HARROW'S MULTIMILLION-POUND RETROFIT PROJECT SET TO BENEFIT NEARLY 250 HOMES - The London Business Journal
Nearly 250 households in the London Borough of Harrow are set to benefit from a multimillion-pound residential decarbonisation programme that is improving energy efficiency, reducing household energy bills. . .
Nearly 250 households in the London Borough of Harrow are set to benefit from a multimillion-pound residential decarbonisation programme that is improving energy efficiency, reducing household energy bills and supporting the borough’s journey towards net zero. A major residential retrofit programme commissioned by theLondon Borough of Harrowis progressing ahead of schedule, with principal contractorSustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS)delivering energy-efficiency upgrades to almost250 social housing propertiesacross the borough. The project is being delivered in two phases through funding provided by the Government’sSocial Housing Decarbonisation Fund 2. 1and theWarm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3. The first phase, which upgraded67 homes, was completed on schedule and handed back to residents in February. Work is now underway on a further178 properties, with completion expected earlier than originally planned. Once complete, every home within the programme will achieve anEnergy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above, improving energy efficiency while helping residents reduce heating costs and enjoy more comfortable living conditions. Improving Homes For The FutureThe retrofit programme focuses on a fabric-first approach delivered in accordance withPAS 2035:2023andMicrogeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)standards. Improvement measures include external wall insulation, replacement doors, modern double glazing, upgraded loft insulation and enhanced ventilation systems. Following individual property assessments, some homes are also receiving cavity wall insulation and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to further improve energy performance. The programme includes a range of different property types, including non-traditional housing such asBISFandOrlithomes, requiring specialist structural remediation before insulation measures can be installed. Additional works include replacement soffits, fascias and gutters, alongside the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials from loft spaces where necessary. Delivering Complex Retrofit ProjectsMike Easdon,Regional Director at Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, said the Harrow programme marks an important milestone for the company as it expands its retrofit work across southern England. “It’s a significant milestone for SBS to be delivering a scheme with the London Borough of Harrow for the first time, and further extending the impact of our work in the south of England. “Not only will the multi-measure improvements make these homes in Harrow more future-proof and climate resilient, but they will also help residents to live more comfortably every day. “It’s not a simple project, due to the inclusion of multiple property types and tight delivery deadlines, but our team has worked very effectively alongside our local supply chain partners and the London Borough of Harrow to mobilise quickly and ensure that a tangible difference is being made. ”Supporting Residents And Net ZeroThe London Borough of Harrow says the programme is already delivering measurable benefits for residents while supporting its wider environmental objectives. Billy Reid, Assistant Director for Homes at the London Borough of Harrow, said early feedback from residents had been overwhelmingly positive. “The work that has been delivered by SBS so far has been extremely high quality, which has led to overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents. “We’re pleased that households will benefit from warmer homes and lower energy bills following the residential decarbonisation programme. “Meanwhile, we will be helping to reduce carbon emissions and move closer towards net zero. It’s a win-win situation. ”With retrofit programmes becoming an increasingly important part of the UK’s housing decarbonisation strategy, projects such as Harrow’s demonstrate how investment in existing housing stock can improve living standards while helping local authorities meet long-term environmental targets.