. l There is minimal disruption to residents living near the development sites as a result. l The new homes will be built to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A+, the highest efficiency rating possible to keep energy usage and carbon emissions low.

Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homelessness at

Bristol City Council, says: “We are thrilled that our collaboration with the UN Habitat for the Climate Smart Cities Challenge is set to deliver 29 social rent zero carbon council homes.

“This wider collaboration is not just about the great homes that will be built, but it is helping us unlock small parcels of underutilised council land that have often been considered too complex or expensive to develop for council housing.

We remain ambitious to see even more affordable housing built in our city and this new approach to unlock these small brownfield sites will help us do that whilst also protecting our vital green spaces.”

Mark Powell, Managing Director at EDAROTH, adds: “Entering into a development agreement with Bristol City Council underlines their position as a forward-thinking local authority which places value in sustainable housing and infrastructure.”

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Tackling Condensation & Mould with

New energy-efficient homes for Gwynedd

Work is underway on a £10m development, which will provide 41 energy-efficient and affordable family homes for local people in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd. The scheme is a collaboration between two housing associations in north Wales, ClwydAlyn and Grŵp Cynefin, in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd as part of Gwynedd’s Affordable Housing Development Programme.

The scheme is funded by the Welsh Government through Cyngor Gwynedd’s Social Housing Grant, which aims to achieve Cyngor Gwynedd’s target of building 700 social houses across the county by 2026/27. The homes are being built by Williams Homes (Bala).

Following a wide consultation with the local community by the Rural Housing Enablers, the development will provide a mixture of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, a three-bedroom and four-bedroom specialist bungalow and one-bedroom apartments. The new homes will be built using greener technologies and innovative designs.

Equans to decarbonise PA Housing homes Equans has been awarded two new contracts to boost the energy efficiency of hundreds of homes across the Midlands, on behalf of social housing provider PA Housing. As part of a new five-year contract, Equans will install new energyefficient windows and doors to properties primarily in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Coventry and Mansfield.

The project will help to reduce carbon emissions and residents’ heating bills by significantly improving the thermal efficiency of the homes — a combination of houses, sheltered accommodation, bungalows and flats.

A second contract will see Equans deliver a retrofit scheme to upgrade the energy efficiency of 100 terraced properties in the Highfields area of Leicester. Highly efficient external, internal wall and loft insulation will be added to the homes, with their performance measured by smart thermostats to help inform PA Housing’s future stock improvement programmes.

Importance of effective ventilation Given that many condensation, damp and mould issues are often caused by inadequate ventilation, it is no surprise that the UK Government is cracking down on landlords to implement improved preventative measures in social housing.

Ventilation in social housing According to the Housing Ombudsman report, landlords should implement a data driven, risk-based approach with respect to damp and mould1, this should help landlords to identify hidden issues and support them in anticipating and prioritising interventions before a complaint or disrepair claim is made.

This is where ventilation comes in. Effective ventilation should be implemented. This is a great measure to stop mould in its tracks before a claim or complaint needs to be made, whilst keeping tenants safe from condensation, mould and the health issues that can arise from them.

A solution?

At The Dwelling Doctors, we are experts in testing the current ventilation systems of a property. By using the latest and most effective technology, we check if the current system is compliant with Part F (Ventilation) of the Government Building Regulations.2 Such technology is in the form of an anemometer that measures the airflow rate.

If the property is not up to standard, we successfully implement a ventilation system to rid the property of any future condensation or mould issues. We also provide advice on how best to keep your housing portfolio well ventilated on a day-to-day basis.

References: 1. Housing Ombudsman Service (2021). Housing Ombudsman urges zero tolerance approach on damp and mould. Accessed online: https://www.housingombudsman.org.uk/2021/10/26/housing-ombudsman-urges-zero-toleranceapproach-on-damp-and-mould/ (Nov 2023).

2. GOV.UK (2010 – updated 2022). Ventilation: Approved Document F. Accessed online: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approveddocument-f (Nov 2023).

n For more information visit www.rdr.link/lap108 n To keep your property well-ventilated and up-to-standard, contact James Dilleigh via email: jdilleigh@thedwellingdoctors.co.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

INDUSTRY COMMENT

Making Awaab’s Law work Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH), discusses Awaab’s Law and the consultation surrounding the new mandatory timescales for social landlords to carry out repairs.

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he Government is consulting on new mandatory timescales for repairs — social landlords will be required to respond to residents’ complaints of hazards to health or safety in their homes with fixed periods or face legal action. Powers to set such timescales are provided by clauses in the Social Housing (Regulation) Act known as Awaab’s Law. Although the initial focus of attention following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak was on damp and mould, the scope of Awaab’s Law has been widened to include any significant risk to the health or safety of a resident in the home. This includes all the risks identified in the current Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and is not restricted to hazards that HHSRS would assess as most serious, or category 1. This is because HHSRS assessment does not take account of the particular vulnerabilities of the residents in the home, only their age. Landlords will be expected to use their judgement to decide whether a hazard poses a significant risk, having regard to HHSRS (an updated version is expected soon) and other guidance.

Responding to complaints The proposed timescales require landlords to respond to a relevant complaint within 14 days by carrying out an initial investigation to determine whether there is a significant hazard, and to provide a written summary of their findings to the resident within 48 hours after that. If the landlord judges that there

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is a hazard posing a significant risk, they must begin repairs within seven days.

Repairs must be completed within a ‘reasonable’ period; the consultation paper does not propose to specify a time limit for completion because repairs required are likely to be so variable. If the hazard is judged to pose both a significant and ‘imminent’ threat to health or safety, then emergency repairs to make the home safe must be ‘actioned’ within 24 hours. In circumstances where it is not possible to make the home safe within a reasonable period, the landlord must offer alternative temporary accommodation.

These requirements, if implemented, will take effect as implied clauses in every tenancy agreement, enabling residents to take their landlord to court if they are not complied with. Alternatively, residents can complain to their landlord and follow up by approaching the Housing Ombudsman if they are unsatisfied with their landlord’s response.

The challenges While it is impossible to argue with the aim to ensure that residents are kept safe, and hazards are tackled as quickly as practicable, the proposals present landlords — and residents — with some difficult challenges. The HHSRS was designed to be used by qualified Environmental Health Officers; staff responding to repair requests are unlikely to be EHO-trained, but will be expected to

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While it is impossible to “argue with the aim to ensure that residents are kept safe, and hazards are tackled as quickly as practicable, the proposals present landlords — and residents — with some difficult challenges.

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make a judgement that has regard to HHSRS and other guidance, and if necessary, defend it in court. It involves taking into account not just the structural condition of the home but also any medical condition that may make a resident more vulnerable to any hazard that is present.

Many areas are already plagued by unscrupulous legal firms who try to persuade tenants to pursue disrepair claims on the promise of financial compensation — most of which, if awarded, will go into the lawyers’ pockets.

There is a real danger that the introduction of Awaab’s Law will encourage them to redouble their efforts.

www.arch-housing.org.uk

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SPECIAL REPORT: LOCAL AREA ENERGY PLANS ©VectorMine/AdobeStock

The future is local Warm homes and local energy: Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100 discusses the key to securing our future locally.

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ast year was the planet’s hottest year on record, by far1. The need for climate action is urgent, but it also presents one of the greatest economic opportunities of our lifetime2.

And the key to unlocking it lies in the hands of local leaders. But, as the Autumn Statement and recent National Planning Policy Framework update both recognised, progress is hampered by national barriers. Chief among those is the

lack of warm, energy-efficient homes and an outdated energy grid design.

But don’t despair, because across Britain, a quiet revolution is powering up.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, pioneering councils are stepping up to deliver the warm homes and secure local energy networks we need.

Make no mistake, this revolution is happening despite, not because of, disjointed Whitehall policies and short-

Greater Manchester’s pioneering Local Energy Market (LEM) is already balancing supply, demand, and storage options across the region’s 10 boroughs. Image ©Gareth Preston/AdobeStock

Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100

term funding pots. Empowered by a clear strategy and sustained investment local authorities can harness the skills, drive and public trust they already have to deliver warm homes and an affordable energy transition.

From Greater Manchester to Glasgow, trailblazing councils are proving that the future of the UK’s energy system must be local. Integrated solar, wind and storage projects tailored to community needs balance supply and demand at scale.

Meanwhile, ambitious energy efficiency programmes are making homes warmer and slashing bills.

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SPECIAL REPORT: LOCAL AREA ENERGY PLANS

Chris Skidmore MP speaking at the UK100 parliamentary reception in March, 2023. ©UK100/Alistair Veryard

Greater Manchester “toFrom Glasgow, trailblazing councils are proving that the future of the UK’s energy system must be local.

”

The power of LAEPs The widening embrace of collaborative Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) will help optimise infrastructure for Net Zero in a fraction of the cost and time required by disjointed national schemes.

LAEPs take a whole-systems approach to managing local energy supply and demand. The plans combine renewables, storage, flexible use and smart grids

tailored to each area's unique geography, resources, and communities.

The benefits of this locally-led approach are clear. Analysis shows it could reduce costs by over two-thirds while almost doubling bill savings compared to one-size-fits-all national plans. Crucially, doing it from the bottom up also unlocks far greater social value for local residents and gives them more

opportunities to influence their local energy systems and hopefully give them a greater stake in homegrown generation.

Greater Manchester’s pioneering Local Energy Market (LEM) is already balancing supply, demand, and storage options across the region’s 10 boroughs. The LEM is designed to meet the specific needs and circumstances of communities in each borough. Each borough has developed its own LAEP, identifying priority areas for insulation, heat pumps, EV infrastructure, and community engagement. It aims to meet the combined authority’s 2038 Net Zero target.

The LEM exemplifies the benefits of empowered local leadership and social value for residents. It is a partnership across the combined authority, local authorities, the DNO, and private and thirdsector organisations. By taking a hyperlocal approach, the LEM can maximise impact by tailoring the technology mix to match different neighbourhood infrastructure needs and opportunities.

But such trailblazers are exceptions in an opaque funding and policy landscape stacked against replication. In England under half of councils have even initial LAEPs. Compare that to Wales, where the devolved government aims to roll out LAEPs nationwide, aggregating each local authority plan into a National Energy Plan to enable effective comparison and integration. In Cardiff, the LAEP is already catalysing further investment plans, having established what is needed for the local area through the Cardiff Capital Region Energy Strategy.

It isn’t rocket science. Consistent, patient and devolved support empowers communities to map optimal local energy systems. As UK100’s Powers in Place and Chris Skidmore’s The Future is Local reports revealed, tailored area-based approaches like LAEPs cost over 65% less than disjointed national decarbonisation.

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©AS Photo Family/AdobeStock

Warming homes, growing jobs On the flip side of the coin, councils are also delivering on energy efficiency. The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy we don’t use. As landlords of 2.5 million social homes, they have the potential to seize their scale to upgrade housing at pace. And across the country, it is happening.

Wiltshire Council has committed to a 10-year programme to upgrade all of its approximately 5,000 council housing properties to EPC Band B level, which began in 2021. This £50m programme aims to reduce carbon emissions from the housing stock by a forecasted 14,000 tonnes per year while tackling fuel poverty.

By 2030, works will be completed to install energy efficiency measures and technologies like heat pumps across the housing stock. This is creating local jobs and supplying expertise to encourage wider upgrades. To fund the works, Wiltshire has developed an innovative financing model to attract private investment for renewable heating systems.

In doing so, it is catalysing skills and infrastructure critical to affordable mass upgrades nationwide.

But such leadership cannot singlehandedly offset policy headwinds. The skills gaps and supply chain weaknesses holding back insulation’s rollout are direct legacies of support slashed as ’green crap’ in 2013.

The resulting 90% crash in efficiency installs has cost the nation hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in lost bill savings.

Barriers to breakthrough Local authorities cannot fill every Whitehall gap. As trailblazers across the UK100 network can attest, every step of progress reveals systemic policy and funding barriers slowing local climate innovation.

Inadequate powers, disjointed remits across myriad public agencies, an outdated energy grid and a lack of national strategic leadership continue to produce overlaps, confusion and contradictory incentives. Similarly, the planning regime frequently — and inconsistently — restricts developments already backed by local democratic legitimacy.

Above all, short-term, competitive funding pots spread thinly and inequitably prevent the strategic investment essential to nurture supply chains, skills networks and infrastructure reforms. Even shovelready projects matching government priorities miss out due to the postcode lottery of local capacity to bid.

As UK100’s End the Wait: Insulate report revealed, under £1bn in sustained,

needs-based investment in social housing energy efficiency would catalyse £2.7bn in public-private financing to upgrade 180,000 vulnerable households by 2025.

But narrow annual competitions delay action while squandering time and money.

The future is local Unfettered by national partisan pointscoring, trailblazing local governments are delivering for their citizens. But they are swimming against the tide of fragmented bureaucracies and disjointed budgets tailored to departmental silos, not community needs.

The next Spending Review is the perfect opportunity to catalyse countrywide transformation by guaranteeing multi-year LAEP funding and overhauling broken financing models nationwide — alongside finally grasping the energy efficiency nettle.

Empowered local climate leaders can set the foundations for a future where everyone benefits from cleaner, greener and more prosperous communities. A secure future must be local. In this election year, the parties vying for Number 10 must commit to stop getting in the way and instead get behind this revolution.

References: 1 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ 2024/jan/09/2023-record-world-hottest-climatefossil-fuel 2 www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-ofnet-zero

n More information on UK100 and its work here www.rdr.link/lap003

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RETROFIT SKILLS CHALLENGE in association with With the first ever National Retrofit Conference set to take place this year at Excel in London, David Pierpoint, CEO at The Retrofit Academy, in the first of a new series of articles for LABM, discusses why such events are pivotal to bring together multiple industries and inspire a greener future.

The UK’s first National Retrofit Conference will be taking place at Futurebuild in March

Education and upskilling at the National Retrofit Conference

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key focal point of this year’s futurebuild, the uK’s first national retrofit Conference will bring together local authorities, social housing providers, and construction businesses under a common banner. Starting on the 5th March over three days, the conference will prompt growth within the retrofitting industry with its unifying goal in mind: to create carbon neutral homes and improve liveability for residents.

Providing an event where professionals can discuss learnings and developments together, the national retrofit Conference labels itself as a catalyst in scaling retrofit ambition and delivering the promise of high-quality and large-scale retrofit.

As it currently stands, there are 27 million houses across the country requiring energy efficiency upgrades to meet the Government’s sustainability targets. With many of these changes being assessed and provided by competent and qualified retrofitting professionals, ensuring its expansion is vital.

Helping change the future efforts to achieve this growth have been already started. The retrofit Academy has been working with key retrofit employers such as Wates, Mears and equans to help maximise resource planning. Since

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creating its Workforce Development Modelling system from the programmes’ skills and delivery metrics, contractors, social housing providers and local authorities can now gain a clear understanding of the number of retrofitters required for each step of their programme.

Thanks to the wealth of data it’s collected, all organisations need to do is subtract their available workforce capacity from the capacity that has been forecast.

The remaining number will be the quantifiable deficit that they have in their ranks. By understanding these results, organisations can identify the individuals who may be suited to upskilling through a Training needs Analysis or look to hire talent from the growing pool of qualified retrofitters. By taking this approach, businesses can create a qualified team of skilled staff to deliver their programmes of high-quality retrofit successfully.

Training the future One important area that the national retrofit Conference will address is increasing the number of people who are currently working towards or have a retrofit qualification. As a collective industry, we must come together to enhance the appeal of a career in retrofit as 400,000 retrofitters are needed by 2050 to meet the Government’s net zero target.

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The Retrofit Academy has “successfully enrolled over 6,000 learners across all its courses, including 4,000 retrofit professionals.

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The retrofit Academy has successfully enrolled over 6,000 learners across all its courses, including 4,000 retrofit professionals. Once qualified, these individuals will be able to join the workforce at local authorities and contractors to help make vital sustainable upgrades. from this year onwards, the national retrofit Conference will stand as a yearly reminder of our overarching goal to decarbonise as many homes as possible and reach net zero. By coming together on an annual basis at a prestigious event such as futureBuild, we have the opportunity to share our successes and learnings. Through this, we are actively contributing to our decreased dependency on fossil fuels.

n Why not take a closer look at how The Retrofit Academy is driving the development of retrofit skills within the industry.

Visit www.rdr.link/lap023 for more information.

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SPECIAL REPORT: BALANCING ESG PRIORITIES

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Getting the ESG balance right Lee Venables, Chief Operating Officer of Kinovo plc, explores how to achieve the balance between ESG priorities and the other plethora of challenges facing social housing landlords.

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ometimes the terms ESG and sustainability are used without substance because businesses feel they ‘should’ be associated with them. But greenwashing is a risky approach and one that is coming under the spotlight as organisations work harder than ever to prove and verify their ESG claims. Data visibility and trusted evidence are crucial to supporting growth, meeting new legislation and responding to the needs of customers and wider stakeholders.

The demand to accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero comes as a cost-ofliving crisis deepens, with the energy efficiency of homes being a huge

conversation. Retrofitting properties to reduce energy bills has become a huge talking point recently, particularly for the most deprived areas of society, as energy prices soar.

The consequences for those found to be ‘greenwashing’ — making false or misleading claims about positive ESG impacts — are becoming increasingly severe. A recent high-profile European Union study found that 42% of online sustainability claims were “exaggerated, false or deceptive” with those guilty, facing significant penalties. False greenwash claims undermine all of our genuine efforts towards sustainability.

A balancing act Achieving the UK’s ESG and sustainability objectives, is all about striking a balance.

As specialist service providers centred on compliance, home and community regeneration, and sustainable living, Kinovo and our group of companies recognise the huge challenges at play in the social housing market. Registered housing providers are facing a plethora of cost pressures, including rising operating costs, the 7% rent cap in England, the Building Safety Act and new Tenant Satisfaction Measures.

The parallel ESG demands need to strike a balance with all these other balls in the air.

That’s why we work closely with our clients to factor in the cost of funding Net Zero, partner with them on finance and funding initiatives and decarbonisation frameworks and deliver efficient greener energy alternatives.

The Net Zero journey For Kinovo and our group of companies, Purdy Contracts, Dunhams and Spokemead, sustainability truly is at the heart of the services we offer clients, the social value community projects in which we’re involved, and the way we do business ourselves. We strive to encourage sustainable living by always seeking the greenest energy alternatives as a matter of operating principle for our businesses and clients. When we offset our emissions, we know exactly where we’re buying our Verified Carbon Standard credits from, and how much of a difference we’re making in the areas closest to our hearts, including renewable energy, solar power, hydro power and wind power.

E is for Environment We recently announced the launch of our Environmental, Social and Governance

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We will continue to “engage with our supply chain and drive improved environmental performance and wherever possible, minimise the needless travel of raw materials across the globe, especially when more local options exist.

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(ESG) Impact Report for the 2022-23 fiscal year for Kinovo, which incorporates Purdy, Dunhams and Spokemead. An indication of our direction of travel and speed with which we’re driving forward the ESG agenda in our sector, we’ll be taking a closer look at the numbers behind the report: today we’ll look at the environmental steps forward that have been made.

As everyone knows, carbon emissions are the leading cause of global warming.

Guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is clear: companies must look beyond their operational boundaries and their Scope 1 and 2 emissions (electricity, gas and fleet in the main) and consider their Scope 3 emissions. Also known as indirect emissions, Scope 3 often presents around 90% of a company’s carbon footprint and includes CO2 emissions from upstream and downstream activities.

We took a bold and exciting step in January 2023 by making a public commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040 — 10 years earlier than the UK Government’s “Build Back Greener” plan.

Our roadmap to achieve this target sets out the critical milestones we need to hit in our pursuit. The first major milestone is to cut our direct and indirect CO2 emissions by 49% by 2030. Our ambitious environmental goals are therefore laser-focused on paving the way to a Net Zero future and creating an engine of opportunities for our housing association and local authority clients as well as the communities where we live, work and travel.

Environment: top line highlights l l l l

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34.6% reduction in Scope 1 direct emissions 13.3% reduction in Scope 2 indirect emissions (market based) 15.6% reduction in Scope 3 indirect emissions 36.2% reduction in intensity ratio tCO2e per million £ turnover (excluding Scope 3, category 1) Installed solar panels, a ground source heat pump and a rainwater harvesting system at our head office

We have already achieved key reductions in energy, transport, waste, and business travel related emissions. We have done this by increasing our fleet’s access to electric vehicles, switching to LED lighting, installing 12 solar photovoltaic panels at head office, and making investments in low carbon technologies for heating and electrical power generation.

We’re also making steps towards insulating our buildings, and have reduced unnecessary international travel, which contributes towards our carbon footprint.

We are also continually examining how we can avoid buying and using single-use items, as well as avoiding items that are made from scarce resources, or are difficult to recycle. We have shifted our preference to items that include recycled materials.

Next steps We will continue to reduce all scope emissions including the emissions we are directly responsible for and those that lie in our supply chain. In 2023 the business

grew significantly with new clients, frameworks, services and projects, which naturally had an impact on our absolute emissions, meaning in the short-term we saw a temporary upward spike in emissions. To mitigate this and re-direct our net zero journey, we will ensure the continuation of our robust plan, which includes making ‘greener’ procurement decisions and working more closely with suppliers to actively encourage carbonreducing behaviour, such as electrifying their own vehicles etc.

We will shortly be carrying out a Supplier Carbon Survey where we’ll be asking our supply chain for details on their net zero and carbon offsetting plans, carbon footprint, external third-party validation, materials provided (kg) delivery distances travelled (km/miles) electricity used (kWh) and the big one in our sector, fuel used (litres/m3/kWh). We will continue to engage with our supply chain and drive improved environmental performance and wherever possible, minimise the needless travel of raw materials across the globe, especially when more local options exist.

In summary, with more detail in the reports available to download below, Kinovo is steadfastly committed to acting as a catalyst for change in our operations and in the communities we serve. We remain focused on achieving our targets while continuing to provide services that enhance people’s living standards through providing sustainable property solutions.

n For a copy of the Kinovo ESG Impact Report 2023 visit www.rdr.link/lap005 n For a copy of Kinovo’s second Net Zero Carbon Reduction plan update visit www.rdr.link/lap006

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Marc Watkins, Business Development Director at Service Works Global discusses the impact of RAAC on the social housing sector, and how operators can utilise BIM systems to not only understand their estates, but increase efficiencies and reduce costs.

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How social housing teams can mitigate a crisis

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he Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis hit the headlines last year for the prevalence of aerated concrete in schools and hospitals, but less was said about its presence in social housing.

The Regulator of Social Housing has said that RAAC is not widespread, but this is rather vague and not particularly reassuring for landlords. How do you define widespread? Aberdeen City Council, for example, has identified 362 council properties that have RAAC in just one of its neighbourhoods.

Another concern for landlords is that the Government has said there will be no funding for the removal of RAAC in social housing, leaving them with responsibility.

The RAAC crisis has demonstrated the danger of not knowing about the materials used in the construction of a building. It

should be a wake-up call for social housing providers to avoid other potential nasty surprises in the future. Fortunately, technology is available that helps building managers get oversight of their estate without being prohibitive in price.

Building Information Modelling Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used to understand the composition and construction details of a building. BIM might be implemented during the construction phase, or it can be retrofitted at a later date.

In cases where BIM data is absent in the construction of a building, laser scanning technology can be employed to generate a digital representation of the space and its structural connections. The rapid and precise generation of point clouds from laser scans enables the creation of highly accurate 3D images.

These encompass both external and internal surfaces as well as intricate details of designs and furnishings. As the costeffectiveness and accessibility of this technology increase, more buildings are incorporating BIM through retrofitting.

The 3D model can be easily shared with building managers, architects, engineers, or any other relevant party, proving especially beneficial for maintenance and repair projects. All stakeholders can collaborate with confidence that the digital model has all the pertinent information that they require.

The RAAC case is a great example of why it is worthwhile considering the adoption of BIM. Though it won’t have changed the fact that RAAC was present, if you know about it in advance you can mitigate the issue, rather than having to react to a crisis.

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The RAAC crisis has “demonstrated the danger of not knowing about the materials used in the construction of a building.

It should be a wake-up call for social housing providers to avoid other potential nasty surprises in the future.

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Understand your assets The groundwork for a BIM model is laid with digital 3D models of buildings. These models can be customised to meet the specific needs of individual facilities, capturing intricate details such as location, warranty information, materials, and more.

While one motivation for creating a 3D model may be as a form of "insurance" for potential catastrophes, these models can be invaluable for other purposes, such as asset management.

In social housing, an asset register will typically include assets such as boilers and ventilation systems. Existing registers may already be comprehensive, while others may be disparate or outdated, such as an Excel spreadsheet or architectural drawings. It’s essential to make sure your asset register is fully up-to-date.

While a completed 3D model provides oversight of a building and its assets, its advantages extend beyond that point.

Integration with Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software ensures that changes to assets are automatically reflected in the 3D model.

This continuous updating ensures the model remains current; a clear benefit over relying on traditional drawings.

Facilities managers can leverage a 3D model to establish an efficient maintenance process. The integration of the BIM model with a CAFM system enables contractors to foresee the exact make and model of the item requiring attention, its location, parts, and any past maintenance data.

This ensures the selection of the correct tools and equipment, reducing business downtime and optimising the efficiency of maintenance operations.

Consequently, labour costs decrease, and overall energy and time wastage is minimised, as contractors can bypass preliminary site visits.

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The future of BIM As technology advances, such as AI, the capabilities of a BIM system will expand.

Through AI integration, machine learning can analyse patterns of reactive and planned maintenance, predicting when specific parts of a building require attention and minimising downtime.

The retrofitting of BIM into existing, older buildings not only enhances operational efficiency but can also support energy efficiency, which can drastically reduce costs.

Future proof your estate The consequences of having RAAC in a building are extremely disruptive.

Operators have to take immediate action to remedy the situation, which may involve having to rehouse tenants. The money needed for this will have to be diverted from other projects, which can impact tenants living in other buildings under the same estate. So, understanding the makeup of a building is critical to being able to plan and ward off any disasters.

More broadly speaking, BIM can be used to improve estate management and manage risks. By retrofitting your building with this technology, you can keep on top of maintenance schedules and ensure better preservation of the building itself, reducing the need for new materials, eliminating wasted energy, and ultimately keeping building occupants safe and happy.

n More information on Service Works Global here www.rdr.link/lap007

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Brownfield regeneration The Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) is a joint initiative between the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), and One Public Estate, delivered in partnership with the Local Government Association. Its aim is to release surplus brownfield land to create thriving communities. This is good news for housebuilding, but what are the challenges and opportunities? Andrew Milsom, Sector Lead – Local Authorities at NHBC discusses.

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LRF2, offering up to £180m in capital grant funding over three years, is available to all English councils. The first round provided almost £35m of funding and the second had up to £60m available. The third round was announced in December with a further £80m made available. This funding intended to help bring neglected urban areas back into use, support regeneration projects and boost local economies. It’s estimated to deliver 6,000 new homes, creating new jobs in the construction sector while helping thousands of first-time buyers into homeownership.

Although legal targets have recently been dropped, the Government still recognises the need to build more homes and retains high ambitions of building 300,000 homes annually. Most people understand the need for new homes and recognise the negative impact of housing shortages, especially in populous areas.

The only issue is that many people are reluctant to support new developments near them. ‘Nimby’ has been born from this phenomenon — ‘Not in my backyard’.

This attitude can be amplified regarding local authority projects — planning for social housing is sometimes viewed with concern, the outdated image of bleak monolith tower blocks or acres of bland,

pebble-dashed semis springing to mind.

This view of local authority housing developments couldn’t be further from the truth, with attractive, high-quality homes built as standard now — but the outdated perception is still hard to shake.

Building on greenfield sites can be a sensitive issue as it often raises opposition from local communities concerned about the environmental impact, loss of character and negative effects on greenspaces. Increased brownfield development can offer a real

alternative; disused sites are often unkempt and unsightly and generate no economic activity — their redevelopment can be a win-win for the local area.

Planning permission is more likely to be granted as the site has seen previous development, and often, locals want tatty ex-industrial or commercial areas tidied up, reducing objections.

Why funding is so important The issue with brownfield sites has always been the clean-up. Whether demolishing

The local benefits of redeveloping brownfield sites go beyond the aesthetic and can drive a local economy

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Increased brownfield “development can offer a real alternative; disused sites are often unkempt and unsightly and generate no economic activity — their redevelopment can be a win-win for the local area.

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existing redundant structures, levelling the land or even removing hazardous substances, the preparation work can be enormous compared to a greenfield site.

That’s why the Brownfield Regeneration Fund is so important — it can relieve some of the financial pressure of taking on brownfield projects for developers. It should be of particular interest to local authorities, however — when budgets are more stretched than ever, along with a pronounced need for more social housing, utilising brownfield sites — especially they may already own — makes perfect sense.

Even if local authorities aren’t fortunate enough to already have a large land bank and a portfolio of potential redevelopment opportunities, brownfield site acquisitions can result in a number of cost savings not

New homes being constructed in Southport, Merseyside. Image ©Peter/AdobeStock

often available to greenfield. Utilities and related infrastructure are often already in place, too, bringing development costs down further. Practical aspects of a brownfield build include labour availability — the skills shortage in the construction industry is felt more keenly outside towns and cities.

Finding available labour or workers willing to travel to rural greenfield developments is more challenging and expensive.

The concept of using what we’ve already developed is popular with communities. However, the local benefits

go beyond the aesthetic and can drive a local economy. Bringing more people into an area generates revenue — they’re paying council tax, shopping, visiting cafes and pubs, buying fuel, and entering the local job market; driving economic activity in areas previously dormant is important for growth.

A thriving night-time economy can be created too, where previously there was none. Developing brownfield sites can also contribute to social good — people who are content with where they live are happier and better care for places, they’re proud of.

Important considerations While all these points are big ticks for local authorities and communities with existing brownfield sites, some important points must be considered before development. The nature of the land’s previous use is central to this — building on the site of an old, unremarkable office complex is often more straightforward and less likely to be controversial.

Still, land used for manufacturing or heavy industry is more likely to be impacted by contaminants. The local reputation of the land could be blighted — trying to encourage people to move into a development built on the site of an old abattoir could present considerable marketing challenges. Even if the land has been decontaminated the reputation may be

Canal side affordable housing scheme in Hemel Hempstead built on brownfield. Image ©Peter Flemming/AdobeStock

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hard to shake off — the decontamination costs might present challenges and even outweigh the financial boost from the Brownfield Regeneration Fund.

Industry research Research conducted by Heriot-Watt University for the National Housing Federation and Crisis in 2018 called for 145,000 new affordable homes per year, with 90,000 for social rent. These estimates were based on analysing the backlog of housing needs at that time, combined with household growth projections. Since then, we’ve felt the economic effect of COVID-19, experienced sharp pressures on the labour market in the construction industry and seen spiralling costs for building materials. This presents a huge challenge for cash-strapped local authorities with a myriad of competing calls on their budgets.

Chosen carefully, a brownfield site redevelopment should be a local authority’s first choice when looking to construct new homes. The long-term benefits of locating housing in previously unutilised land far outweigh any short-term advantages of greenfield development.

The Brownfield Regeneration Fund offers a real opportunity to harness the potential of disused urban areas and breathe life back into neglected places.

Land Quality Service NHBC works with the leading developers to ensure they get it right first time. The NHBC Land Quality Service team offers early engagement to assist developers, and their technical advisers overcome land-related issues. They provide expert advice and offer advanced opinions on which foundation solutions would be acceptable or unacceptable. Additionally, they outline remediation expectations for

outstanding technical matters that should be resolved before or during development.

Land with an NHBC Certificate of Land Quality is trusted and gives confidence in the site before NHBC registration. It reassures those involved that the investigation, remediation proposals, and verification evidence have been thoroughly reviewed for compliance against NHBC Standards for development.

The confidence NHBC provides for affordable housing providers, investors and developers, coupled with its unrivalled expertise ensures a top-quality build and long-term asset protection from conception to completion.

n To learn more about how NHBC can help, contact Andrew Milsom, Sector Lead – Local Authorities, at amilsom@nhbc.co.uk

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Elevating housing standards through effective procurement Effective procurement has a crucial role to play in elevating housing standards, says CHIC. Here, the member owned procurement and asset management consortium shares details of its recently introduced Healthy Homes Framework, which aims to help members resolve energy inefficiency and poor housing standards in their residents’ homes.

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etrofitting older housing stock is vital to creating vibrant and healthy communities as the quality of our homes directly influences the wellbeing of residents. It is crucial to recognise that subpar housing conditions, characterised by energy inefficiency, damp, mould and condensation, not only impact the physical health of residents but also contribute to broader social and economic challenges.

Resident centric frameworks play a crucial role in implementing a strategic and effective response to the urgent need for improvement works to ensure tenants have safe and decent living conditions.

These strategic agreements between housing authorities and suppliers establish a structured approach to procurement,

expediting the process and enhancing efficiency, transparency and innovation.

By pre-approving suppliers and standardising terms, frameworks provide a route to market for swift responses to emerging project requirements. This is particularly important in retrofitting homes to meet safety and decency standards.

Frameworks also contribute by fostering healthy competition among suppliers both during the tender process for new frameworks and when a requirement has been identified for a registered provider.

This competition stimulates innovation and cost-effectiveness, encouraging the development and implementation of solutions which have quality output in mind. They also create standard guidelines and benchmarks, ensuring that retrofitted

homes adhere to safety, accessibility and sustainability standards.

Consulting registered providers before developing a framework is key to ensure it aligns with market needs and effectively addresses any challenges the sector is confronting. Engaging with supply chain stakeholders offers valuable insights into market dynamics, pricing structures and the availability of materials, labour and services.

By adopting a collaborative approach and understanding both perspectives it enhances the framework's relevance and applicability, resulting in a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution.

Procurement consortia can facilitate effective collaboration, by bringing together key stakeholders, both during the framework development and throughout

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The collaborative efforts within a procurement consortium ensure that all stakeholders align with each other’s expectations and goals, addressing any concerns and promoting the long-term wellbeing of communities.

CHIC’s four-year framework encompasses a range of solutions to enhance residential properties

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each step of programme delivery. A consortium can facilitate streamlined processes, resource optimisation and a shared commitment to enhancing housing standards. The collaborative efforts within a procurement consortium ensure that all stakeholders align with each other’s expectations and goals, addressing any concerns and promoting the long-term wellbeing of communities.

The solution CHIC, a member owned procurement and asset management consortium, has introduced a new Healthy Homes Framework, which aims to help address its members needs to resolve energy inefficiency and poor housing standards in their residents’ homes. This framework will include consultants, contractors and digital solutions for sustainable, cost-effective and socially responsible retrofitting and property safety measures.

Understanding the framework This comprehensive four-year framework encompasses a diverse range of solutions designed to enhance residential properties and improve tenants lives. It enables landlords to seamlessly execute retrofit energy efficiency solutions and property safety refurbishments. Through strategic collaborations with CHIC’s supply chain partners, it includes Consultancy Services, Fabric First Measures, Ventilation Systems, Renewable Energy and Heat Systems, Whole House Refurbishment, Damp and Mould Treatments and cutting edge Digital Measuring Tools and Platforms.

Meeting a crucial market need

Separating the works

The requirement for this framework is underscored by the urgent market need for sustainable and socially responsible buildings that are compliant with ever changing regulatory standards. With energy inefficiency posing a significant challenge and safety concerns increasing in recent years, a structured and comprehensive approach becomes imperative. This framework serves as a bridge, aligning the needs of landlords and tenants while driving the sector towards a more sustainable future.

Compliant with PAS 2030 and 2035 and Building Safety Bill standards, it serves as a unified solution for landlords to realise their net zero emissions goals.

By integrating goods, works and services, it streamlines the process of surveying, design, coordination, assessment and implementation, making sustainability and safety more attainable.

“CHIC is delighted to be able to meet a crucial market need through this important framework, supporting our members to champion sustainability and safety as part of their wider approach to delivering their asset management strategies. This milestone reflects our commitment to driving positive change, ensuring that every individual has access to a safe, efficient and socially responsible living environment,” says Luke Hurd, Chief Operating Officer at CHIC.

The framework is divided into three distinct lots to ensure the right suppliers can deliver the works: Lot 1 — Consultancy Services: Tailored for firms specialising in consultancy and design services, it invites expertise in strategizing, assessing, planning and advising for PAS 2035 energy efficiency and safety enhancements.

Lot 2 ‘ Works and Services: Designed for contractors delivering works and services, this lot encompasses the execution of retrofitting measures, property safety refurbishments and the implementation of various solutions specified within the framework, all to PAS 2030 standards and incorporating whole house turnkey solutions.

Lot 3 — Digitisation: Focused on innovative digital solutions, it welcomes suppliers skilled at providing digital tools and platforms essential for measuring, monitoring and managing the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.

CHIC welcomed tender submissions from consultants, suppliers and contractors specialising in the aforementioned lots for this framework, from SMEs to Tier 1 contractors. The deadline closed on 2nd February 2024.

n For more information about the CHIC, its frameworks and services visit www.rdr.link/lap008

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HOUSING & REGENERATION ROUND-UP Research unveils impact of IoT in social housing

Strategic partnership for UK housing

The University of Exeter has partnered with Aico|HomeLINK and housing industry partners, UK Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT) and Coastline Housing, for a first-of-itskind guide and toolkit to realise the social value of Internet of Things (IoT) connected sensors. Entitled “Sensor systems for healthier social housing — A guide or understanding and evaluating the social value or indoor environment sensor systems”, the guide and toolkit aim to support informed decision making and include establishing connections between housing and health, understanding societal value from using sensor systems, a social return on investment (SROI) forecast, templates and case studies. The toolkits have been collaboratively developed by housing associations with experience of sensor systems and Aico|HomeLINK supplied the sensors for the research.

Europe’s technology leader for real-time field service scheduling and route planning FLS – FAST LEAN SMART has formed a strategic partnership with Aareon, the leading supplier of housing management and digital solutions for social housing providers. This collaboration, which will also see FLS join the Aareon Connect Marketplace, brings together Aareon's expertise in comprehensive housing management solutions with FLS’ cutting-edge field service management technology. Aareon customers will better navigate the dynamic landscape of the UK’s housing sector with new levels of access to FLS’ innovative tools to enhance operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall performance.

n Find out more about Aico's HomeLINK Connected Home Solution here www.rdr.link/lap009 New generation of electric care showers and shower waste pump AKW announces the launch of its new generation of electric care showers and P12 shower waste pump.

The company’s existing range of showers has been updated with new design and water saving features, to make them even more accessible to a wide variety of users, whilst the P12 shower waste pump features almost silent operation and wireless connectivity.

The new generation of electric showers include fewer parts and surface split lines for easy cleaning, more rounded edges, to reduce the risk of fall related injuries and illuminated LED displays to aid operation and all are WRAS approved. AKW’s DigiPumps and AKW P12 Waste Pump — with optional wireless module — are ideal for use where gravity drainage isn’t an option.

n To find out more about the new generation of showers and wireless DigiPump visit www.rdr.link/lap010 Glidevale Protect highlights the importance of choice and compliance The new NHBC Standards 2024 apply to every new home registered with the NHBC where the foundations started on or after 1st January 2024. The Standards contain revisions to clause 7.2.15 ‘Ventilation, vapour control and insulation’ stipulating that where arrays of integrated in-roof solar roof panels are used, the whole roof covering should be treated as air impermeable unless the panel manufacturer is able to demonstrate their system is air permeable.

Glidevale Protect offers a comprehensive range of type LR vapour permeable, air and vapour permeable and type HR impermeable underlay options which can be used to effectively support the installation of integrated, in-roof solar PV panels when utilised in conjunction with the manufacturer’s broad range of high and low level ventilation products on both cold and warm pitched roofs. The company’s latest innovation is the Protect A1 Solar, a HR impermeable pitched roofing underlay.

n More information can be found at www.rdr.link/lap011

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n For more information about FLS, visit www.rdr.link/lap012 n For more information about Aareon, visit www.rdr.link/lap013 Experimental home built in weather chamber with Knauf Insulation Knauf Insulation has been appointed as Bellway Homes’ insulation partner for an innovative project to measure the impact of low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies on energy consumption. Bellway’s experimental house ‘The Future Home’ has been constructed within Energy House 2.0, a controlled environmental chamber located at The University of Salford.

Knauf Insulation’s Loft Roll 44 glass mineral wool insulation has been installed in the loft of the three-bedroom timber frame ‘Future Home’.

FrameTherm Roll 35 has also been installed to meet U-values of 0.18W/m2K in the external walls.

During the mid-way trial, upgrades will be made to the insulation, to reduce the external wall U-value and help reduce air movement within the cavity, which can negatively affect thermal performance.

n More information on Loft Roll 44 glass mineral wool insulation here www.rdr.link/lap014 n More information on FrameTherm Roll 35 here www.rdr.link/lap015

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HEATING, RENEWABLE ENERGY & VENTILATION

Refurbishing schools for net zero The focus on low carbon design is now critical for all public sector buildings in line with government decarbonisation targets.

Rob Erwood, Sales & Specification Director at Baxi, looks at how one School Trust is approaching refurbishing its buildings for net zero.

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aced with ambitious carbon neutral targets and inflated energy prices, and backed by a desire to lead by example, sustainability has become an increasingly hot topic for schools across the country.

Reducing the carbon-intensity of heat in their buildings is a natural starting point to achieve these goals, with heat pumps one of the favoured solutions.

And with funding from the Government Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) making the transition more affordable and achievable, astute school trusts are seizing the opportunity to make the switch to renewable energy.

The Priory Federation of Academies Trust is a case in point, having recently carried out an impressive programme to decarbonise the swimming pool buildings at three of its Lincoln academies. The anticipated savings are considerable with the design of the entire scheme expected to save over 200 tonnes of CO2 a year, equivalent to planting 7,000 trees.

Two Remeha 88kW ASHPs were installed at Witham Academy

High energy demand Swimming pools have high energy demand, as the pool water needs to be heated continually to maintain comfortable temperatures, while shower facilities in the changing rooms add to the energy requirement. At Lincoln Academy, Witham Academy and LSST Academy, gas boilers were previously heating the water in the pool and Air Handling Units.

Renewable energy installer Oakes Energy Services collaborated with heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi to assist the Trust with its ambitious sustainability initiative, replacing the gas boilers with air source heat pumps (ASHPs).

At Witham and LSST Academies, two Remeha 88kW ASHPs now supply all the heat demand in each of the swimming pool buildings, feeding underfloor heating and radiators, and providing hot water for the changing rooms and the swimming pool plant.

At Lincoln Academy, which has a larger 25-metre swimming pool, five Remeha 88kW ASHPs supply heat to calorifiers for

the hot water system as well as to the swimming pool heat exchanger in the first phase of the decarbonisation programme.

The proposal for each academy was designed bespoke to the individual requirements in each building, but all involved retrofitting Remeha energy-efficient ASHPs and Megaflo hot water cylinders.

Early planning Heat pumps have a huge role to play in helping schools on their journey to net zero. But a whole range of factors — from the variety of building type to available funding and time constraints — will influence how quickly and easily refurbishment can be achieved. And with no one-size-fits-all solution available, a project-by-project approach is critical.

So how did the Trust go about setting in motion this ambitious decarbonisation programme? Early planning was key.

Working with Oakes Energy Services, design proposals were developed, illustrating an estimated annual saving of 227.5 tonnes of carbon. These were then

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HEATING, RENEWABLE ENERGY & VENTILATION

Design proposals for the works illustrated an estimated annual saving of 227.5 tonnes of carbon for the project.

Image ©Parradee/AdobeStock

anticipated savings are considerable with the design “ofThe the entire scheme expected to save over 200 tonnes of CO a year, equivalent to planting 7,000 trees. ” 2

used to secure PSDS funding. With funding in place and the competitive tender process won, Oakes produced detailed building heat loss calculations — essential for accurate sizing of the heat pump units — and completed an assessment of the electrical infrastructure to ensure sufficient capacity to site.

The location of the ASHPs also needed to be determined, with their footprint, maintenance clearances, noise levels, hydraulics and electrical connections, general aesthetics and any necessary planning permissions all factors for

consideration. A full assessment of the heat emitters and pipework was then carried out to check suitability and determine any upgrade requirements.

Once this information was in place, a full programme of works could be drawn up to minimise disruption to the building.

Close collaboration From product availability to technical support and final commissioning, working closely with manufacturers will help contractors ensure that projects run smoothly and to schedule, as Nik Smith, Director at Oakes Energy Services, explains: “As with all school projects, we were working to a tight, fixed deadline. However, having the Remeha heat pumps in stock was a big selling point as this gave us more time to complete the project ahead of the start of the new term.

“In addition to onsite technical support during the installation stage, Baxi also provided pre-commissioning support and commissioning to meet the handover date.

All in all, a great service from the Baxi team.”

Draw on industry experience At LSST Academy, Oakes Energy Services replaced the existing gas boilers with two Remeha 88kW ASHPs

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renewable energy installers and manufacturers and involving them at the early stages provides the opportunity to draw on their knowledge for optimal results.

With early engagement, the heating industry will be able to collaborate fully to help schools reap the many benefits of heat pumps with minimal disruption, using detailed forward planning and a projectby-project approach to design. Putting plans in place now will help make what may initially seem a major undertaking become a valuable and achievable route to greater sustainability.

As this project illustrates, while the merits of heat pumps are well established, the technology alone is not a decarbonisation panacea. Partnering with experienced

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Tips to prepare for heat pump integration

l Monitor energy usage and data — this will make it possible for designers to understand how and where heat pumps can best be used. l Space — is there sufficient external space for the heat pump? l Electrical connections — is there sufficient capacity? It’s likely that additional power requirements will need to be brought to site, so understand the achievable options. l Avoid delays — ask your consultant to notify the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) at the outset and complete the necessary connection application form.

n For more information on Remeha’s ASHPs, visit www.rdr.link/lap016

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HEATING, RENEWABLE ENERGY & VENTILATION

District heating powered by waste A district heating system serving 5,000 homes in St. Ann’s, Nottingham is benefiting from bespoke filters manufactured by Spirotech UK, as LABM finds out.

Nottingham City Council’s district heating network serves 5,000 homes and over 100 commercial premises in the city

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CC Enviroenergy approached a number of UK manufacturers to quote on the production of five custom-made demountable dirt separators for five of the district pumping stations serving properties in the area, but only Spirotech was prepared to meet the specification requirements.

Enviroenergy, a service within Nottingham City Council’s Communities Environment & Resident Services Department, is responsible for delivering the heat and power to homes and businesses across the city and is often able to offer cost reductions and environmental advantages over other energy sources.

The network comprises of 98km of insulated pipework carrying pressurised hot water around Nottingham City Centre and St. Ann’s and meets the heating and hot water requirements for 5,000 dwellings and over 100 commercial premises. These include the Victoria shopping centre, the National Ice Arena, Nottingham Trent University, BioCity, HM Revenue and Customs, the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall.

Municipal waste Heat energy comes from the incineration of 185,000 tonnes of municipal waste at

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the Eastcroft Incinerator, which is used to create a supply of super heated highpressure steam, supplied directly into the Heat Station. Back-up is provided by gas boilers to ensure a reliable supply.

As a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant, steam is also used to run turbines generating around 60,000MWh of electricity per annum. Electricity is supplied to commercial customers through a private wire network with excess power feeding into the National Grid.

Within the District network are several pumping stations and two core operating systems — a primary distribution network that operates up to a maximum of 140˚C and 11 bar; and a secondary distribution system, which pumps the water around the residential area at 85-88˚C, in the region of 7-8 bar.

the dirt separators of this type are only rated for 10 bar and a maximum operating temperature of 110˚C. “Although we contacted several UK manufacturers to provide replacement filters for the primary network, only Spirotech responded developing five purpose-built demountable units, capable of operating at temperatures up to 140˚C and 11 bar.

“Spirotech produced the higher pressure and higher temperature units to comply with the PSSR (Pressure System Safety Regulations) and the PED (Pressure Equipment Directive).

“The Nottingham district heating system is based on a structure developed in

Purpose-built demountable units The NCC Enviroenergy Plant & Network Projects Engineer, commented: “The primary flow filters in each substation had reached the end of their operating life and required replacing. However, most of

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Spirotech developed five purpose-built demountable units for the district heating system

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The Nottingham district heating system is based on a “structure developed in Denmark and extensively used in Scandinavian countries. ” Denmark and extensively used in Scandinavian countries. Such an approach is becoming more widespread in the UK and is about improving efficiency and reducing the amount of carbon created.”

Heat generation The incinerator is located on a nearby site, just outside the centre of Nottingham and has solved the city’s rubbish problem.

It has two waste processing lines and space to extend for the installation of further lines if required.

Each unit is rated to burn 11.5 tonnes of municipal waste an hour, 24 hours a day.

The moving grates are rocked automatically by hydraulic mechanisms to keep the rubbish mixed and burn evenly and stop the formation of clinkers. The ash which is formed from the process is taken offsite before the ferrous metal is removed by

magnet for recycling. The ash is also recycled into aggregate.

The incineration of rubbish to generate heat energy contributes to meeting global climate challenges, otherwise the waste would end up in landfill and create methane gas.

Spirotech Area Sales Manager Dave Goodyer says: “As a manufacturer we aim to go beyond the call of duty and this was a good example of this. NCC Enviroenergy required demountable units so they could be taken apart for statutory inspections and cleaning. As we don’t produce top demountable units in our SpiroTrap DN80 and DN100 ranges, we had to modify them to accommodate the required specification.

“Today’s energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can only provide optimal performance with dirt free water. Magnetite

Spirotech’s purpose-built demountable units are capable of operating at temperatures up to 140˚C

in particular leads to greatly reduced energy efficiency and this will, of course, ultimately lead to increased running costs.

“Our SpiroTrap range is suitable for various temperatures and pressures and separate and remove very small particles from 5um (=0.005 mm) upwards. The dirt can be drained whilst the system is in operation and only takes a few seconds — it’s not a dirty job compared to a filter solution.”

n For more information about Spirotech’s SpiroTrap range visit www.rdr.link/lap017

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HEATING, RENEWABLE ENERGY & VENTILATION

Preventative measures When it comes to damp and mould: prevention is better — and often easier — than cure, says Wendy Thomas, Residential Product Manager at Nuaire.

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id you know that in England alone around 904,000 homes had damp problems in 20211? Damp homes are unhealthy homes, affecting occupants’ physical and mental health, and prolonged dampness potentially damages the structure of the building.

Dampness in homes is most frequently the result of condensation caused by everyday activities, such as cooking and washing. When the humid air cools, or touches a cold surface, such as a window or wall, it condenses into liquid water droplets. It can also happen when the air becomes too humid, beyond its saturation point. A build-up of condensation is a common problem within homes of all types

and sizes, especially in the winter months.

If the humid air and the subsequent condensation are trapped within a property, it can lead to damp and mouldy conditions.

Our understanding of the dangers of living in damp and mouldy homes has been brought to the fore with the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in December 2020 from prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale. Subsequently, Awaab's Law has been introduced as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which

Dampness in homes is most frequently the result of condensation

requires social housing landlords by law to fix damp and mould issues to strict deadlines (to be determined shortly), or rehouse tenants in safe accommodation.

However, ‘fixing’ damp and mould has so often been approached from a ‘sticking plaster’ perspective.

Approaches to avoid By far the most common means of ‘dealing’ with damp and mould in homes is for landlords to treat the mould with chemicals.

Drimaster PIV loft installation

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Nuaire’s Faith-Plus Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation fan

This will indeed remove the existing mould growth, but it won’t remove the mould spores from the air, which will continue to grow if the damp conditions remain. The spores will settle and in very little time the mould will regrow. Treating the mould is no doubt seen as a low cost, easy solution; a quick win. But is it, when you consider the repeat treatment costs, access issues, and the frustration of residents?

Dehumidifiers have risen in popularity over recent years, driven by greater public awareness of the potential home comfort and health benefits. But using dehumidifiers to tackle damp and mould is problematic on several fronts. They are designed purely to extract moisture from the air and will not generally remove indoor air pollutants, such as mould spores.

They tend to be switched on during the day only, but it’s the nighttime, when the heating is off, that the condensation starts to form. Compared to an extract fan, they are expensive to run and can be noisier. All in all, dehumidifiers are not a practical option, especially for social housing.

Practical solutions The good news is there are practical, affordable solutions that all social housing providers can take to combat damp and mould. For existing properties, which form by far the bulk of social housing, Building Regulations compliant extract fans and Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems are an excellent option for

both preventing damp and mould forming by extracting water vapour.

Everyone is familiar with extract fans, but there’s a good chance the ones you have in your properties will need upgrading as part of your planned maintenance schedules. The revised Building Regulations Part F (ventilation) was introduced in 2022, increasing minimum airflow rates in dwellings in recognition that previous ventilation levels were insufficient to reach all parts of a home, especially the bedrooms overnight if doors are kept shut. This will mean more powerful and efficient extract fans, such as Nuaire’s Cyfan fan, which is a powerful yet very quiet fan, or the new highly cost-effective Nuaire Faith-Plus Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) fans.

Extract fans such as these that deliver the correct duty to meet Part F, prevent condensation and mould from forming, but in properties that remain prone to damp, PIV systems, such as the Nuaire DrimasterEco, should be considered. They draw fresh air into the loft space directly from outside which is then filtered before gently dispersing into the home via a central diffuser at a continuous rate, encouraging movement of air from inside to outside.

The great news is that they are inexpensive, quiet, reliable, and can be installed in less than an hour. Furthermore, some PIV system have the added benefit of filters, dramatically reducing harmful NOX and particulate matter levels within the home, which is ideal for properties in heavily polluted urban areas and for occupants with respiratory complaints. dMEV continuous extract fans and PIV systems can also be used in new-build homes, but there is the further option of whole house mechanical ventilation here.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) systems actively extract air from ‘wet rooms’ via ducting to a central ventilation unit, which further ducts to an exhaust point.

Replacement fresh air is drawn into the property via background ventilators located in the habitable rooms and through air leakage. Mechanical Ventilation with

The revised Building “Regulations Part F (ventilation) was introduced in 2022, increasing minimum airflow rates in dwellings in recognition that previous ventilation levels were insufficient to reach all parts of a home, especially the bedrooms overnight if doors are kept shut.

”

Heat Recovery (MVHR), such as Nuaire’s MRXBOX, go one step further, combining supply and extract ventilation in one system, extracting and re-using waste heat from wet rooms. Clearly, these systems require extensive ducting, so are not practical for existing properties.

Managing the budget Under Awaab's Law, social housing providers are now legally bound to fix damp and mould issue in properties, with a focus firmly placed on identifying the causes, and introducing preventative measures. There’s no doubt this will place a financial burden on landlords big and small, but ventilation in the form of extract fans and PIV systems are not costly items, do not take long to install, and are long lasting.

References: 1

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/researchbriefings published Feb 2023

n More information on the Nuaire Cyfan fan here www.rdr.link/lap018 n More information on the Nuaire Faith-Plus dMEV fans here www.rdr.link/lap019 n More information on the Nuaire Drimaster-Eco here www.rdr.link/lap020 n More information on Nuaire’s MRXBOX here www.rdr.link/lap021

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HEATINg, RENEWABlE ENERgy & VENTIlATIoN RouND-uP

New guide sets out hot water solutions for healthcare

New high-rise flue kits

Baxi’s latest guide outlines the available opportunities to reduce the carbon intensity of domestic hot water generation in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Entitled ‘Hospitals, healthcare facilities and the low-carbon hot water challenge’, the new report discusses: l The specific considerations for domestic hot water provision in hygiene-critical environments l The latest technologies and approaches available to achieve more efficient hot water generation in these buildings l The design options for improved efficiency at various stages on the decarbonisation pathway l Achievable solutions to help deliver NHS sustainability goals The guide assesses the benefits and considerations relating to a series of options, from design strategies for medium and high temperature air source heat pumps to hybrid approaches that combine electric heat pumps with gasfired direct water heaters where an all-electric solution is not possible.

Made from high quality 316 stainless-steel, Keston’s new High-Rise Flue Kit is suitable for all buildings in England and Wales higher than 18 meters. The flue kit is fully compliant with the latest Building Regulations Part B, which requires amongst other conditions, materials that become part of the external wall in relevant buildings do not contribute to external fire spread. The new kit is also suitable for installations in Scotland above 11 meters, in accordance with the Building Standards Technical Handbook 2020: Domestic Buildings. It offers a corrosion resistant alternative to other noncombustible or fire-resistant materials such as aluminium and is compatible with the Keston Combi 2 and System 2 boiler ranges, which offer a versatile solution for new and replacement heating systems.

n Download the guide here www.rdr.link/lap024

n More details on the High Rise Flue Kit here www.rdr.link/lap025

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Klober warns about importance of ventilation The roofing component manufacturer has welcomed toughened airtightness standards for government-funded whole house retrofits but is urging project managers and installers not to overlook the role of ventilation. The warning follows updates to PaS 2035/2030:2023. nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober, says: “It’s great to see these latest steps for addressing airtightness, particularly in line with energy efficiency regulations and decarbonisation targets. However, we cannot forget that properties that are ultra-airtight by design may face increased risk of condensation due to humidity levels, so appropriate ventilation is crucial. If effective ventilation isn’t implemented, or is compromised through eeMs, occupants could experience mould and damp issues. Failure to ventilate roof voids could increase the risk of condensation, and associated risks, in the ceiling joists and in the uppermost rooms in the home.”

Effortless pipe installation for hardto-reach areas

Talon’s eZ Joist Clip is making pipework installations safer, quicker and easier for installers and contractors, especially in challenging overhead, high up and hard-toreach areas. It’s intelligent design allows for side-on installation, making it quicker to use than traditional nail-in clips. With the eZ n Download a copy of Klober’s Roof Ventilation guide here www.rdr.link/lap026 Joist Clip, simply attach it to the side of the joist and use its supportive ledge to keep it Hot water cylinders a hidden lifeline for energy storage, report finds in position while you secure the pipe. a new industry report has identified the potential role of hot The clips speed up installations, water cylinders in balancing demand on the electrical grid. The allowing a full 360-degree retention of report from the Hot Water association (HWa), entitled pipework. They can be used to fix a pipe in Connected Homes, explores the potential for hot water cylinders to be used as thermal stores for grid electricity to build place when it is already in-situ and multiple clips can be joined together for extended resilience in peak periods. If the nine million cylinders in uK runs and complex configurations. all sizes homes were connected through smart controls and used as of the clip can be connected via a dovetail batteries, the national Grid could unlock 23GWh of energy joint, ensuring uniform pipe spacing. storage. Due to the introduction of technologies like heat pumps, which require hot water cylinders, this number could increase by 36%, increasing the energy capacity to 40GWh.

n More information on the EZ Joist Clip here www.rdr.link/lap028

n Download a copy of the report here www.rdr.link/lap027

Advertisement index Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Local Authority Building & Maintenance. each is listed with its page number and a direct urL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

A. Proctor Group ................................................................(page 7)

Rockwool UK Ltd ........................................................(page 2/IFC)

www.rdr.link/LaP100

www.rdr.link/LaP105

A. Proctor Group ....................................................(page 36/OBC)

Samuel Heath & Sons ......................................................(page 15)

www.rdr.link/LaP101

www.rdr.link/LaP106

Mould Growth Consultants Ltd ..............................................(page 20)

Sunray Timber Fire Doors ..............................................(page 23)

www.rdr.link/LaP102

www.rdr.link/LaP107

NuAire Ltd ..........................................................................(page 29)

The Dwelling Doctors Ltd ..................................................(page 9)

www.rdr.link/LaP103

www.rdr.link/LaP108

Pro Builder Live ..................................................................(page 4)

The Electric Heating Company ......................................(page 31)

www.rdr.link/LaP104

www.rdr.link/LaP109

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