INCA Case Study: Watmos Walsall Regeneration Project

Watmos Community Homes Energy Efficiency Regeneration Project

Introduction:

This case study recognises Watmos Community Homes for their outstanding contribution to promoting the well-being and health of the Walsall community through a significant energy efficiency project. As a non-profit entity dedicated to providing social housing, Watmos consistently prioritises the needs and welfare of its residents. This transformative initiative, focused on upgrading 1074 homes across 21 tower blocks over 4 estates in some of England’s most deprived areas, has profoundly enriched the community.

Project Overview:

The project aimed to modernise homes to provide better living conditions and more affordable heating. This ambitious venture, initiated in 2021 and concluded this year, was made possible through a collaborative effort with Surefire Management Services, ARK Consultancy, and Michael Dyson Associates. Key funding was secured from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

Objectives:

The primary goal was to enhance the thermal efficiency of each home, thereby reducing energy usage and minimising dampness and mould. These improvements not only increased resident comfort but also significantly boosted their overall health and quality of life.

Resident Impact:

High satisfaction scores in the Net Promoter Score Customer Satisfaction Survey underscore the project’s success. The collaboration between Watmos and Surefire Management Services has positively transformed the lives of residents, providing them with warmer, healthier homes and reducing fuel poverty in a time of escalating energy costs.

Technical Details:

The project’s multi-measure approach was designed to bring about significant improvements to each block incorporating new windows, balcony doors, extractor fans, balustrades, ventilation upgrades and external wall insulation; installing an innovative system with a 75-year effective lifetime, as well as other structural repairs as required. The project involved the installation of Soltherm External Insulations ETICS systems, specifically the Soltherm Endurance 75 system. This system features a vibrant-coloured silicone render top and a brick slip facade at ground levels, catering to mixed substrates and composite structures. Adhering to PAS 2030/2035 standards, the installation followed a comprehensive retrofit assessment and extensive coordination and design process.

Specifications:

• Application Area: Approximately 29,441 square meters
• Insulation Materials: 110mm Dual Density Mineral Wool
• Finish Colours: Blue (41B), Grey (38D), and White
• Proportion of Total Façade Area: 92.8%
• Masonry Substrate U-Value Improvement: From 1.72w/m²K to 0.29w/m²K

Historical and Social Context:

The estates, dating back to the 1960s, required modernisation to meet contemporary living standards. Watmos’s dedication to sustainability and prudent housing management practices has resulted in decreased energy costs, exceeded Decent Homes Standards, and extended the buildings’ lifespan by 30 years.

Moreover, the project aspires to achieve SAP C standards for all properties, a critical requirement for both SHDF and ECO Funding. This commitment to meeting auditable standards, including reporting on all KPI’s which were all monitored at regular progress meetings, adds an additional layer of accountability and transparency to the project.

Watmos’ dedication to continuous improvement and learning is evident through their commitment to undertaking a detailed post-contract analysis. The knowledge gained from this analysis will be invaluable in enhancing future projects and replicating the success achieved in this initiative.

As part of their comprehensive approach to monitoring, over 40 homes have been equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring environment equipment, measuring energy usage, humidity, temperature, and air changes. This data will provide invaluable insights into the performance of the blocks and homes, allowing for further refinements and optimisations in the future.

Innovative Measures:

The BBA Approved Endurance S75 system was chosen for its 75-year lifespan, low maintenance, and top-grade fire reaction rating of A2-s1,d0. Advanced cross-knot fixings and precise wind load calculations ensured stability, especially in taller blocks.

Community Engagement:

Residents were actively involved in selecting colour schemes for the estates through regular community events, enhancing the project’s aesthetic and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among the residents. A community consultation plan was devised at the project conception which has been included at the end for reference. At the beginning of the project there was an animated video produced and leaflets explaining what was going to be happening to the residents homes during the project so they could understand what to expect.

Along with the community events at key stages of the project flyers and notices were handed out and put up in communal areas and the frequently asked questions updated and distributed in the same way. There was also a Facebook page and webpage created to keep residents informed on a more frequent basis.

Post completion on one of the blocks saw the video found here https://www.soltherm.co.uk/case-studies/the-watmos-regeneration-project-walsall/ be created, this video shows the huge impact this multi measure project has had on the community as well as the aesthetics of the buildings themselves.

Funding and Financial Structure:

The project combined funds from Watmos Community Homes Capital Spending, Energy Company Obligation (ECO), and SHDF, making it the largest single SHDF project in the UK. Total project spend exceeded £26.6 million, with contributions from SHDF (£7.9 million), Watmos (£16.9 million), and ECO4 (£1.8 million).

Outcomes:

• Energy Efficiency: Significant reduction in energy usage and improved thermal comfort for over 1,500 residents.
• Sustainability: Prolonged building lifespan and reduced carbon emissions.
• Health and Well-being: Enhanced living conditions, tackling fuel poverty, and improved resident health.
• Community Development: Creation of green employment initiatives, training programs, and community-led carbon offset programs.
• Estimated total lifetime bill saving £10,649,205.00

Pre and post EPC examples of one of the flats can be seen below

Conclusion:

The Watmos Community Homes energy efficiency regeneration project exemplifies a perfect blend of technical proficiency and a heartfelt commitment to resident well-being. It not only meets crucial energy efficiency goals but also significantly improves living conditions and quality of life for Walsall residents. This project sets a new benchmark for sustainable and community-focused housing projects.

Resident testimonial

‘I am so pleased with Watmos and pleased that my home was selected to be part of the project. My home benefited from all the improvements, including windows and external wall insulation, having the improvements have definitely saved me money, I’ve not had to put my heating on since having the works done. It’s great!’

Stakeholder statement

Jason Holder, Executive Director of Asset Management & Regeneration, WATMOS said,

“We were delighted to be able to announce the large upgrade of some of the most energy inefficient properties in the Borough. This initiative will deliver energy efficiency measures to 1058 homes and will make customers’ homes warmer allowing them to save money on heating bills. Working with our contractor, Surefire and system provider Soltherm, we were confident we would have best-in-class partners to deliver this important and valuable work. Since the start of the project

Surefire have measured resident engagement alongside well-being improvement, we are pleased to see that their overall NPS is ‘Great’ and residents are scoring on average 9 out of 10 that their overall well being has been improved since the works began.’

Walsall Councillor statement

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader, Walsall Council said,

“I am delighted that Walsall will be receiving this funding. This bid was part of the first wave of the £950 Million government pot that has been made available. We are keen to work with our other housing providers to obtain additional funding when this is made available. The funding will help people who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty and on low incomes with upgrades helping to reduce their bills and making warmth affordable.”