Reflecting on SHDF Wave 1 & 2: A Turnkey Approach to Whole-House Retrofit

As we, along with our clients and the wider community, eagerly await the announcement of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, we reflect on the significant achievements and successes we shared with our partners through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). SHDF Wave 2 presented both a challenge and a crucial opportunity: to dramatically improve the energy performance of social housing and make tangible progress toward the UK's net-zero goals. For CCS, this wave provided a platform to further develop our in-house expertise and refine our turnkey approach, culminating in the delivery of over 3,500 whole house retrofit completions for numerous prominent Registered Social Landlords throughout England.

The last few years have highlighted the power of a holistic approach. We didn't just install measures; we managed the entire process, from initial assessment to final handover and submission, ensuring quality, consistency, and resident satisfaction every step of the way. This turnkey solution proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of whole-house retrofits, allowing our partners to focus on their core mission.

A Comprehensive Scope of Works:

Our in-house delivery encompassed a wide range of fabric and renewable measures, tailored to the specific needs of each property. We tackled the “fabric first” approach with expertise, implementing:

• Cavity Wall Insulation: Upgrading existing cavity wall insulation to maximise thermal performance.
• External Wall Insulation (EWI): Transforming the external appearance and insulation of properties, particularly those with solid walls.
• Room in Roof Insulation: Improving the thermal efficiency of loft conversions and habitable roof spaces.
• Loft Insulation: Enhancing loft insulation to prevent heat loss and improve overall energy performance.

Beyond fabric improvements, we also specialised in the installation of renewable technologies, including:

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): Providing low carbon heating solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs): Harnessing geothermal energy for highly efficient heating and hot water.
• Full Ventilation Strategy: To consider moisture balance & air circulation needs.

This diverse range of expertise allowed us to create bespoke solutions for each property, maximising energy savings and resident comfort.

Resident Engagement: A Cornerstone of Success:

A crucial element of our Wave 2 success was our robust resident engagement strategy. We understand that retrofit works can be disruptive, and proactive communication is essential. Our dedicated resident liaison teams worked closely with tenants, explaining the process, addressing concerns, and ensuring minimal disruption. This approach fostered trust and cooperation, leading to smoother project delivery and higher levels of resident satisfaction.

A dedicated customer experience team was introduced to provide 24/7 support to customers via phone, SMS, or WhatsApp. We've ensured customers have access to various communication options whenever needed, whether for technical advice, appointment reminders, or user guides.

National Coverage, Local Impact:

Our national presence enabled us to effectively manage projects across the UK, leveraging local supply chains and expertise. With strategically located regional offices in Nottingham, Chester, St. Albans, Essex, Cornwall, and our headquarters in Andover, we maintain readily available resources throughout the country. This decentralised structure ensured responsiveness and minimised logistical challenges.

Furthermore, we are committed to maximising social value within the communities we serve. This includes creating local jobs, supporting local businesses, and investing in community initiatives. We believe retrofit projects should not only improve housing but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

CCS Head of Retrofit Reflects:

Wave 2 has been a real test of our capabilities, and I'm incredibly proud of what our team accomplished," says Cian O’Flathabhain, Head of Retrofit at CCS. "Delivering over 3,500 whole-house retrofits is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our in-house teams. We've not only improved the energy efficiency of thousands of homes but also made a real difference in the lives of residents. We're eager to build on this success in future phases and continue to lead innovation in the retrofit sector. As one of the few independent, national contractors offering a complete turnkey solution, we're well-positioned for continued growth.

Looking Ahead: SHDF Wave 3 and Beyond:

Building on our success in Wave 2, CCS is actively supporting a number of our partner clients in their funding applications for SHDF Wave 3. Our experience in project planning, technical assessment, and resident engagement makes us ideally positioned to guide RSLs through the complex application process. We are confident that our expertise will help secure funding and enable the delivery of even more ambitious retrofit projects.

We are committed to continuing to provide expert guidance, delivery, and assessment as our partners strive to meet their environmental targets. We believe that collaboration and innovation are key to achieving a sustainable future, and we are proud to play a leading role in the decarbonisation of social housing. Our turnkey approach, combined with our commitment to resident engagement and social value, will continue to drive our success in future waves of the SHDF and beyond. We look forward to partnering with RSLs to create warmer, healthier, and more sustainable homes for communities across the UK.