Parc Hafod decarbonisation retrofit

Project Overview

Hafod Housing Association Ltd. (Hafod), with the expertise of NetZero Collective and Cardo Group, has successfully completed a decarbonisation retrofit at Parc Hafod. This sheltered living scheme consists of 29 flats across four blocks, where improvements have been made to enhance energy efficiency. The primary focus was the installation of a large solar PV array, designed to lower residents’ electricity bills and reduce the cost of running electric heating systems.

Project Planning

NetZero Collective led the retrofit consultancy and programme management, ensuring a strategic and well-coordinated approach. The installation phase was completed in early 2025, with minimal disruption to residents. The system design features the SolShare technology, which distributes solar-generated electricity equitably among the flats in each block, making the most of renewable energy while simplifying installation.

Procurement of Products & Services

To achieve the project’s objectives, Hafod procured NetZero Collective’s consultancy and programme management services, alongside Cardo Group’s installation expertise. The work was secured through Pretium’s Greener Futures Partnership Framework, ensuring an efficient procurement process that aligned with technical and sustainability goals.

Project Delivery & Lessons Learned

A key challenge during the project was property access, a common issue in retrofit works. However, Hafod’s Decarbonisation Engagement Officer played a crucial role in overcoming this, ensuring smooth progress. One of the standout successes of the scheme has been the implementation of SolShare technology, which has proven to be a much simpler and more efficient solution for distributing solar power in multi-flat properties compared to traditional string inverters.

Workforce, Skills & Resident Engagement

A post-installation resident engagement event is planned to educate residents on how to make the most of their upgraded energy systems. Given that these properties rely solely on electric heating, the benefits of the solar PV system are expected to be particularly significant in reducing energy costs and improving affordability.

Conclusion

The Parc Hafod retrofit project demonstrates the benefits of innovative solar PV solutions in sheltered living schemes. By incorporating shared solar distribution technology, the project is expected to deliver substantial cost savings and environmental benefits for residents. With the collaborative efforts of NetZero Collective, Cardo Group, and Hafod, this scheme serves as a model for future energy efficiency upgrades in social housing.

Parc Hafod decarbonisation retrofit

Project Overview

Hafod Housing Association Ltd. (Hafod), with the expertise of NetZero Collective and Cardo Group, has successfully completed a decarbonisation retrofit at Parc Hafod. This sheltered living scheme consists of 29 flats across four blocks, where improvements have been made to enhance energy efficiency. The primary focus was the installation of a large solar PV array, designed to lower residents’ electricity bills and reduce the cost of running electric heating systems.

Project Planning

NetZero Collective led the retrofit consultancy and programme management, ensuring a strategic and well-coordinated approach. The installation phase was completed in early 2025, with minimal disruption to residents. The system design features the SolShare technology, which distributes solar-generated electricity equitably among the flats in each block, making the most of renewable energy while simplifying installation.

Procurement of Products & Services

To achieve the project’s objectives, Hafod procured NetZero Collective’s consultancy and programme management services, alongside Cardo Group’s installation expertise. The work was secured through Pretium’s Greener Futures Partnership Framework, ensuring an efficient procurement process that aligned with technical and sustainability goals.

Project Delivery & Lessons Learned

A key challenge during the project was property access, a common issue in retrofit works. However, Hafod’s Decarbonisation Engagement Officer played a crucial role in overcoming this, ensuring smooth progress. One of the standout successes of the scheme has been the implementation of SolShare technology, which has proven to be a much simpler and more efficient solution for distributing solar power in multi-flat properties compared to traditional string inverters.

Workforce, Skills & Resident Engagement

A post-installation resident engagement event is planned to educate residents on how to make the most of their upgraded energy systems. Given that these properties rely solely on electric heating, the benefits of the solar PV system are expected to be particularly significant in reducing energy costs and improving affordability.

Conclusion

The Parc Hafod retrofit project demonstrates the benefits of innovative solar PV solutions in sheltered living schemes. By incorporating shared solar distribution technology, the project is expected to deliver substantial cost savings and environmental benefits for residents. With the collaborative efforts of NetZero Collective, Cardo Group, and Hafod, this scheme serves as a model for future energy efficiency upgrades in social housing.

Workforce, skills & resident engagement

A key success factor in the project was the active engagement with residents. Hafod, NetZero Collective and Bell Group conducted a consultation day to inform and educate residents about the retrofit measures, addressing any concerns and setting expectations for the works. This engagement was instrumental in ensuring smooth project delivery and fostering a positive relationship between the delivery team and residents.

Andrea, of Maes Gwair, reflecting on the works after completion said: “The new tech is wonderful, and the app provides really handy info and helps me to time when I use my appliances to make the most of the free electricity the panels produce. I’ve not seen massive savings on energy bills yet, but it’s still winter. So I’m hoping for bigger savings from spring when the weather picks up.”

Fiona, of Maes Gwair said: “Everyone has been so respectful of my home and my family throughout the works. The team have popped by for a chat throughout to make sure I knew what was happening, and were so careful to make sure me and my dog were safe throughout the works.”

Conclusion

The Maes Gwair retrofit project showcases how collaborative partnerships and strategic planning can drive effective decarbonisation in social housing. Through targeted energy efficiency measures, enhanced ventilation, and robust resident engagement, Hafod, NetZero Collective, and Bell Group have successfully improved the comfort, health, and sustainability of homes at Maes Gwair, setting a benchmark for future retrofit schemes in the area.

NetZero Collective supports Crawley Borough Council in securing grant funding to develop a decarbonisation strategy.

NetZero Collective provided advice and support to Crawley Borough Council (CBC) to help them secure grant funding for the development of a decarbonisation strategy for 13 high-energy consumption assets.

NetZero Collective supported the funding bid, and grant funding will now enable them to deliver the six-month contract to undertake heat loss calculations, SBEM modelling deliver bespoke heat decarbonisation plans, and create plans to incorporate low-carbon heating alternatives, like air and ground source heat pumps, across various non-domestic sites, including Three Bridges and Pound Hill Community Centres.

NetZero Collective will also provide rigorous feasibility assessments and investment grade audits to identify cost-effective energy-saving measures, whilst taking two of the sites to detailed designs to facilitate future works.

The grant was awarded as part of the Phase 5 Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund, which received more than 700 applications during a two-week application period. The fund is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix.

All the consultancy and survey costs associated with the project will be covered by the grant funding.

The project will deliver actionable and affordable retrofit measures to support CBC in its journey towards net zero across its commercial portfolio, positioning them to be ready to apply for further Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding for future projects.

Neil Waite, Director at NetZero Collective, said: “NetZero Collective has a proven track record of supporting successful grant applications, and we were pleased to secure these funds for Crawley Borough Council.

“The grant is a significant step forward in our partnership with Crawley Borough Council, allowing us to develop a robust decarbonisation strategy for them that will not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the energy efficiency of key community assets.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions that will pave the way for Crawley Borough Council to achieve its decarbonisation goals.”

Councillor Bob Noyce, Cabinet member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change at Crawley Borough Council, said: “Reducing carbon emissions is a priority for us. These centres have old, outdated heating systems and this grant funding will allow us to look at models for the future. Not only will this reduce our carbon footprint but also ensure that they are much more cost effective in the future.”

Christopher Masters, programme manager at Salix said: “The Low Carbon Skills Fund means that public sector organisations can move forward with robust heat decarbonisation plans which provide a real insight into decarbonisation measures required for sites.

“We are delighted to be able to deliver this funding and look forward to seeing how Crawley Borough Council progress with work at the 13 sites earmarked as part of this project.

“The council has ambitious net zero targets, and we look forward to being part of that journey.”

Following the recent acquisition of Liberty by Wates Group Ltd in October, NetZero Collective will continue to operate under its own name as part of Wates Property Services, providing support to organisations with retrofitting and decarbonisation advice and solutions.

NetZero Collective wins new contract with Abri

 

NetZero Collective has won a new eight-month contract with Abri via direct award from the Greener Futures Partnership (GFP) Decarbonisation Delivery framework, managed by Pretium Frameworks Ltd.

The new project will see NetZero Collective deliver retrofitting advice, assessments, and evaluations on 146 eligible properties within Abri’s portfolio, to increase the energy efficiency of homes in the Yeovil West area.

As part of the contract with Abri, NetZero Collective will invest in the local community by:

• Delivering a customer engagement event for the local community centre, to improve understanding of energy efficiency and introduce customers to specific energy efficiency measures.
• Providing a targeted volunteering day at a local community centre.
• Identifying a local charity to receive recommended support such as donations.
• Offering work experience placements to local colleges and delivering proposed educational sessions at schools to increase decarbonisation awareness.
• Providing residents with energy and money-saving advice services, including a workshop for local residents in reducing their energy bills through energy efficiency.
• Committing to 100% of local supply chain spend.

Neil Waite, Director at NetZero Collective, said: “We are thrilled to support Abri in its journey to increasing the energy efficiency of its homes and invest in the local community of Yeovil.

“Securing this contract is a testament to our team of experts, who are dedicated to achieving a sustainable future.

“Together with like-minded organisations and the Greener Futures Partnership, we will continue to work with landlords to make all buildings fit for the future while contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets and mitigating the impact of climate change.”

Rose Bean, Interim Executive Director of Assets and Sustainability at Abri said: “As one of the founding members of the Greener Futures Partnership, Abri is pleased that the Decarbonisation Delivery framework is bringing together organisations to work towards a greener future and meet the government’s energy efficiency and net zero targets.

“We’re passionate about creating a sustainable future for our customers and are pleased to be working with NetZero Collective to bring energy efficiency improvements to our homes in Yeovil.

“Our customers and communities are at the heart of everything we do, so it’s great that, as part of their contract, NetZero Collective are investing in the local community too and empowering them to embrace the opportunities that decarbonisation brings.

Jessica John, Director of Framework Partnerships at Pretium Frameworks, said: “The GFP Decarbonisation Delivery Framework has gone from strength to strength since it was launched a little over a year ago, to support the housing sector to meet Government sustainability targets.

“To date it has been accessed by over 29 organisations, delivering an estimated £156m of works, with over 25 projects currently live on site, and we’re delighted that Abri, Contracting Authority for the framework, has awarded this contract to retrofit homes in the Yeovil West area to Net Zero Collective.

“We expect the framework to continue to grow as we prepare for Wave 3 of SHDF funding and look forward to another successful year.”

It’s time for the industry to forget “Fabric First” and focus on real decarbonisation

The journey toward net zero, while still in its infancy, has at times felt like a marathon and a sprint, laden with challenges, evolving strategies, and a collective urgency that intensifies with each passing year.

Government initiatives such as Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and ECO3 & 4 have spearheaded the race towards net zero, yet, as we navigate the path to a sustainable future, the focus has been predominantly on ‘Fabric First’ approaches and reducing energy demand, with minimal attention to the pivotal aspect of reducing fossil fuel-powered heating which delivers true decarbonisation.

As global temperatures rise, this imbalance should prompt a reassessment of our strategies and an accelerated push toward comprehensive decarbonisation, especially in the realm of social housing.

Fabric first: a foundation, not the finish line

The ‘Fabric First’ principle, prioritising the insulation and energy efficiency of the building, has been a cornerstone of sustainable housing initiatives for some time. While this approach has kickstarted the journey towards net zero, it’s also understood that insulation alone won’t suffice in meeting the UK’s 2050 climate goals.

This focus on building fabric has been important, but has inadvertently sidelined efforts around the critical issue of decarbonising heating systems. This oversight is significant, considering heating accounts for a substantial portion of a building’s carbon footprint.

The EPC C dilemma

Current Regulatory Position Statements (RPSs) aim for properties to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. Achieving this target is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. However, it’s possible to reach this milestone without addressing the elephant in the room: replacing gas boilers with heat pumps or other electrified heat sources. This loophole allows for a superficial tick in the compliance box, without genuinely tackling the carbon emissions from conventional heating systems.

Rethinking fabric first

Murmurings within the social housing sector suggest a growing scepticism towards the ‘Fabric First’ ideology. Some critics argue that in our quest to insulate, we may be over-specifying the amount of fabric needed such as internal and external wall insulation, especially in scenarios where electrified heating solutions like heat pumps are considered.

This overemphasis not only risks misallocating resources but also neglects the pressing need to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with greener alternatives.

We’re against the clock

As the clock ticks closer to 2050, the deadline for achieving net zero looms larger. We must accelerate decarbonisation efforts across the sector now and stop the well-meaning discussion about the best way to achieve it. Electrification of heat, through products such as air source heat pumps, is a proven way of removing fossil fuels from our homes and other assets today. We must now choose to adopt these technologies at scale.

In the past three years since the UK government declared a climate emergency, there has been a period of lost opportunity. Many social housing providers have been slow to get out of the starting blocks, yet now is the time to gain increased momentum and focus on our net zero goals.

Spreading the cost

An integral part of this acceleration involves financial strategy. The challenge is not only to enhance the pace of decarbonisation but to do so in a manner that spreads the cost over as long a period as possible. This approach aims to mitigate the immediate financial burden on social housing providers, making the transition to greener alternatives more feasible, and making smarter use of existing budgets. For instance, funds allocated boiler replacement programmes could be better spent through a heat pump installation programmes instead, topped up by SHDF funding, to allow landlords to continue to replace old and inefficient heating for tenants, but with the added benefit of delivering decarbonisation at the same time.

SHDF 3.0: a beacon of hope?

The upcoming iteration of the SHDF Wave 3, is anticipated with bated breath. The hope is that this new phase will pivot more towards targeting the decarbonisation of heating systems directly, addressing one of the most significant sources of carbon emissions in the housing sector. This shift in focus could lead to the implementation of more sustainable heating systems in the social housing sector, helping us progress towards our net zero target.

Our role in steering the course

Navigating the complexities of property asset decarbonisation requires expertise, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of both the challenges and the solutions at hand. Here at Net Zero Collective, we are at the forefront of this, advising and supporting clients on how to best decarbonise their property assets.

Our team of consultants play a pivotal role in the social housing sector ensuring that our clients are in the best position to tackle the decarbonisation race head on.

As we stand at the crossroads of climate action and sustainable development, the journey to net zero demands more than just incremental changes; it calls for a revaluation of our strategies, that we champion innovative solutions, and make an unwavering commitment to accelerating our efforts.

A fabric-first approach is a foundation for decarbonisation, but it is not the finish line. Prioritising sustainable heating systems will be essential to help us achieve our goal.

The decarbonisation race is underway, and it’s a race we cannot afford to lose.

NetZero Collective continues momentum with two new contract wins in Q1

NetZero Collective has been awarded two new contracts, with Sanctuary and Welsh landlord Hafod.

The contracts will progress decarbonisation efforts on over 5,600 homes across England and Wales.

Welsh housing association, Hafod, has enlisted NetZero Collective to support its decarbonisation journey and an ambitious future upgrade of 5,000 homes across Wales.

Hafod provides high-quality affordable homes, and housing to help people live independently, plus care services across nine local authorities in Wales.

NetZero Collective has been awarded the £200,000 consultancy contract as part of Hafod’s wider decarbonisation plan which aims to ensure that all its homes, including existing properties, achieve at least an EPC Rating of C by the government target date of 2029.

This contract cements the existing partnership between NetZero Collective and Hafod, following NetZero Collective’s support with the landlord’s grant applications.

Over the border in the North West of England, Sanctuary has awarded NetZero Collective a one-year contract for retrofit surveys, assessments, and installation of measures for over 500 homes. This work is to part-deliver Sanctuary’s aim of improving more than 2,000 homes to EPC Band C under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1, for which they have received £12.5m in grant funding.

NetZero Collective secured both contracts via direct award from the Greener Futures Partnership (GFP) Decarbonisation Delivery framework, managed by Pretium Frameworks Ltd.

The framework, launched last year, provides retrofit and professional consultancy services to support the delivery of decarbonisation works. It was developed with the GFP, a collective of five like-minded housing associations – Abri, Anchor, Home Group, Hyde Group and Sanctuary – which was set up in 2021, as its members believed that a joint effort would be more effective in helping the social housing sector seriously address the green agenda.

Neil Waite, Director at NetZero Collective, said; “We are delighted to have started two new contracts that will help drive forward Hafod and Sanctuary’s decarbonisation ambitions. We’re looking forward to bringing in NetZero Collective’s skills and expertise to support these organisations’ retrofit plans.

“It’s great to see both Hafod and Sanctuary prioritising sustainability but also the health, happiness, and wellbeing of everyone who lives in their homes. Along with being better for the environment, these upgrades will ultimately increase the warmth of people’s homes and reduce their energy bills.”

Sarah Hancock, Hafod’s Head of Assets, said: “At Hafod, we’re committed to achieving net-zero by 2036, and decarbonising our existing homes is a critical aspect of this journey. We recognise that achieving net zero carbon is a huge undertaking and we’re delighted to be able to partner with NetZero Collective to help us achieve this.

“As a socially responsible business focused on making lives better for our customers, this decarbonisation work will extend beyond carbon reduction, but will also make our customers’ homes warmer, dryer and more energy efficient, to combat fuel poverty and promote better physical and mental health.

“We look forward to working alongside the NetZero Collective team and learning from their expertise.”

Rebecca Craig, Director of Sustainability and Climate Change, Sanctuary, said: “We are delighted to be working with NetZero Collective in the North West to deliver improved homes for our customers, and we are looking forward to getting started with this phase of our Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1 programme. This phase will see us improving over 500 homes up to EPC Band C.

Sustainability is one of our core values here at Sanctuary – our culture involves working together as one team to support our social purpose and putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. This new phase of work will help drive forward Sanctuary’s retrofit plans and ultimately increase the warmth and energy efficiency of our customers’ homes.”

Can networked heat pumps solve high-density decarbonisation?

There has been lots of positive press following the launch of Kensa’s latest shoebox ground source heat pump, the Shoebox NX so we decided to look into whether it could be the key to solving the challenge of high-density decarbonisation?

According to Kensa, the Shoebox NX is designed to be a viable solution to decarbonise heating for 60% of UK homes, and throughout its launch Kensa mentioned it’s benefits for high-density housing types from high-rise flats to terrace streets. Space is at a premium for these types of homes, including outside space, meaning there isn’t always somewhere to site an air source heat pump unit which are rapidly becoming the go-to low carbon heating choice in the UK.

To reach the UK government’s targets of net zero emissions by 2050, millions of UK homes will need to transition to decarbonised heating sources and, by utilising the Shoebox NX within homes as part of a larger ground-source heat pump network, Kensa believe that savings of up to 20% are possible for the resident in terms of running costs, and that installation costs could be 8% cheaper than individual air source heat pump installations once being delivered at scale. But Kensa’s new offering may provide an answer.

Ground Source Heat Networks

Mimicking the existing gas network model, and building on their successful Heat the Streets project, Kensa is promoting a model which could see residents have their own Shoebox NX heat pump inside their home connected to a privately owned and funded ambient heat network, a form of fifth generation heat network. Residents would then pay a standing charge to connect to the shared ambient network, giving them access to low-cost, low-carbon heat.

So, are networked heat pumps the answer to your decarbonisation challenges? We believe that they certainly have a place in the future low-carbon heating mix, but whether they work for you will depend on your asset types and density.

To get the most from this type of system, landlords will need to be committed to decarbonisation of heating at a large scale, and work closely with stakeholders including local authorities and highways agencies due to the requirements for the network being installed within the street.

Networked ground source heat pumps will need entire streets, blocks of flat or neighbourhoods to deliver the installation cost savings which are being quoted. But where landlords own the majority of houses on a street, they can still be viable, and private households on the road would have the added benefit of having the option to privately access the ambient heat network through their own connections, as they would if choosing to join a cable broadband provider, expanding the opportunity to decarbonise heat to homes not owned by the landlord.

Large schemes like this are desperately needed to meet the decarbonisation challenge in the UK, but in our experience, many landlords are still looking at smaller, lower upfront cost options, which often mean doing a house-by-house approach, rather than a street-by-street approach to decarbonisation.

At NetZero Collective we’re keen to support landlords to scale up their ambition and accelerate the progress being made to decarbonise their housing portfolios. So we’ll be keeping a close eye on how Kensa’s networked heat pump offering moves forward, and it’s certainly something that we’ll be exploring for our clients when planning their decarbonisation journeys. With cost savings compared to air source heat pumps for both the landlord and the resident what’s not to love?

Read more about Kensa’s new heat pump offering here. Or reach out to a member of the NetZero Collective team to discuss how we can support you to plan, fund and deliver successful decarbonisation projects.

The role of a retrofit coordinator

The role of a Retrofit Coordinator has gained significant importance in recent years as the drive towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future continues. The role is also continuing to evolve as new technologies come to market and new policy is enacted. To help make sense of it all, here is our quick explainer about the role of a Retrofit Coordinator, and why we believe it’s a vital support function for anyone setting out to decarbonise property in the UK.

What does a retrofit coordinator do?

A Retrofit Coordinator is primarily responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of retrofit projects. Retrofit refers to the process of making existing buildings more energy-efficient, reducing their carbon footprint, and improving their performance through various upgrades to the building’s fabric and mechanical infrastructure. These upgrades can include the installation of new heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, and lighting, among others.

The Retrofit Coordinator acts as a bridge between homeowners, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the retrofit process runs smoothly. Their duties include assessing the current state of a building, identifying potential upgrades, creating project plans, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring that the work complies with relevant regulations and standards. Additionally, they monitor the project’s progress, manage budgets, and ensure that the retrofitting objectives are met.

Skills and qualifications

Becoming a Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator requires a unique blend of skills and qualifications. At the core, they must have a minimum of two years’ experience working on retrofit or energy efficiency projects, hold 12 Level 3 credits in a built environment subject and display bult environment professional competencies as defined by PAS2035.

A typical retrofit coordinator course will consist of expert tutoring, multiple choice tests, written assignments. This course can be competed at your own pace and will equip you with the skills and knowledge to complete major projects successfully, bringing all key roles involved with whole-house retrofit under your direction.

Key skills include:

• Project management: Ability to oversee multiple aspects of the retrofit process, from planning to execution.
• Technical knowledge: Understanding of energy systems, building materials, and construction techniques.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including explaining technical concepts in layman’s terms.
• Problem-solving: Skills to address and resolve unforeseen issues that arise during retrofit projects.
• Attention to detail: Ensuring all aspects of the project meet regulatory standards and client expectations.

The importance of Retrofit Coordinators

Using a Retrofit Coordinators for your net zero project/s is an important tool in completing a successful decarbonisation project. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the UK. Retrofitting existing buildings is a critical step in reducing our environmental impact.

Retrofit Coordinators play a crucial role in this process by ensuring that retrofitting projects are completed efficiently and effectively, leading to significant energy savings and reduced emissions. Moreover, their work helps to improve indoor air quality, enhance the comfort and value of buildings, and contribute to the overall well-being of occupants.

Where can I find a retrofit coordinator?

You can find a retrofit coordinator through a number of frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS). This is a highly responsible role, so it’s advisable to consider hiring in experts like the NetZero Collective.

NetZero Collective can be procured easily via the following frameworks:

• Fusion21’s Decarbonisation framework (Lot 1a whole-house decarbonisation as Liberty Group Investments Ltd)
• Pretium’s GFP Decarbonisation Delivery Framework
• Procurement for Housing’s Decarbonisation retrofit works framework
• Procure Plus’s Retrofit Programme Delivery Services DPS
• EN:Procure’s DPS for Energy Efficiency Consultants
• CHIC’s Retrofit Consultancy UK DPS

Lack of investment in green industries puts net zero targets at risk

Following the Spring Budget, announced on 6th March 2024, Neil Waite, Director of NetZero Collective shares his thoughts on the missed opportunity to deliver green growth.

“This week’s Spring Budget was lacking in major policy announcements to boost green industries and support the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

“Hailed as a ‘budget for long-term growth,’ by The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, I think it missed the mark, and won’t meaningfully accelerate growth, certainly not within the decarbonisation sector.

“It is important that the UK remains an attractive place for development, and the UK Government must do more to address our urgent need to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings.

“With a recession recently announced, the Government has missed a trick by not utilising our shared decarbonisation goals as a tool for accelerating growth and boosting the economy.

“In the current landscape, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does very little to encourage low-income households to adopt clean-heat technologies and in the social housing sector, greater focus is being put on the 2030 EPC C deadline, which can be achieved without implementing low carbon heating technologies. It seems to me like short-termism has taken hold, and we’re missing out on the change to deliver dramatic change, hit our net zero 2050 targets and boost the economy whilst we’re at it.

“For the sector to grow there needs to be long-term support for homeowners, particularly low-income households, and social housing tenants. Increasing budgets for schemes such as SHDF, ECO 4 and the Green Homes Grant, and continuing with the implementation of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism would allow housing associations and local authorities to build long-term decarbonisation plans, and start to act now to decarbonise their property portfolio.

“With this expected to be the last major fiscal announcement before the next general election, it was disappointing to see a lack of ambition around, and support for, decarbonisation that could be used to unlock the investment required to boost the green economy in the UK. The target of net zero by 2050 is not going away and the pressure to fulfil our decarbonisation targets on time is building.”

NetZero Collective set to attend Futurebuild 2024

The NetZero Collective team will be attending Futurebuild at ExCel, London (March 5-7) and if you’re attending, we’d love to see you there.

Futurebuild is the place to be to know more about building a better future for the built environment. It’s the premier event in the UK who provide the stage for inspiring ideas, innovative solutions and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable construction and help us reach our goal of net zero.

Across the three days the exhibition brings together the entire supply chain to showcase, debate and understand the advancements in sustainable construction and the emerging technologies that will make net zero possible.

If you’re attending, I look forward to seeing you there. Free tickets are available here. And for anyone who cannot make it, but would like to learn more about how NetZero Collective is helping landlords to make decarbonisation easy, just reach out to one of the team.