A MULTIMILLION-pound residential decarbonisation project commissioned by the London Borough of Harrow is making significant progress in its second and final phase, with almost 250 households set to benefit from works delivered by principal retrofit contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS).
The first phase of the programme, funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund 2.1, saw 67 properties completed on time and handed back to residents in February. The principal contractor is now working on a further 178 homes, funded by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, and completion is currently expected ahead of the original timeline.
Across the two phases, retrofit measures are set to raise the EPC band rating of every property to a score of C or better. For residents, this means greater energy efficiency, lower energy bills and improved thermal comfort.
Mike Easdon, regional director at Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, said: “It’s a significant milestone for SBS to be delivering a scheme with the London Borough of Harrow for the first time, and further extending the impact of our work in the south of England. Not only will the multi-measure improvements make these homes in Harrow more future-proof and climate resilient, but they will also help residents to live more comfortably every day.
“It’s not a simple project, due to the inclusion of multiple property types and tight delivery deadlines, but our team has worked very effectively alongside our local supply chain partners and the London Borough of Harrow to mobilise quickly and ensure that a tangible difference is being made.”
The programme encompasses a range of fabric-first improvements delivered to PAS 2035:2023 and MCS standards, including external wall insulation (EWI), replacement doors and double glazing, new loft insulation, and ventilation upgrades. In some cases, cavity wall insulation and solar PV panels have also been incorporated following property-by-property surveys.
Adding complexity to the programme, SBS has overcome the technical challenges presented by non-traditional properties including BISF and Orlit. In addition to fabric-first improvements and structural remediation to enable the installation of EWI, these properties will gain new soffits, facias and gutters, and asbestos-containing materials in loft spaces will be removed.
Billy Reid, assistant director for homes at London Borough of Harrow, said: “The work that has been delivered by SBS so far has been extremely high quality, which has led to overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents.
“We’re pleased that households will benefit from warmer homes and lower energy bills following the residential decarbonisation programme. Meanwhile, we will be helping to reduce carbon emissions and move closer towards net zero. It’s a win-win situation.”
