Case Study 4
Social Housing Energy Performance Pilot – Housing Hartlepool
Introduction and background
The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) as part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive Programme announced a Social Housing Energy Performance Pilot in June 2007.
Social Housing Organisations were invited to submit bids for funding for this pilot.
Housing Hartlepool (HH) sought appropriate companies with relevant expertise who could assist with the preparation of their bid for funding. They approached the Directors of Paramount Associates Limited, who were happy to work with HH in preparation of their bid. Significant time was given by Paramount with no certainty we would win the work. The HH bid for funding was successful in achieving the maximum funding and after appropriate consideration the contract was awarded to Paramount Associates Limited to commence and carry out the pilot.
Housing Hartlepool has a stock of over 7000 properties. The funding available meant that over 1300 properties could be assessed for their energy efficiency.
How we carried out the pilot
• Several pre-contract meetings took place to establish the number and types of properties to be targeted for Energy Performance Assessments.
• By liaising closely with HH staff we aimed to optimise the ratio of “Clone Assessments” to “Full Energy Assessments”, therefore maximising the number of properties which could be assessed with the funding available.
• Housing Hartlepool had an extensive Asset Management Database with detailed stock profile information. This information was made available to us and was an invaluable tool assisting us in our assessments.
• We established a team of 6 surveyors to ensure the funding timescales were achieved, we briefed the team and allocated schedules of addresses to be targeted.
• Regular review meetings took place with the client and the delivery team to ensure smooth completion of the contract.
Outcomes and findings
• We achieved all targets and deadlines in delivery of the pilot.
• Generally the stock we looked at was of a good standard with clear evidence of capital investment.
Sector Average SAP Rating 0 to 100
Housing Hartlepool 68
Social Housing Nationally 57
Private Housing Nationally 46
• Housing Hartlepool have made good progress on improving the energy efficiency of their stock linked to the Decent Homes improvements.
Testimonial comments from Sylvia Thubron Head of Investment Services for Housing Hartlepool:
“Paramount were chosen from a number of registered companies. The decision to use Paramount was mainly down to the time and commitment offered prior to appointment. The Directors of the company took time out to discuss the actual content of the programme and highlighted the pitfalls, the customer first ethos was a key priority for Housing Hartlepool and Paramount were able to demonstrate clearly that their staff were customer focused.”
“Paramount provided a very efficient service which was customer and client focused and surpassed the brief by taking additional time with staff of Housing Hartlepool to discuss and review the scheme.”
“On completion of the project they provided a presentation, which reviewed the scheme, analysed the data and set out the findings to senior members of Housing Hartlepool.”
“The partnering experience was worthwhile in every aspect, I would not hesitate in recommending Paramount Associates Limited to other organisations, their vast experience and commitment was invaluable to Housing Hartlepool.”