In the race to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, local authorities are facing one of the biggest challenges of a generation: retrofitting their existing housing stock to meet stringent requirements. However, help is at hand through a number of different decarbonisation funding options
Various grant funding schemes have been established to support energy efficiency and decarbonisation efforts across the country.
These public sector grant schemes provide crucial support for local authorities and housing providers to meet their decarbonisation targets.
Understanding and accessing these funds can significantly impact the success of retrofit projects.
Government decarbonisation funding grants available
The UK government has announced a series of decarbonisation grants aimed at retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, supporting the nation’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.
These include:
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)
Launched in 2021, this fund aims to enhance the energy efficiency of socially rented homes.
The government has committed to allocating funding over ten years, with contributions from housing associations.
Waves 1 and 2 have already allocated over £1bn to improve more than 100,000 social homes in England.
Wave 3, set to open in summer 2024, will provide up to £1.25bn between 2025 and 2028 to retrofit a further 140,000 homes.
Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (GHG LAD)
This scheme works with local authorities to deliver grants and schemes for homeowners and landlords in England, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and providing low carbon heating solutions.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
Available in England, HUG offers energy-efficient upgrades and low carbon heating solutions via local authority funding.
Collaborating and preparing for success in grant-funded projects
Effective collaboration and early engagement among all stakeholders are critical for the success of grant-funded retrofit projects. This includes local authorities, housing associations, contractors, and residents.
Early collaboration ensures that all parties understand the project objectives and how these align with broader asset management plans.
Preparation involves detailed site investigations and assessments to identify the specific needs of each housing stock. This includes understanding the current conditions and potential challenges, such as obtaining planning permission and coordinating with utility providers for necessary upgrades or connections.
Unexpected issues, such as structural deficiencies or asbestos, can be uncovered during these investigations, requiring prompt resolution to avoid delays.
A critical component of preparation is achieving PAS 2035 accreditation
This standard provides a robust framework for delivering energy efficiency measures in domestic buildings, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Setting clear targets and milestones early in the project lifecycle can streamline the accreditation process and enhance project success.
Early engagement with partners allows for comprehensive assessments of housing stock
Early engagement helps to minimise errors and ensures the accuracy of funding applications.
It is essential to develop a clear path for project delivery, integrating detailed stock analysis with funding requirements.
This approach helps to avoid delays and complications during the project’s execution phase.
Engaging early also assists in adapting to evolving policies and workstreams, ensuring the project remains compliant and aligned with current best practices throughout its duration.
Resources are available to help organisations apply for decarbonisation funding
The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator, provided by Turner and Townsend and supported by the government, is an invaluable resource for social housing providers.
It offers expert advice and support in developing high-quality bids for the SHDF.
LHC’s upcoming Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) framework provides a comprehensive solution for retrofitting requirements. This framework is designed to be flexible and collaborative, supporting suppliers in achieving PAS 2030 and 2035 accreditations.
LHC’s team of technical experts is available to assist suppliers in meeting these high standards, ensuring the successful delivery of retrofit projects.
Understanding the N9 framework
The Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) Framework is an innovative and ambitious initiative developed by LHC to support local authorities and social housing providers to meet their energy efficiency and decarbonisation requirements.
Developed following early and extensive pre-tender engagement, the framework has been created to support the public sector by providing access to high-quality contractors and suppliers who are capable and experienced in the execution of comprehensive retrofit projects.
The upcoming framework is designed to remain relevant throughout its four-year duration
due to the flexible measures, LHC has included to accommodate changes.
N9 has been built for all aspects of funding through PARS, and so all suppliers accepted on the framework must either already be or committed to becoming PAS 2035 accredited. This is also a requirement that will need to be demonstrated when applying for wave 3 of SHDF, which will be applicable when the framework goes live.
To learn more about our Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) framework, visit: https://www.lhcprocure.org.uk/itt-n9
