Background
A lot has been discussed in the social housing sector about ‘no regrets’ installations. Indeed the phrase suggests that there’s no negative impacts to this type of installation being undertaken.
However, when considering decarbonisation, wherever it be to a single property or a programme of works, the available funding must be a primary consideration. Not thinking in these terms will result in retrofit works not being undertaken and falling behind with the required run rate to hit net zero targets. It’s clear that housing retrofit remains unaffordable and so early consideration of obtaining external funding to support retrofit works is essential.
Retrofit Challenges
The sector is aware of the difficulties with access to material supply chains and to labour supply chains, the technicalities of undertaking retrofit, the contract holder interaction and the net result of energy improvement works. Whilst this is indeed a challenge, the sector is however very experienced and knowledgeable regarding the core principles of project management and delivery. And is acutely aware of the need for correct and holistic planning.
As part of this planning, it’s essential to know what impact the energy efficiency installation has on funding and vice versa. A prime example of this being the installation of solar PV in isolation of other factors. Whilst solar PV presents many fantastic benefits, including great return on investment in relation to investment v EPC SAP point uplift, installing it in isolation can result in the property becoming ineligible for certain funding streams.
A Better Way for Retrofit Funding
When this is considered, there is no such thing as a ‘no regrets’ installation, unless you have first conducted thorough project planning which should now include retrofit funding optimisation planning.
Not doing this is resulting in funding being left on the table.
Optify clients benefit from having a funding specialist in their corner, helping them move from a position of not knowing what they don't know to a position of strength when it comes to being informed and ready for incorporating funding planning into their wider retrofit planning. We optimise retrofit funding for clients in several ways so they end up with the most funding that was possible – ask us how!