INCA Case Study: Havering Borough Council SHDF Scheme

Havering, a significant borough in East London, is actively pursuing its commitment to environmental sustainability and improving resident welfare through ambitious decarbonisation initiatives. A recent cornerstone of this effort is the comprehensive External Wall Insulation (EWI) refurbishment of over 150 houses, undertaken as part of Havering Council’s participation in the national Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) scheme. This project specifically focused on installing a LicataTherm EWI silicone render system, aiming to significantly boost energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of vital social housing, whilst retaining the look and feel of the streetscape.

The scheme was designed to upgrade a significant amount of social housing stock to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C rating. Its primary goal is to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. Havering Council’s involvement in the SHDF scheme demonstrates its proactive approach to addressing these critical challenges within its housing portfolio.

The houses in question, characteristic of Havering’s residential areas, presented a common challenge for older social housing structures: poor thermal performance leading to high heating costs for residents and a significant carbon footprint. With a mix of privately owned and council-owned properties within the scheme, a key challenge was the need to replicate existing architectural features.

Working with contractor BTS Property Solutions, the choice of a LicataTherm EWI silicone render system was deliberate. Licata’s system offers superior thermal insulation properties while providing a modern, durable, and low-maintenance finish that can be tailored to various aesthetics. Crucially, the project meticulously incorporated replica rendered profiles and other intricate details, enabled by Licata’s versatile system, to ensure the homes retained their original character and aesthetic consistency across all properties, regardless of ownership, ensuring they gained modern performance while preserving their refreshed appearance.

The refurbishment involved the expert integration of the replica architectural details. Beyond the immediate visual uplift, the long-term economic benefits are substantial. Residents are now experiencing a marked reduction in their energy consumption, leading to tangible savings on their utility bills. This financial relief is a crucial aspect of the SHDF’s aim to combat fuel poverty, directly improving the disposable income and quality of life for the occupants.

Moreover, this initiative underscores Havering Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The enhanced insulation dramatically reduces the homes’ heat loss, thereby lowering their collective carbon footprint and supporting London’s broader climate action goals. As one resident, Mrs. Vance, commented, “The difference is incredible. The house is warmer, my bills are lower, and the building looks the same but much cleaner and tidier. It’s made a real positive impact on our lives here.” This project stands as a testament to thoughtful EWI installs and the effective utilisation of national funding schemes, demonstrating how a strategic investment in advanced EWI systems can deliver significant economic advantages, improve living conditions, and contribute to the sustainable future of communities like Havering.