SHDF Platform Housing Group

Project Purpose & Objectives

Platform Housing Group engaged Cocuun Ltd, to support with the dissemination of Social Housing Decarbonisation Funds (SHDF) to retrofit an initial 116 properties, using a ‘Fabric First, No Regrets’ model. The project was to act as a pilot for the development of Platform Housing Ltd’s. retrofit programme across all of their housing stock with the aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The programme was scheduled to run from February to November 2023.

Scope of Works

The project required delivery of a range of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs). These included.

• External Wall Insulation
• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Loft Insulation
• Windows & Doors
• Air Source Heat Pumps
• Solar PV
• Ventilation
• Air tightness testing

Post pilot phase, Cocuun Ltd went on to complete another 56 properties on a direct award.

Supporting also with additional non-SHDF funded measures on general maintenance, mixer showers, heating controls, loft podium and other ancillary measures.

Opportunities & Challenges

The project provided a great opportunity for Cocuun Ltd. to showcase efficient delivery on installation of EEMs.

The project was initially bereft with delays caused by poor weather conditions and a delayed start by the client as a result of funding issues.

We worked closely with the Platform Housing Group to reschedule the programme of works, to ensure we could complete within significantly shortened time frames, to allowing Platform Housing Group to apply for further funding.

During the contract key representatives from Cocuun worked alongside the Platform Housing Tenant Liaison Officers, responsible for keeping the homeowners fully up to date and informed with key developments of the installation.

The project manager was responsible for all health and safety and the delivery of the successful contract under the watchful eye of the Operations Director.

Implementation

To achieve these projects the project manager had a site manager reporting into them to ensure delivery updates and challenges were communicated effectively and all health and safety procedures were respected and adhered to.

The operational management team attended weekly meetings with key representatives from Platform Housing Group to report on the progress of the contract and any challenges faced to enable quick resolution.

With a shorter delivery timescale, we adapted our back-office support to provide greater flexibility and support to the project and to accommodate the specific needs of tenantsto enable a robust customer journey.

The project was supported by our collaborative CRM system specifically adapted to the project requirements and allowed access to Platform Housing Group representatives to deliver a greater communication level tomeet the needs of tenants.

Additional subcontract skilled labour was sourced to accelerate the project in accordance with client requirements. We also leveraged our broad supply chain (manufacturers and merchants) to deliver timely access to materials and systems in line with programme requirements.

Results & Outcomes

The initial contract was worth over £2.6m and in large delivered successfully. To deliver a scheme of this magnitude successfully Cocuun adopted a strict quality control process. Installers sent photographic evidence to show they had followed the specification correctly in line with the PAS regulations and industry best practice guidance.

The direct award, provided an additional £2.1m and supported another 56 residential homes to become more energy efficient.

Each stage was signed off by the project manager supported by the site manager and project coordinators to establish PAS2035:2019 / PAS2030:2019 compliance which ensured criticaldetailing wasn’t missed.