Member Article

Weaver Vale Housing Trust Shortlisted for Sustainability Award

Fusion21 member Weaver Vale Housing Trust (WVHT) has been announced as a finalist at the national Builder and Engineer Awards 2015.

The social landlord’s ‘Affordably Warm by 2020’ project – which promises to provide all homes with energy efficiency measures or advice by 2020 – has made the shortlist in the ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ category.

Delivered over a two year period by Rothwell Plumbing Services (RPS), the scheme sees the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on 1250 homes, and will help customers to reduce energy consumption and save money on their energy bills.

WVHT awarded RPS the £4million contract – due for completion in 2016 – through Fusion21’s Retrofit Framework.

Matthew Woolley, Energy Efficiency Officer at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “We are so proud that this project has been shortlisted – as a result of the works, each household will save approximately £150 a year on energy bills and carbon emissions will be reduced by more than 5,200 tonnes a year. Over a 20 year period, we will save our residents approximately £3.84 million.

“Our programme with Rothwell Plumbing Services has received one of the highest customer satisfaction levels we have ever had – with residents living in a variety of post war and modern bungalows; two storey terraced and semi-detached properties being treated to the energy saving measures.”

In addition to gaining significant efficiencies in the procurement process, teaming up with Fusion21 has enabled WVHT to also benefit from a range of social value outcomes. RPS has created nine employment opportunities for WVHT customers, and the project is providing a £12.09 social return for every £1 invested in the project.

Fusion21 is also working with residents to offer Level 1 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Health & Safety training, and is supporting 15 residents to obtain Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards – helping them to improve their chances of securing employment.

John Farley, Framework Manager at Fusion21, said: “Weaver Vale’s project covers every aspect of sustainability. Through collaborative procurement, all partners have been able to maximise efficiencies, access the best technology, reduce carbon and generate a high level of social value in the form of fuel savings, jobs creation, resident engagement and training.

“We are delighted to see the project shortlisted for this award, which also recognises the commitment and contributions from all partners involved.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Faye Saville .