Retrofitting complex Athol Steel properties in Ayrshire
Client: Shire Housing Association
Framework: N8 Energy Efficiency Measures and Associated Works (Replaced by N9 Retrofit and Decarbonisation)
Appointed Company: AC Whyte
About The Project
Over one hundred non-traditional steel properties owned by Shire Housing Association were identified as displaying poor energy performance. To address this, improving these homes became a priority to satisfy tenants, reduce fuel poverty and meet future energy standards.
The Challenge
These properties were considered very complex in terms of the nature of their construction. Retrofitting an Athol Steel property is intrusive and requires specialist intervention and assessments. The work is unpredictable as the steel is concealed and unable to be assessed easily. The association also had to balance multi-tenure ownership, some properties were wholly owned by Shire, and others were privately owned, which added further complications and required careful coordination with all parties.
Initially, the Association remediated three blocks as a pilot to determine the feasibility of undertaking a project like this at scale. A further 46 Shire and 10 privately owned homes were upgraded with a total of 148 properties identified for improvement works.
As the project progressed and the pilot was completed, it was identified that IWI was more cost-effective for this archetype and delivered better heat retention, although aesthetically, it did not improve the external appearance of the properties. To address this, Shire opted to combine IWI with external painting, balancing energy performance with property aesthetics.
The Solution
Using the Energy Efficiency and Associated Works (N8) framework, Shire were able to appoint AC Whyte following a successful mini competition, saving them considerable time and effort. They were able to work with a credible contractor that they could trust to deliver the work to a high standard. The N8 framework gave the Association unique flexibility that supported the delivery of several works and services, simplifying the procurement process and maintaining full compliance from both a procurement and a technical perspective.
For a project like this, where Shire was working in unfamiliar territory, they requested support from our Added Value Services programme. As part of this service, our technical team provided hands on support tailored to Shire’s requirements. This included attending and contributing at pre-start and progress meetings, conducting price verifications, and providing ongoing project advice from a technical angle to ensure the project reached a positive outcome and contributed to wider community needs.
Shire gained further advantages from procuring this project using an SPA framework, as they were entitled to a rebate generated from their collective procurement activity. The rebate was deposited into their Warmer Homes Fund that provides Shire tenants with financial support to address heating costs.
The Results
The retrofitted properties achieved substantial improvements in EPC ratings. Where they previously sat at D-65 on average, following the retrofit work they were awarded an improved rating of C-75, meaning that the homes have better heat retention, making them warmer, leading to tenants having lower energy bills.
Community Benefits Delivered
- Distribution of home heating vouchers funding from SPA rebate
- Contractor engagement with local schools
- £300 payment was given to each of the affected tenants to be used towards energy bills.
Testimonials
Mark Scott, Asset Manager at Shire Housing Association said:
“Working alongside SPA and AC Whyte on upgrading these challenging Athol Steel properties has delivered huge improvements for our tenants. Our homes are now warmer, more comfortable and less expensive to heat. Using the energy efficiency framework has saved us substantial time and effort in appointing a contractor, letting us focus entirely on the project without any compliance worries. The hands-on technical guidance from SPA was instrumental, helping us navigate the complexities of this unique project and ensuring its success for our tenants. The rebate we received from SPA allowed us to provide additional financial support for our most vulnerable tenants to address fuel poverty in our community."
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