Maes Gwair decarbonisation retrofit
Project overview
Hafod Housing Association Ltd (Hafod), with the support of NetZero Collective and Bell Group, has successfully delivered a decarbonisation retrofit project at Maes Gwair, Bridgend. Originally scoped for 30 properties, the project was extended to 60 due to measure modelling confirming that external wall insulation was not required. This allowed for available funds to be expanded to support more homes at a lower cost per property.
The scheme focused on enhancing energy efficiency and indoor air quality through the installation of solar PV systems, ventilation upgrades, and building fabric improvements, including loft and cavity wall insulation . The project was part-funded by the Welsh Government’s Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP), mandating the installation of Aico’s HomeLink monitoring system ahead of the retrofit works to ensuring a structured and data-led approach to improving the homes.
Project planning
NetZero Collective provided expert retrofit consultancy, conducting property assessments, designing tailored solutions and delivering programme management throughout. The retrofit assessments informed the installation of targeted energy efficiency measures, ensuring that each home benefited from a package of improvements suited to its existing condition.
Bell Group was engaged as the principal contractor responsible for delivering the installation works. The project has been fully installed and completed, with final TrustMark lodgement currently in progress.
Procurement of products & services
Hafod procured NetZero Collective’s consultancy expertise and Bell Group’s installation services through Pretium’s Greener Futures Partnership Framework. This procurement route facilitated a streamlined selection process, ensuring that both consultants and contractors aligned with the project’s technical requirements and sustainability objectives.
Project delivery & lessons learned
The project encountered some challenges, primarily related to property access. However, these were successfully mitigated through dedicated engagement efforts led by Hafod’s Decarbonisation Engagement Officer, ensuring residents were informed and involved throughout the process.
Another key lesson learned was the importance of educating residents about the need for ventilation upgrades in conjunction with fabric improvements. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent unintended consequences such as condensation and mould growth, particularly in properties following insulation upgrades.
A standout example of the project’s impact was observed in one of the properties, where failing mineral fibre cavity wall insulation was removed and replaced with blown bead cavity fill. This, combined with a loft insulation top-up and ventilation improvements, significantly reduced damp and mould risk. Following the completion of ventilation works, including extractor fan upgrades and door undercuts, CO2 and humidity levels within the property dropped noticeably, enhancing indoor air quality and resident comfort as evidenced in the graph below, produced by Aico’s HomeLINK systems, a requirement of the ORP funding, which gathers real-time environmental data to support a data-driven approach to retrofit.
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.
