Rund

Vivid Homes, formally First Wessex, appointed Rund Energy Assessor services on a refurbishment project dedicated to improving residential energy efficiency ratings in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Project Background

The project at Heronwood Estate involved upgrading external uninsulated walls for 20 flats across three low-rise blocks. The existing flats had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D60. The homes were classed as ‘hard to heat’, meaning they were unable to accommodate ‘staple’ or cost-effective fabric energy efficiency measures.

Vivid Homes set a target to reach a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of B, to help reduce environmental impact and lower energy costs for residents. The complexity of the project called for a detailed assessment of the existing energy ratings, as well as an in-depth look at different efficiency solutions to meet help objectives.

The Solution

Our surveyors carried out an intricate review of the current energy status, determining full SAP calculations, as well as coordinating air pressure testing and infrared thermal imaging surveys to identify areas of thermal leakage. This led to the development of an accurate, full evaluation of the actual home performance.

We also provided energy modelling for various improvement packages to meet Vivid Homes’ target ‘B’ SAP rating. This included solid wall insulation, replacement boilers, roof replacements, photovoltaic panels, and improved ventilation.

In addition, we helped the client obtain Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding by calculating lifetime carbon savings across eligible energy efficiency measures, using the OFGEM approved methodology.

The Heronwood project has previously won an award for Sustainable Smaller Housing Retrofit Project Of The Year (Fewer Than 25 Homes) at the Sustainable Housing Awards.