We’re thrilled to announce the successful completion of the WH-SHF Wave 2 sustainability project as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable living following an investment of approximately £1.950 million to enhance energy efficiency in our properties.
In a concerted effort to advance sustainable living across the East of England, we proudly collaborated with Independent East — a regional alliance of five housing providers including Saffron Housing, Freebridge Community Housing, Havebury Housing Partnership, and Broadland Housing Association.
Our approach to the project
A total of 91 properties were selected for this initiative, each chosen based on the critical need to elevate their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to Band C. The project involved a tailored approach, implementing a diverse range of measures to meet the unique requirements of each property. From insulation upgrades to the installation of energy-efficient windows, doors, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and storage heaters, our focus was to ensure that each home not only meets but exceeds energy efficiency standards.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of our consortium and the active participation of our stakeholders, we’re proud to report that 82 of the 91 properties initially selected have had improvement works completed and achieve an EPC Band rating of “C” or above. This accomplishment not only demonstrates our commitment to sustainability but also significantly enhances the quality of life for our tenants.
Funding for a 3rd wave
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the launch of Wave 3, where we will allocate approximately £3.9 million to further improve our properties. This new phase will focus on moving 204 properties currently below EPC Band C into compliance, adhering to our "fabric first" approach to ensure that our homes are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable and sustainable for years to come.
"We’re incredibly proud of the impact that the WH-SHF Wave 2 project has had on our community. This success is a testament to our organisations and teams’ dedication to sustainable housing and our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of our tenants. We look forward to continuing this vital work with our partners DESNZ LivGreen in Wave 3." - Scott Jennings, Property Manager at Orwell Housing Association.
As we embark on this next phase of the project, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a more sustainable future for our community—one home at a time.
